Ephesians Part 16
Paul pleads with the believers to live in a way that honors the incredible calling they have received. The word “beseech” carries a deep sense of urgency and compassion. He is not issuing a cold command, but an impassioned appeal.
In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul transitions from deep doctrinal teaching to practical Christian living. The first half of the book has laid the foundation of truth, explaining God’s eternal purpose, the mystery of the Church, and the grace that calls both Jew and Gentile into one spiritual family. Now, beginning in this chapter, Paul moves from belief to behavior, from revelation to responsibility. This is where doctrine becomes life, prophecy becomes practice, and truth becomes transformation. He shifts from describing what God has done to instructing how His people should live in response.
Paul begins by saying, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1). Once again, he identifies himself as a prisoner, not of Rome, but of Christ. His chains are not a symbol of defeat, but of devotion. His suffering is not random; it is part of the cost of walking faithfully with God. From that place of total surrender, Paul pleads with the believers to live in a way that honors the incredible calling they have received. The word “beseech” carries a deep sense of urgency and compassion. He is not issuing a cold command, but an impassioned appeal. It is as if Paul is saying, “After everything God has done for you—His mercy, His grace, His forgiveness, His calling—now live in a way that reflects His holiness and love.”
To “walk worthy” speaks of an ongoing journey. The word “walk” in Scripture often refers to the way one lives. It means to move forward, to make progress, to journey with purpose. Paul uses the same word earlier in Ephesians 2:2 to remind his readers that they once “walked according to the course of this world,” following the ways of darkness. But in verse 10 he declares that they are now to walk in good works which God has prepared for them. Our Christian life is a continual walk. We are not to stand still or look backward but rather move steadily forward with God. It is about a life that mirrors Christ’s example, step by step, as we grow in His likeness.
This call to walk worthy echoes throughout the Old and New Testaments. In Deuteronomy 28, Moses urged Israel to walk in the commandments of the Lord, promising blessings for obedience. In Judges 2:7, the people were blessed as long as they walked faithfully in God’s ways. Jesus reaffirmed this standard in the Sermon on the Mount, describing what it means to live righteously in the Beatitudes, poor in spirit, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers. He told His followers they were to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, shining examples of God’s way of life amid a dark and corrupt generation. He also warned that our obedience must go beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law—our motives must be pure and different from the religious hypocrisy of the time.
To walk worthy is also to walk in the light. Psalm 56:13 says,
“You have delivered my soul from death . . . that I may walk before God in the light of the living.”
John 1:4–9 identifies Christ Himself as that light, the true light that enlightens every man. To walk in the light is to live openly before God, in truth, honesty and righteousness. By contrast, John 3:19–20 tells us that men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. The light reveals what is hidden; it exposes, purifies and transforms. Our walk in the light demonstrates what we truly love, whether it’s the things of God or the shadows of this world.
Paul’s phrase “walk worthy of the calling” also reminds believers that this calling is a privilege that demands a fitting response. Worthiness here does not imply earning salvation—for we know that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Rather, it means to live in a manner that honors that gift of grace, to conduct ourselves in a way that reflects the character of the One who called us. Paul echoes this prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1:11:
“We also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling.”
Jesus’ parable in Matthew 22:8 provides a sobering parallel — the wedding was ready, but those who were invited were not worthy because they refused to respond. Worthiness, then, is shown not by status or knowledge but by faithfulness, humility and obedience.
Paul goes on to describe this “calling”—a divine invitation into the very family of God. The word “church” comes from the Greek ekklesia, meaning “the called-out ones.” Believers are those whom God has summoned out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). This calling is not something we take upon ourselves; it begins with God. Jesus said in John 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” Acts 2:38–39 shows that the promise of the Holy Spirit is given “to all . . . the Lord our God will call.” This is a personal, intentional act of God, an invitation to be in his family.
John writes, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1). Paul identifies this same truth in Romans 1:1–7, describing himself as one called to be an apostle and greeting believers as those “called to be saints.” We are set apart, sanctified and made holy—called not only to salvation but to participation in God’s divine nature. Created first in His physical image (Genesis 1:26), we are now being created spiritually in His likeness through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14). As Paul explained earlier, the mystery once hidden from the world is now revealed: that through Christ, all who believe may become partakers of the promise.
To walk worthy of this calling, then, is to live as true members of the family of God. It is to embody His values, His laws and His love in our relationships with one another. The calling brings both privilege and responsibility. We are representatives of His Kingdom on earth, and our conduct must reflect the nature of our King. The remainder of this chapter will show what that looks like: humility, gentleness, patience, unity and peace. But before any of that can take root, Paul urges us to remember who we are and whom we represent.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
