Called: Ephesians 4:1

On the weekends at Crossroads we are studying Ephesians 4:17-5:21. The series is called Deconstruction / Reconstruction of the Disciples Life. From the sound of the title it might appear that sanctification (spiritual growth) is based on will power and self motivation. Although, a cooperative element with the Spirit of God is required to grow it does not begin there. The power to grow spiritually begins, rather, at our calling to salvation. So to have a good grasp on Ephesians 4:17-5:21 we need to first understand Ephesians 4:1.

After three chapters concerning the theology of our salvation Paul writes, "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." What is the anchor word of the passage? You think it is the verb, "walk." However, the key to the passage is actually the word "calling" or "called." Paul's emphasis is on our salvation. He is saying that our daily conduct (walk) should be in balance (in a manner worthy) with our salvation (calling).

The ability to overcome unrighteousness is based not in our personal will power but rather in the power of our salvation. This is one of Paul's favorite themes:

Rom 8:30: "Those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

1 Thess 2:12: "We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory."

2 Timothy 1:9: "…God who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began."

At our calling to salvation we became a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) and the life we now live is not by the power of the "flesh" but by the "Son of God" (Gal. 2:20). Paul's admonishment to the Roman's is not to walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Rom. 8:1-11).

How do you deconstruct unrighteous lifestyles? It begins with the call of God. My desire here is less theological and more pastoral. I say that because I want us to grasp the greatness of our salvation. The power to grow spiritually and to walk righteously originates in our salvation. We will not have any degree of success, at least with consistency, deconstructing the unrighteous elements of our lifestyles if we attempt to do so in our own power.

"So what now?" I smile as I write those words because I can hear one of my favorite seminary professors asking that question. After elucidating some great truth he would pause and stare at us. After what seemed like agonizing minutes he would says, "Gentlemen, so what now?" He was asking for the implication.

"So what now?" How do we apply the truth just revealed? Just as we trusted God for our salvation we must daily trust him for our sanctification. That's easy to say, but how do we do it?

Now the verb "walk" becomes important to understand. The idea behind the grammar of the Greek word is to walk continually. In other words, we are to daily yield our life to Him "in a manner" just like our salvation. Just as we surrendered our life to him on the first day of our salvation we do the same daily in our walk with Him. Spiritual defeat and set backs happen when we forget this one principle of daily walking and yielding to Christ.