SAINTS: SITTING, STRIDING, STANDING

We are not saved because of what we do for God, but because of what God has done for us.  The glory and greatness of God’s grace in salvation is the theme of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, bringing us into a right position with God because of Christ. We are in Christ, having received God’s mercy and love that has imparted new life. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” (2:4-6‬).

 Because of this position in Christ, we can now follow the pattern of Christ.  Not only are we in Christ, but Christ is in us, to live His life through us.  Based on our position, grace provides the motive and might to live as Christ. “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,” (4:1‬). Note the word, “therefore,” which ties the application of the life of Christ in 4:1-6:9 with the apprehension of the life of Christ in 1:1-3:21. So much of 4:1ff is about the relationships we have with others, that is rooted in our relationship with Christ.

Having that position, and modeling that pattern, brings us into conflict with Satan, and requires God’s power and protection. We are walking against the world’s direction and so have a head-on collision with the Devil. So, the Apostle closes by speaking of our perseverance in Christ.  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (6:11‬). We stand against a supernatural foe with a supernatural force—the almighty power of Christ.  We dress in His armor—each piece put on with prayer.

In summary, we have the believer sitting, striding, and standing. That is an overview of the Ephesian epistle. Perhaps this next week, you would want to take one chapter a day, read it, meditate on it, pray over it, and seek one practical application of that chapter.  What a difference that would make in every dimension of your life: in the flock of your church (4:1-5:21); with the family in your home (5:22-6:4); in the field of the world (6:5-24).