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Christian Virtues to God’s Glory (Ephesians 4:1-2)

June 23, 2019 Preacher: Bob DeWaay Series: Ephesians

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-2

In this sermon we deal with Paul’s beginning of the section of exhortations that cover Ephesians chapters 4-6. The ethic teachings that begin with these two verses are grounded in what was taught in Ephesians chapters 1-3. We are to live like everything Paul taught in chapters 1-3 is true! This is what it means to “walk” in a worthy manner. Paul is very specific in Ephesians about what that looks like. Ethics and doctrine are not to be artificially separated. We have valid moral guidance because God has spoke and has created the “one new man” of Ephesians 2:15.

In verse 1, the issue of being “called” is addressed. Because we are “called” by God out of the old world of sin, we live differently. The sermon addresses the difference between the universal call and the effectual call that only believers have heard. We explain the meaning and application of the virtues Paul mentions, starting with humility, gentleness and patience. These are works of grace and come from the Holy Spirit. They are communicable attributes of God. We are also exhorted to “put up with” each other as Christians. We must live with the good of the body of Christ in mind so that this one new man of Jews and Gentiles can be to the praise of God’s glory. These virtues are known as such because God has revealed them in the Bible.

Sermon handout and slides available under the Downloads tab.