#1438. Live a life worthy of your calling (26/1/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 4:1, we see that our lives are to reflect and honour the name of Jesus. We also learn that God uses friends and leaders to urge and call us up to live in a way that matches our calling.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below: 

i. Paul urges them from prison

Paul begins by reminding them of his situation: ‘As a prisoner…’He is not calling others to a standard he himself avoids. He is quite literally walking the talk. His suffering for Christ gives weight to his words — he is a man of proven character and costly devotion.

This is why Paul is worth listening to. Too often, we are influenced by Christian voices with outward polish and strong opinions, but little visible evidence of a life shaped by sacrifice and obedience.

God has placed us in local churches so that we might be shaped by people whose lives we can actually observe:

So an important question arises: Who are we imitating?Do we have friends and leaders who inspire us toward genuine godliness, humility, and obedience to Christ?

ii. Our lifestyle truly matters

Paul’s appeal makes it clear that the Christian life is not merely about belief, but also about how we live. Yet many today assume that lifestyle is largely irrelevant to faith. Phrases such as “Do not judge” or “Love is love” are often misused to silence the biblical call to repentance and transformation that true discipleship requires.

As we move into chapter 4, Paul will show us that every area of life is to be shaped by the gospel. To live “worthy of the calling” does not mean earning God’s love — it means living in a way that is ‘worthy of the calling [we] have received’. 

Response

Take time to reflect and pray:

• Who is urging you toward godliness? Are you humble enough to receive loving challenge?

• Does the culture of your church encourage sanctification, repentance, and growth in holiness?

• Are you living in a way that reflects your calling as a child of God, filled with the Spirit?

Whether in public or in private, may our lives increasingly honour the name of Jesus — living not to earn His love, but because we have already received it.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. The title of Sunday’s message was: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. 

Please read Ephesians 4:1-6 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Live worthy of our calling (v.1) -  Paul, from prison, urges them to ‘live a life worthy of the calling you have received.’ What does this mean, and what does this text teach about the kind of ‘worthy’ lifestyle that we are called to? 

• Keep the unity of the Spirit (v.3) -   What is meant by the ‘unity of the Spirit’?

• One Body, one Spirit, one Hope… (v.4–6) - How are we to understand each of these ‘one…’ statements, and how do they lead to loving unity? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might today’s text encourage us or direct us in our desire to bring our community to Jesus? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• Ask God to work through us by His power, so that others may come to know Christ.