TEXT:
EPHESIANS 4:1-3
Topic:
Life worthy of our calling
The topic will be considered with the following
headings:
Background
Our
worthiness is in Him
Called
by God
Living
the life worthy of His calling
Our text is the first three verses of a chapter
(Ephesians 4) hence the need to go the preceding chapter to get the line of
discussion before our text (pre-text examination), the following nuggets are
drawn from chapter 3 of Ephesians:
ü Gods
mysterious plan vs 5-6 (Jews and Gentiles who believes shares equally in in the
riches available in Christ and are one body)
ü His
ultimate Purpose vs 10 to use the called out one to display wisdom, don’t
forget Jesus is the wisdom of Christ 1 Chor.1:24
ü God’s
means and methodology, CHRIST. Vs 11-12
ü Prayer
for understanding and growth vs 14-19
Paul the vessel through which the book was written
from the aforementioned amongst others didn’t seem to be talking to
“Ministers/clergy” as we are fond of the usage today he was basically
addressing children of God especially as with regards to the first three
chapters, but there seems to be a change in gear from chapter four.
In fact, a
further study of the book of Ephesians reveals that the first three chapters
talks about our new identity in Christ while the last three talks about
administration of the church via the strength of God in UNITY.
So as much as possible we will apply to what we call
CLERGY/MINISTERS OR IN OUR PARLANCE PASTORS/EVANGELIST AND LADY EVANGELIST but
with the understanding that, that we were and should forever remain children of
God. May we not lose this title no matter the roles we are playing in His
vineyard in Jesus name Amen.
Matt 7:23 shows that it is possible to do or think you
have done much in God’s name without being know and His child, but he casts
them out that He doesn’t know them. May this not be our portion in Jesus mighty
name Amen.
Salvation:
Eph.2:9,
Romans 5:8 (the NLT translation puts it beautifully salvation is not a reward
for the good things we have done),
Service:
Apostle Paul’s account Gal. 1:15-16, prophet Jeremiah’s account Jer. 1:5 before
you were conceived I have ordained you, he didn’t do anything to justify his
choice/election
This fulcrum of this message is more on what
we do after we have been graciously saved and called to His service, and not
stating whether we are worthy of either salvation or His call WE ARE NOT WORTH IT.
Called
by God vs 1
We are in era where loads of things/person calls
people into “God’s vineyard”:
(a) some are called by men: Pastors, Parents,
spiritual leaders, the devil, mentors etc.
(b) Their gifting: a release of gift from heaven is
misinterpreted as call into full time ministry.
(c) Called by the circumstances that wasn’t
orchestrated by God for that end.
(d) Called by God. Is.1:8
(e) Natural gifting: knowledge of musical instrument,
understanding the usage computer and eloquence in communication\language among
others things maybe with some men of God or in the house of God has become a
call to some.
(The Ahab- troubler of Israel role 1 king 18:17,
rebellious, disunity, destructive and ungodly roles of Ishmael/Mariam that some
people are playing mayn’t be unconnected to their call, caller and sustainer)
But the call from God follows this path:
ü Called
out of darkness :1Pt 2:9, we need to depart from darkness and let darkness and
all it represents leave us sincerely. (Going to the devil to get power with a
view to use for the “gospel\God’s work” is either calling God stupid/liar or
the devil not crafty anymore) Matt.28:18. You can’t be working for a different
organization and go to another for your remuneration God is not confused we
should however check ourselves, leaving darkness and darkness and all it
represents leaving as a result of our complete, sincere and total yielding to
and trust in God.
ü Called
to shine/show the great light: Jesus is the Light of the world John 1:4-5,8:12,
and when we are totally yielded to Him and stay so we become the light by
drawing from His light Matt 5:14-16.
Living
the life worthy of His calling vs.1 & 2-3.
This means, not taking His gracious grace for granted,
doing what is humanly possible to remain usable for God, dealing with the
monster known as flesh so as to be useful for His glory.
ü A
life/ministry with Humility James 4:6
ü A
life/ministry that is gentle: in every of our dealings with people, especially
with people who mayn’t be up to us. What could have been the explanation for
Jesus’s appearance to clear Apostle Thomas doubt John 20:24-31 carefully and
thoughtfully dealing with different people on different levels.
ü A
life/ministry that is patient: we live in an era of mad rush which has crept
into the church and unfortunately into the ministry. If God could wait for even
snails to enter the ask even while in anger to destroy the earth, we as
Christian and by extension ministers needs to pray to God for more patience
especially when tensed.
ü United
in the Spirit, binding together in Love: The spirit of division is a spirit of
the devil, whether it is divide them to rule them or otherwise, anyone with
such attitude isn’t on God’s side. The unity of the trinity is both an example
and a prayer for all children of God. John 17:21
May God help us to lead our lives worthy of our
calling in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Shalom.
