Calling Leads to Worthy Walking

Therefore – Ephesians 4:1-3

Chosen before the foundation of the world.

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”

– Ephesians 4:1

Therefore – Ephesians 4:1

…when comprehensive calling demands comprehensive conduct.

Ephesians 4:1-3 and the Architecture of Worthy Walking

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 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.”

— Ephesians 4:1-3, ESV

Paul writes as a prisoner. Not a victim of circumstances or political persecution, but “a prisoner for the Lord”—his chains are divine appointment, his captivity is calling. From this position of constraint, he issues the most comprehensive call to worthy living in the New Testament.

“I therefore urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling…”

The “therefore” carries the weight of three chapters—the highest theology Paul ever penned about God’s eternal purposes, redemption, and spiritual transformation. This is not just about unity, though unity comes first. This is about the inevitable ethical conclusion of experiencing the totality of God’s grace: comprehensive calling demands comprehensive conduct.

Why This “Therefore” Matters

Ephesians 4:1 contains Paul’s most comprehensive “therefore”—the architectural hinge that transforms three chapters of divine grace into three chapters of human responsibility. Where other “therefore” passages focus on specific responses (sacrifice, reconciliation, sanctification), this passage establishes the overarching principle: those who have received God’s comprehensive calling must walk in a manner worthy of that calling.

The calling (κλῆσις) encompasses everything described in chapters 1-3—election, adoption, redemption, sealing, resurrection, reconciliation, and inclusion in God’s mystery. The worthy walk encompasses everything described in chapters 4-6—unity, maturity, holiness, love, relationships, and spiritual warfare.

For contemporary believers often compartmentalizing their faith or treating Christianity as one aspect of life among others, this “therefore” reveals the totalizing nature of the gospel. God’s comprehensive work demands comprehensive response in every sphere of existence.

Framing the “Therefore” Hinge

The Succession of Logical Connectors Leading to 4:1

Before examining the climactic “therefore” of 4:1, we must understand how Paul builds argumentative pressure through both “therefore” and “for this reason” statements. While these connectors differ slightly in emphasis, they function similarly as causal reasoning devices—both indicate that what follows is based on what preceded, creating logical necessity rather than arbitrary command.

“Therefore” (διό, οὖν) emphasizes logical conclusion: “Because A is true, B must follow.” “For this reason” (τούτου χάριν) emphasizes motivation/purpose: “Because of A, I am doing/saying B.”

Both types create cumulative weight leading to Paul’s major appeal:

2:11 – “Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh…” [Therefore]

• Function: Logical conclusion based on the reconciliation described in 2:1-10
• Weight Added: The contrast between former separation and present reconciliation intensifies gratitude and obligation

3:1 – “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—” [For this reason]

• Function: Paul’s imprisonment is motivated by/results from proclaiming the mystery of Gentile inclusion
• Weight Added: Apostolic cost of revealing their calling adds gravity to their responsibility

3:13 – “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” [Logical appeal]

• Function: Appeal based on the understanding that his suffering serves their benefit
• Weight Added: Apostolic sacrifice for their sake creates obligation to live worthily

3:14 – “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father…” [For this reason]

• Function: Prayer is motivated by everything described in chapters 1-3, especially the mystery revealed
• Weight Added: Intercessory prayer reveals the spiritual resources available for worthy walking

Each of these preparatory hinges adds weight to the climactic “therefore” of 4:1. By the time Paul reaches his major appeal, the architectural pressure is enormous—three chapters of divine grace pressing toward inevitable human response.

The Major Hinge: Ephesians 4:1

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”

This “therefore” (οὖν) bears the full weight of everything Paul has established about God’s eternal purposes, universal redemption, and spiritual transformation. It’s not just responding to election (chapter 1) or reconciliation (chapter 2) or revealed mystery (chapter 3)—it’s responding to the totality of God’s gracious work.

Paul’s self-description as “prisoner for the Lord” (δέσμιος ἐν κυρίῳ) adds personal weight to theological weight. His imprisonment results from proclaiming the very truths he’s just expounded. The calling that constrains his freedom should constrain their behavior.

The “calling to which you have been called” (κλήσεως ἧς ἐκλήθητε) emphasizes both divine initiative and comprehensive scope. This encompasses their entire identity as chosen, redeemed, adopted, sealed, raised, reconciled, and included in God’s divine purposes.

Tracing the Doctrinal Architecture

The “therefore” of Ephesians 4:1 rests on the comprehensive theological foundation Paul constructs in chapters 1-3. Each chapter reveals different dimensions of God’s calling that demand worthy walking:

Eternal Election and Sovereign Purpose (Chapter 1)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world” (1:3-4).

Paul begins with God’s eternal purpose. Election precedes creation—believers were chosen “before the foundation of the world” (πρὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου) for holiness and blamelessness.

The Calling Includes:

• Adoption as sons through Jesus Christ (1:5)
• Redemption through his blood and forgiveness of trespasses (1:7)
• Knowledge of God’s will and the mystery of His purpose (1:9-10)
• Inheritance as those chosen by divine predestination (1:11)
• Sealing with the Holy Spirit as guarantee of future inheritance (1:13-14)

The comprehensive scope appears in 1:10—God’s plan to “unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” The believer’s calling serves God’s universal purposes.

Paul’s prayer (1:15-23) reveals the power available for worthy walking—”the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe” (1:19), the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him above all authorities.

Spiritual Resurrection and Corporate Reconciliation (Chapter 2)

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins…But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” (2:1, 4-5).

Paul moves from election to application. The calling becomes effective through spiritual resurrection—individual transformation enabling corporate reconciliation.

The Individual Dimension:

• Made alive together with Christ (2:5)
• Raised up with him and seated with him in heavenly places (2:6)
• Created as God’s workmanship for good works (2:10)

The Corporate Dimension:

• Gentiles brought near by the blood of Christ (2:13)
• Christ as peace who made both one (2:14)
• One new man created in place of two (2:15)
• Both reconciled to God in one body through the cross (2:16)
• Built together into dwelling place for God by the Spirit (2:22)

The reconciliation is both vertical (God and humanity) and horizontal (Jew and Gentile). Worthy walking must reflect both dimensions.

Mystery Revealed and Apostolic Ministry (Chapter 3)

“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (3:6).

Paul reveals the “mystery” (μυστήριον) hidden for ages—Gentile inclusion wasn’t divine afterthought but eternal purpose now revealed through apostolic ministry.

The Revealed Mystery:

• Gentiles as fellow heirs, members, and partakers (3:6)
• Paul’s unique apostolic stewardship of this mystery (3:2-3, 7-8)
• The church displaying God’s manifold wisdom to spiritual powers (3:10)
• This according to eternal purpose realized in Christ (3:11)

Paul’s Intercessory Prayer:

• Strengthened with power through the Spirit in inner being (3:16)
• Christ dwelling in hearts through faith (3:17)
• Rooted and grounded in love (3:17)
• Comprehending love’s dimensions with all the saints (3:18)
• Filled with all the fullness of God (3:19)

Note: See our article on this prayer: “Strengthened with Power”

The chapter culminates in doxology acknowledging God’s ability to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (3:20).

The Foundation Complete

These three chapters establish comprehensive doctrinal architecture:

• Divine initiative: Election, adoption, redemption, sealing, calling
• Spiritual reality: Resurrection from death, new creation in Christ
• Corporate purpose: Reconciliation transcending ethnic boundaries
• Revealed mystery: Gentiles included in God’s eternal purposes
• Ongoing resources: Spirit’s power, Christ’s dwelling, divine love, fullness of God
• Comprehensive scope: God’s plan to unite all things, displaying wisdom to heavenly powers

This foundation makes worthy walking not moral suggestion but theological necessity.

Following the Imperative Structure

Walk Worthy of Your Calling (4:1)

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”

“Walk” (περιπατεῖν) describes comprehensive conduct—not isolated actions but consistent lifestyle. The present infinitive suggests ongoing, habitual practice encompassing every sphere of existence.

“Worthy” (ἀξίως) means corresponding to, matching, befitting. The believer’s conduct should correspond to the dignity and scope of their calling. Since the calling encompasses election, adoption, redemption, resurrection, reconciliation, and inclusion, the walking must reflect this comprehensive grace.

The “calling” includes everything described in chapters 1-3:

• Called to be holy and blameless (1:4)
• Called to adoption as children (1:5)
• Called to redemption and forgiveness (1:7)
• Called to knowledge of God’s mystery (1:9)
• Called to inheritance and sealing (1:11, 13)
• Called to resurrection and heavenly seating (2:5-6)
• Called to membership in one body (2:16)
• Called to participation in revealed mystery (3:6)
• Called to Spirit-strengthening and divine fullness (3:16-19)

Walking worthy means living in every sphere of life in a way that honors such comprehensive grace and divine calling.

Unity: The First Application (4:2-3)

“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.”

Paul immediately specifies how worthy walking begins—through community virtues that preserve unity. But this is the first application, not the exclusive focus.

The Unity Virtues:

Humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη)—proper assessment of oneself in relation to God and others. Those who know their calling comes from divine grace, not personal merit, walk humbly.

Gentleness (πραΰτης)—controlled strength exercised with restraint and consideration. Power used for others’ benefit, not personal advantage.

Patience (μακροθυμία)—long-suffering with people, enduring difficult personalities, overlooking offenses, persevering through relational challenges.

Bearing with one another in love (ἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων ἐν ἀγάπῃ)—gracious acceptance of others’ faults and failures, motivated by divine love.

Maintaining unity (σπουδάζοντες τηρεῖν τὴν ἑνότητα)—diligent effort to preserve what the Spirit has created, guarding the bond of peace.

These virtues enable the worthy walking that follows in chapters 4-6: spiritual maturity (4:11-16), transformed living (4:17-32), love and purity (5:1-21), healthy relationships (5:22-6:9), and spiritual warfare (6:10-20).

Exposing the Theological Grammar

Paul’s “therefore” reveals the grammar of comprehensive transformation: comprehensive calling creates comprehensive responsibility.

Calling Encompasses Everything

God’s calling in chapters 1-3 touches every dimension of existence—past (election), present (redemption), future (inheritance), individual (adoption), corporate (reconciliation), temporal (spiritual blessings), eternal (purposes). Worthy walking must reflect this comprehensiveness.

This prevents compartmentalization of faith. Since God’s calling affects every sphere, the believer’s response must engage every sphere—personal, relational, vocational, social, spiritual.

Grace Creates Obligation

The “therefore” reveals that grace doesn’t eliminate moral obligation but creates it. Those who receive comprehensive grace acquire comprehensive responsibility. The obligation flows from the gift, not vice versa.

This is not legalistic duty but love’s logical response. Those overwhelmed by God’s gracious calling cannot help but seek to walk worthily of that calling.

Unity Serves Worthy Walking

The unity emphasized in 4:2-3 is not the goal but the foundation for everything that follows. A divided church cannot effectively pursue the worthy walking described in chapters 4-6. Unity enables corporate maturity, holiness, love, and spiritual warfare.

This shows why Paul starts with unity—it’s prerequisite for all other aspects of worthy walking in community.

Walking Is Warfare

The worthy walking initiated in 4:1 culminates in spiritual warfare (6:10-20). Standing against spiritual forces requires the foundation of election, the reality of resurrection, the resources of revealed mystery, and the unity of the body. Everything in chapters 1-3 prepares for everything in chapters 4-6.

Returning to the Hinge with Clarity

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 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.”

Paul’s chains restrict his movement, but his calling compels his ministry. The same God who chose the Ephesians before the foundation of the world, made them alive when dead in sin, and included them in the divine mystery has imprisoned His apostle to proclaim these truths. Divine calling creates both apostolic constraint and believer responsibility.

The Ephesian believers who first heard this letter understood the comprehensive implications. Everything must change—personal conduct, community relationships, family dynamics, work attitudes, spiritual priorities. Not because law demands it, but because grace enables and motivates it.

Calling comprehensive. Walking worthy. Unity foundational.

This is grace’s architecture—divine calling encompassing every dimension of existence, human responsibility engaging every sphere of life, community unity enabling corporate transformation. The “therefore” reveals that those who receive God’s comprehensive grace must respond with comprehensive obedience.

Those who truly grasp their identity as chosen, redeemed, adopted, raised, reconciled, and included in God’s divine purposes cannot live unchanged lives. They become agents of worthy walking, beginning with unity and extending to every aspect of human existence.

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Key Takeaways

As Bereans, we should examine this teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11). Here’s what stands firm:

• Comprehensive Calling Demands Comprehensive Response – God’s calling touches every dimension of existence (election, redemption, reconciliation, inclusion), requiring worthy walking in every sphere of life.
• Multiple “Therefores” Build Toward Major Hinge – Paul’s smaller hinges in chapters 1-3 add architectural weight to the climactic “therefore” of 4:1.
• Unity Is First Application, Not Sole Focus – The community virtues of 4:2-3 enable all the worthy walking that follows in chapters 4-6.
• Grace Creates Obligation, Not Eliminates It – Those who receive comprehensive divine grace acquire comprehensive human responsibility flowing from love, not law.
• Worthy Walking Encompasses Everything – Personal holiness, community relationships, family dynamics, work attitudes, and spiritual warfare all flow from the same calling.
• Walking Serves Divine Purposes – The believer’s conduct displays God’s wisdom to heavenly powers and advances God’s plan to unite all things in Christ.
• Present Resources Enable Future Obedience – The Spirit’s power, Christ’s indwelling, and divine love provide what’s needed for worthy walking.

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This pattern of comprehensive calling creating comprehensive responsibility appears throughout this series as we explore Paul’s other theological hinges.