Ephesians 4-6

Armed with the promises of "already-accomplished" truths of 1-3... it's time to live!

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, ESV)

Therefore: because we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before him, predestined for adoption as sons and daughters, redeemed through his blood, forgiven for our sin, sealed with the Holy Spirit, saved, loved, and seated with Christ in the heavenly places...

Because of this Paul urges the Ephesians to live out of their new identity, to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called".

Tell you what though. If you don't feel all that stuff from Eph. 1-3, you won't be able or want to do any of the exhortations in Eph. 4-6. Putting away falsehood, walking in love, putting away sexual immorality, loving your wives, submitting to your husband, honoring your parents, working heartily for the Lord, and fighting the fight of faith with the whole armor of God...

it will seem like another task. It will be tiring. It will be frustrating.

Unless... by faith you embrace the fact that despite the fact that you are sinful, you don't think about God that much, you aren't living a life of total worship and complete surrender, etc.... you might just be loved. That even in your sinful doubt-filled state that you were chosen before time existed to be a child of the most high God. That there is a Holy Spirit in you who is waiting to work in your life to bless others even though your flesh is still so self-centered and sinful.

You need both- identity and direction/a kick in the pants. But don't go to chapter 4 until you believe chapters 1-3.