Ephesians 4:1 NIV
Therefore, as a prisoner in the Lord, then, I exhort you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
“The verb in this verse defines this section, which consists of a series of ethical and spiritual exhortations. Several versions render it as ‘urge’ or ‘appeal,’ but Paul is not pleading with his readers. Rather, he is exhorting them to a deeper Christian walk. In general Paul tends to use the language of exhortation rather than of command. His purpose is to instruct and build up his readers rather than to demand blind obedience (2 Cor 10:8).” (Osborne, Ephesians Verse by Verse)
The word “exhort” is not a command as precluding one’s own desire “to want to.” For our wanting and desiring and choosing is necessary in living for the Lord. However, to exhort does not mean merely an encouragement, where it is all about whether we want to or not.
The word “Exhort” combines this sense of absolute necessity to obey combined with the willingness and desire to obey. It is to say, “I absolutely have to,” and “I absolutely want to obey.” This is the approach that is required in living worthily for the Lord. In Paul, we see that the greater the growth in Christ, the greater the embrace of being slaves in God, for that is the right place to be.
Prayer: Lord Jesus we belong to you. May our response to you be one of humility and thanksgiving, as we are exhorted to follow you in absolute obedience and willingness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Let’s worship to the song Greatest Hallelujah by Matt Redman (click here).
-GK
