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THE WORTHY MANNER (2 OF 5)
by Marion Clark
Scripture: Ephesians 4:2-3
This content is part of a series.
The Worthy Manner (2 of 5)
Series: Ephesians
D. Marion Clark
Ephesians 4:2-3
Introduction
All of us can point to times that we have been moved by a speech. When I watch and listen to Kenneth Branaugh deliver the St. Crispin speech as King Henry to his troops, I'm ready to join the battle. I want to be with that happy few, that band of brothers. And when Aragorn says that this is not the day to forsake our friends but the day to fight, I am ready to charge with him. You have your favorites, I'm sure. Speeches which stir your soul as they lift your vision as to who you are, what you belong to, the cause for which you fight or serve. And if the speaker knows how to deliver, then the words have all the greater impact.
I hope the Ephesus church had such a reader. The Apostle Paul's letters were read to churches. It is difficult to think of a more exhilarating, motivating speech than the first three chapters of Ephesians. The rehearsal of blessing after blessing, of glory and of power, of love that cannot be measured, then closing with that magnificent doxology: ''Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, accord to t power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.''
And then, the letter shifts gears. Now, in light of the power and the glory and the love of God in Christ, the Apostle Paul urges his listeners to ''walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.''
Imagine the anticipation. ''Yes, Paul, yes! We are ready to go forth. Tell us what to do.'' And they then hear the words: ''…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.''
That's it? Be humble? Be gentle? Be patient? That's the best Paul can come up with? It's like being a soldier heeding the call to fight for his country, and as he is about to leave his ...
Series: Ephesians
D. Marion Clark
Ephesians 4:2-3
Introduction
All of us can point to times that we have been moved by a speech. When I watch and listen to Kenneth Branaugh deliver the St. Crispin speech as King Henry to his troops, I'm ready to join the battle. I want to be with that happy few, that band of brothers. And when Aragorn says that this is not the day to forsake our friends but the day to fight, I am ready to charge with him. You have your favorites, I'm sure. Speeches which stir your soul as they lift your vision as to who you are, what you belong to, the cause for which you fight or serve. And if the speaker knows how to deliver, then the words have all the greater impact.
I hope the Ephesus church had such a reader. The Apostle Paul's letters were read to churches. It is difficult to think of a more exhilarating, motivating speech than the first three chapters of Ephesians. The rehearsal of blessing after blessing, of glory and of power, of love that cannot be measured, then closing with that magnificent doxology: ''Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, accord to t power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.''
And then, the letter shifts gears. Now, in light of the power and the glory and the love of God in Christ, the Apostle Paul urges his listeners to ''walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.''
Imagine the anticipation. ''Yes, Paul, yes! We are ready to go forth. Tell us what to do.'' And they then hear the words: ''…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.''
That's it? Be humble? Be gentle? Be patient? That's the best Paul can come up with? It's like being a soldier heeding the call to fight for his country, and as he is about to leave his ...
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