Ephesians 4:1

 

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

 

Values are defined by Webster’s dictionary as a principle, standard or quality considered inherently worthwhile or desirable.

 

Why Are Values Important?                                                                                      Ephesians 4:2-3

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

 

1.         They guide us in decision-making .

 

2.         They impact the way we treat people .

 

3.         They influence our overall behavior .

 

4.         They communicate our priorities .

 

A call to servanthood is the natural progression

of a maturing believer.

                                                                 James Garlow

 

How Do I Know If My Values Are Good?                                                                                    v. 4-6

There is one body and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called  5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

 

1.         Are they biblically based?

 

2.         Can they be articulated to others?

 

3.         Do they challenge me?

 

How Can I Walk Worthy of My Values?                                                                                v. 11-16

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God=s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

 

1.         Walk in holiness .                                                                            v. 22-29

 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

 

2.         Walk in love .                                                                       Ephesians 5:1-2

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 

3.         Walk in light .                                                                       Ephesians 5:8-9

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)