(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
If the first half of Ephesians (Chapters 1-3) focuses on who the people of God are, the second half (Chapters 4-6) focuses on how the people of God are to live. As Paul begins this section of the letter, he focuses first on his own status as a prisoner. It’s a way for Paul to emphasize that nothing ought to prevent God’s people from living out the calling God has for them.
Admittedly, some Greek scholars note that some of the language used in the first few verses of Chapter 4 are difficult to translate into English. Paul isn’t using soft words of encouragement, but strong words to will the people of God to take initiative to live out their calling. In the Message Bible, Eugene Peterson spells out Ephesians 4:1-3 like this:
While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline…pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
READING & PRAYERS:
Are you walking (or running) on the road God called you to travel? If so, where is this road leading you? If not, what steps may you need to take to rediscover the road God called you to travel?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I simply pray that You will continue to reveal the purpose and calling You have for me. May I not run or hide from Your purpose, but continually run on the path You have for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
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