Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is the great treatise about the church. Evidence suggests that Ephesians was not simply written to one church, such as Philippians, or to an individual, as Philemon, but to the churches. Like most of Paul’s letters it contains two main sections. The first section (Ephesians 1-3) has to do with theology and belief while the second section (Ephesians 4-6)  has to do with behavior and action.

The second section begins with a therefore and calls for God’s people to live a life worthy of the calling to which they have been called.

This emphasis is not for some believers; it is for all believers.

Because of what Christ has done for us, we are to live in ways that please God. That is the “therefore.” Because of God’s work in Christ, we should live in the newness of life.

We are to live lives which fit the calling we have in Christ.

We are not simply church members or part-time believers. We are people who have been bought with a price. Because of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for our sin, we should live worthy of that calling. Every believer has been called. We did not initially choose God; He chose us. We are to live lives worthy of that calling.

The remainder of Ephesians 4-6 has to do with that calling and how we should live. In fact the entire section ends with the admonition that we should put on the full armor of God so that we can stand against the wicked schemes of the devil.

Notice that God effected our salvation in Christ. Because of that salvation, we are to live in ways that reflect that Gospel. And, of all things, God gives us what we need to live those lives. We are not left to our own devices. He does for us in all ways what we cannot do for ourselves.

I thank God for the power of Christ which is at work within us that we might please Him and reflect His glory.