How can we tell where the second part begins? Sometimes the clue is the word “therefore.” 18 In Ephesians, we find this special “therefore” at the opening of chapter four. Chapters one, two, and three bring us into a great hall of understanding about God’s loving plan. We marvel at the lofty truth: Through Christ, God turns children of sin into His own sons, united in one family. Then, in chapter four, Paul opens the next door. It leads into the Christian’s living room – the place where our faith meets the challenges of daily living.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called… (Ephesians 4:1). M
In effect Paul says, “Now you know the wonderful truth about Christ and His church, the family He calls together. Therefore I urge you to live a life worthy of that calling.” What is this worthy life? It is the life of humility and unity, and above all, love.19 Paul emphasizes this point by again using a pivotal “therefore.”
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1-2). M
Have you been washed clean by Christ’s sacrifice? Have you, through the birth of water and Spirit, become one of God’s “dearly beloved children”? If so, this Bible study is for you. It answers your questions about your new life “in Christ.” Such answers are too important to come from human traditions or guesswork. That is why we seek the answers in Scripture. We follow Ephesians and related books as they map out the course of the Christian life.
Ephesians 5:1-2 points the way. What are true Christians like? They resemble their Father, for they become “imitators” of His great love. How should they live? “Live a life of love!” How well that sums up all Christian living! Live a life of love. Such a simple phrase that means so much! But we should not guess at its meaning. We should let God’s word fully explain to us this new life of love.
SINCE CHRIST IS IN YOU, YOU ARE SPIRITUALLY ALIVE!20
SINCE CHRIST IS IN YOU, EXPECT HIM TO CHANGE YOU!
18. Research Subject – “Therefore” as a door into another section of a letter: Romans 12:1; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 4:1; 5:1; Philippians 4:1; Colossians 3:5 cf. 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:28; 1 Peter 2:1; 4:7; 2 Peter 3:11
19. Ephesians 4:1-3,15-16 cf. Colossians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 13:13
Research Subjects
- The beginning of the Christian life
- Baptism
- The Christian “walk”
- “Therefore” as a door into another section of a letter
Think about the day you were immersed into Christ. What a privilege to be born into God’s eternal family! What amazing gifts we receive “in Christ”! We all join you in praising God for such grand blessings. The greatest blessing of all is the Lord Himself. When you come into Christ, Christ comes into you! And that makes all the difference. This course is based on the letter to the Ephesians and related New Testament writings. Through them, we explore the changes to your life that “Christ in you” brings. We learn, not just knowledge, but a “life of love” that is worthy of God’s high calling.
Memory Verses
- Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…
- 1 Peter 1:8 – Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?
- Ephesians 3:16-17 – … that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love…
- Ephesians 4:1 – I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…
- Ephesians 5:1-2 – Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Gracious Father, thank You for the many spiritual blessings that I receive in Christ. Thank You for the chance to be born again to a new life where Christ dwells in me. As Christ lives in me, teach me to live a life that honors You…
Picture: The Greek word for “therefore” or “then.”