The Therefore of Christian Living

The word "therefore" is one of the most important connecting words in all of Scripture. When you see "therefore," you need to ask what it's there for—what came before that makes what follows necessary? Paul has spent three glorious chapters describing the magnificent truths of salvation: our election before the foundation of the world, our redemption through Christ's blood, our sealing by the Holy Spirit, our reconciliation despite being dead in trespasses and sins, our new identity as God's workmanship created for good works. Now, in chapter four, Paul shifts from doctrine to duty, from position to practice.

The connection is vital. Our behavior must flow from our beliefs. What God has done for us determines what we must do for Him. We don't work to earn salvation; we work because we've been saved. The call to "walk in a manner worthy" isn't legalism—it's the logical, grateful response to grace. Think about receiving an incredible gift from someone who sacrificed greatly to give it to you. Your natural response would be to honor that gift, to use it well, to live in a way that shows appreciation for such generosity.

Paul uses the word "urge" or "beseech," which carries the idea of coming alongside someone and earnestly pleading with them. This isn't a casual suggestion but a passionate appeal. The "calling" he references isn't a career or vocation but our divine summons to salvation, our effectual calling by God to become His children. We've been called out of darkness into marvelous light, called to belong to Jesus Christ, called according to His purpose.

Walking worthy begins with cultivating specific character qualities: humility (recognizing we're not superior to others), gentleness (strength under control), patience (long-suffering that doesn't quickly retaliate), and bearing with one another in love (tolerating imperfections because we need the same grace). These aren't personality preferences but essential Christian virtues.

1. How does understanding what God has done for you in salvation motivate you to live differently?
2. In which of the four character qualities (humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another) do you most need to grow?