Summary of Living a worthy life
Preamble
Brent does a summary of chapters one through three.
Ephesians 4:1
Today’s whole message will focus on just this verse.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, (ESV)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (NIV)
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. 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. (MSG)
Brent tells a story about a man named Ronnie who was american and was then gun down while living in Libya.
What is the call?
Brent asks the audience if we must be martyred for our faith to fulfill for this verse. He talks about the concept of “the call” from God.
The types of “calls”
- Universal call – this is when a person feels that there is a higher power.
- Effectual – this is when a person learns of the God of the Trinity, whose son is Jesus.
In the Christian community We associate the “call concept” with those who go into a pastoral position or a missionary position.
Why do we struggle with Ephesians 4:1?
Brent discusses with the audience our struggles to live passionately for God. He tells us some of us are just “playing church”. Some of us have grown up in the church and have made this a tradition. Some of us are stunted in our growth because we believe the lie that we are not worthy of God and his calling.
The prodigal son
This parable reminds us that, because of Jesus and his sacrifice, God views us as worthy!
The church isn’t a grocery store
We can’t go to church and think that all we have to do is go to church and pick up what we want. We can’t go to church with a consumer’s intention.
No, church is not a place for sitting down and simply consuming! We must be a unified church, with pure hearts, with our identities set upon Jesus, AND taking action!
Examples of “the call”
Brent lists off several examples that aren’t traditionally thought of as “a calling from God.”
Examples of our own selfish calls
Brent lists off several examples of our own “callings” where we put our own wealth, success, hobbies, and desires first.
Resources:
Rethinking the Church, by (Book)
About this Message Series
This is a message in a series called Ephesians. The goal of this series is to discuss the topics and themes that arise from the New Testament book Ephesians. The book of Ephesians is a letter that Paul wrote while in prison. Sometimes it is called a Prison Epistle. It was written to encourage believers. He was encouraging other faithful followers of Jesus to serve in unity and love in the midst of persecution. This series was started in January 2016.
About the Speaker
Brent is the lead pastor here at SouthRidge. He and his wife Pam were part of the original church plant.