Made New: An Ephesians Book Studyنموونە

When was the last time you lost your temper? Recently, I got a letter from our homeowner’s association. It said that we had to repaint our entire house! Yes, you read that right - thousands of dollars to repaint. In my opinion, it looked totally fine.

I sent a strongly worded letter to the HOA representative, expecting to get into a verbal fistfight in the name of Jesus! Surprisingly, the HOA representative responded gently, calmly, and respectfully. Her response was kind and completely disarmed me. I laughed as I realized how much I was not being a follower of Jesus at that moment.

Paul writes in Ephesians 4:2 that we should “Be completely humble and gentle…” Did I ruin my whole Christian journey by being prideful and aggressive in that email to our HOA? Not at all.

In Ephesians 4:1, Paul encourages us to “...live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Jesus doesn’t expect your perfection, but He will grow and teach you. The calling we have received is to live our lives with Jesus as the guide. That means each moment is an invitation to trust Jesus and His way of living.

As we follow Jesus, we become more gentle, humble, and patient. What if I had been “completely humble and gentle” to my HOA representative? How might that have blessed them, strengthened my faith, or put me in a position where I had to trust God to provide?

In verse 6, Paul reminds us that there is one God, and He is over all things. If this is true, we can trust Him to provide for us. We don’t have to manipulate our way through pride, control, or anger. God is in control.

Since God is completely in control, you and I can live according to His calling. Over time, we become more gentle, humble, and patient as God works in us.

By the way, I didn’t have to paint my house.

Response
1. Ephesians 4:2 says to be “completely humble and gentle…” Why do Christians seek to embody these attributes?

2. In which area(s) of your life do you need to invite God to work on you to be more humble, gentle, and patient?

3. Ask God to reveal areas of your life that don’t align with the “calling you have received.” Be kind to yourself as you journey through these topics. Ask God to help you become more like Jesus.

Weekly Memory Verse
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Ephesians 4:2-3

Written by Derek Beauchamp