EPHESIANS 4:1-3 WALK WORTHY OF THE CALLING

EPHESIANS 4:1-3, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

NSB* The second half of Ephesians, like that of a number of Paul's epistles, emphasizes the behavior that should result from the doctrines or the beliefs taught in the first half. Note, that the Christian life is not compared here to running or standing, but to a walk; walk worthy. A believer's life should match the excellency of Christ's calling. 

My notes: The walk here is meant to be firm and constant. Like our mighty King and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Prisoner Of The Lord; Prisoner here, is an adjective, primarily denotes binding, bound," then, as a noun, "the person bound, a captive, prisoner" (akin to deo, "to bind"). The Greek word for prisoner is δέσμιος desmios. Strong's G1198. Vine's (def. Prime). Vine's also notes that the prison at Jerusalem (Acts 5) was controlled by the priests and probably attached to the high priest's palace or the Temple. Paul was imprisoned at Jerusalem in the Fort Antonia, Acts 23:10; at Caesarea, in Herod's Praetorium, Acts 23:35; probably his final imprisonment in Rome was in the Tullianum dungeon.

So it's possible that Paul brings this up again (see Chapter 3) to emphasize his gratitude to the Lord and the faithful regardless of his physical condition or location. 

Cross Reference: 1 Thessalonians 2:12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Beseech; This word can also be translated as "call". In this text it's "a calling" (akin to A, No. 1), is always used in the NT of that "calling" the origin, nature and destiny of which are heavenly (the idea of invitation being implied); it is used especially of God's invitation to man to accept the benefits of salvation,. ie. "a heavenly calling". The Greek word for call is κλῆσις klesis Strong's G2821. Vine's (def. B1) noun. 

The Calling; Of that the origin, nature, and destiny which are heavenly (the idea of invitation being implied). The calling wherewith ye' were called. See also Eph. 4:4. 

Verse 2

Lowliness; lowliness of mind, humbleness," is, translated "lowliness" or "lowliness. The Greek word is ταπεινοφροσύνη  tapeinophrosune. Vine's (Def. A-1) noun. Strong's G5012. 

Longsuffering; forbearance, patience, longsuffering" (makros, "long," thumos, "temper"), is usually rendered "longsuffering,". The Greek word is μακροθυμία makrothumia. Vine's (Def. A-1) noun. Strong's G3115. Has the idea of tempered or paticence. Longsuffering is a quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; it is the opposite of anger and is associated with mercy. Patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial. 

Bearing; NSB* Is close to the expression "putting up with" however Paul's use of the term has positive connotations. It describes being patient with the shortcomings of others. Often we ask God to be patient with our failings but do not exercise the same type of patience ourselves. 

Endeavoring; Has the idea of "work towards", then is qualified by "unity in the Spirit."

Unity Of The Spirit; Has the idea of oneness. From hen, the neuter of heis, one,. 
The Greek word is ἑνότης henotes Vine's (def. Prime). Strong's G1775.

NBS* All Christians are one in Spirit. It is our duty to observe that unity, recognize it as real, and act on it without a sectarian spirit. (See John 17:2026). 

Takeaways: 

1. We are to conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of the calling of Christ. 

2. In this text Paul gives the example of endeavoring to have "unity in the Spirit". One thing we can practically do to avoid sowing division is to stay out of petty arguments concerning parts of scripture that don't have anything to do with salvation. Here are two examples of "petty". 

If you find yourself arguing about whether or not prophecy still exists outside of scripture in today's church or in believers, you don't have to argue with people who believe it is still around. What we can determine from scripture is that IF they are saying their prophecy is of God, then they do not have the luxury of being wrong even once. God does not lie and if a person saying they are a prophet is wrong they are a false prophet. There really doesn't need to be any more discussion than that. 

Another example. If someone speaks in tongues in a church setting that's fine. However, the New Testament lays out the rules for that. In part being, that only 1 person will speak in tongues at a time and that there will be an interpreter. The New Testament is clear on how this is to be handled. If you say you speak in tongues, then let all understand.

1 Corinthians 14:26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.

There are lots of other examples, but in conclusion, if there is going to be discussion let it be discussion and not discord. 

*Nelson Study Bible.