Dear Brothers and Sisters,
According to Ephesians 1-3, Christians have been
-chosen before the foundation of the world
-predestined to eternal abundant life
-adopted as God's beloved children
-redeemed from their sinful state
-forgiven of all their sins
-sealed with God's Holy Spirit
-made alive with Christ
-given victory over self, sin, Satan, and death
-seated with Christ in the heavens
-reconciled with God and with each other
-created for good works
-granted direct access to God Himself
-made God's dwelling place
-brought into Christ's new body, God's Church of Jews and Gentiles equally accepted in Christ
-made God's inheritance
-firmly rooted and established in God's love
Therefore, according to Ephesians 4-6, Christians ought to live a lifestyle that is worthy of the calling they have received from God. Their lifestyle should be characterized by:
-humility, gentleness, patience, acceptance, love, diligence, unity, peace, hope, and faith (Ephesians 4:1-6);
-grace and service (Ephesians 4:7-12);
-true knowledge, and true speech (in love) (Ephesians 4:13-16);
-avoidance of unholy, impure, immoral living but instead living in the light, purity, holiness and righteousness (Ephesians 4:17-24);
-truth, self-control, honesty, and purity of speech (Ephesians 4:25-29);
-kindness, compassion, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:30-32);
-love (Ephesians 5:1-2);
-purity and thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:3-7);
-light, goodness, righteousness, truth (Ephesians 5:8-14);
-wisdom and carefulness (Ephesians 5:15-16);
-understanding what the Lord's will is (Ephesians 5:17);
-being filled with the Holy Spirit and gratitude (Ephesians 5:18-20);
-mutual submission in the fear of Christ (Ephesians 5:21);
-love and unity (Ephesians 5:22-33);
-respect, obedience, and honor (Ephesians 6:1-9);
-strong stand in Christ, and intercession (Ephesians 6:10-20)
"O Lord God, we pray that we will always abide in You so that Your Spirit in us would enable us to live the true genuine Christian lifestyle, which is our only appropriate response to Your marvelous salvation through Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior. In His Name, we pray. Amen."
