Go! And… Walk Worthy: The Character of a Disciple - Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)
Ephesians 4:2 (NLT): “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.”
INTRODUCTION – THE MARKS OF A TRUE FOLLOWER OF JESUS
Church—discipleship is not merely a class we attend, a course we complete, or a label we wear. It is a way of life. Ephesians 4:2 shows us that discipleship is demonstrated not in knowledge alone, but in character—in humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
These virtues are not optional. They are commands. They are fruit of the Holy Spirit in the life of someone who belongs to Jesus Christ.
Today, by the grace of God, we will explore what it truly means to walk as disciples who reflect the character of our Saviour.
EPHESIANS 4:2
Paul writes Ephesians from prison. Even while chained, he speaks of unity, love, and holiness.
The theme of Ephesians 4 is unity within Christ’s body. Verses 1–3 set the foundation:
Ephesians 4:1 (NLT): “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling…”
The Greek phrase axios peripateo for "lead a life worthy" means "to walk in balance matching the value of your calling."
Then Paul shows us how: humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another.
These are not simply moral virtues. They display the nature of Jesus Himself.
Point 1 – A Disciple Must Walk in Humility Like Jesus
(Ephesians 4:2)
The Greek word translated "humble" here is tapeinophrosyne meaning lowliness of mind—not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
This is counter to 21st-century culture. We are trained to self-promote. But discipleship calls us to self-surrender.
Philippians 2:5 (NLT): “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Paul then describes Christ emptying Himself (kenosis)—the humility of the cross.
A missionary once visited a remote village. People gathered for hours just to hear the Word. The missionary asked the pastor, “How do you keep such unity?”
The pastor replied, “We never ask who is most gifted, but who is most humble.”
John Piper wrote: “Humility is the soil in which every Christlike virtue grows.”
As disciples, humility must be the soil of our walk.
Practically humbling ourselves means:
forgiving offenses
serving without applause
confessing sin
surrendering our preferences
valuing unity above pride
When we walk in humility, we look like Jesus.
Point 2 – A Disciple Must Walk in Gentleness
The word prautes describes controlled strength—not weakness, but power under submission to God.
Matthew 11:28–29 (NLT): “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me … for I am gentle and humble in heart.’”
Jesus, the One who commands angels, approached sinners with tenderness.
A powerful horse trained for battle—a war stallion—moves at the slightest touch of the king’s hand. Strength submitted. That is gentleness.
Max Lucado wrote: “The sign of the saved is not a raised fist, but a bowed head.”
Gentleness flows from surrender to Christ.
A gentle disciple:
listens before speaking
corrects with compassion
responds in grace, not retaliation
Too many Christians are harsh online but gentle nowhere. Let us repent of angry posts and cutting comments. We are witnesses of Christ.
Point 3 – A Disciple Must Walk in Patience, Bearing with One Another in Love
Patience: makrothymia, meaning long-suffering, resisting anger when provoked.
“Making allowance for each other's faults” translates anechomai meaning to put up with, endure, hold up under.
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NLT): “Love is patient and kind…”
Paul connects patience and love inseparably.
Psalm 103:8 (NLT): “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry…”
God’s patience toward us fuels our patience toward others.
Charles Stanley said: “God’s patience with us is meant to produce patience in us.”
Patience is discipleship in action:
spouses bearing with faults
parents raising children with grace
believers forgiving repeatedly
church members resisting gossip
disciples refusing bitterness
We reflect the Gospel when we make allowance for faults as Christ made allowance for ours.
GOSPEL PRESENTATION – JESUS THE HUMBLE, GENTLE, PATIENT SAVIOUR
Humility, gentleness, and patience are not self-improvement goals. They are Christ’s nature revealed in His saving work.
Jesus humbled Himself, taking on human flesh.
Jesus gently restored sinners rather than crushing them.
Jesus patiently endures rebellion, offering mercy.
The ultimate demonstration of humility and love was the cross.
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
He died for our sins.
He was buried.
He rose on the third day.
This Gospel demands response: repent of sin and trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
CALL TO ACTION – WHAT MUST WE DO?
Repent of pride, anger, impatience, bitterness, harshness.
Believe the Gospel—Jesus is Lord and Saviour.
Rely on the Holy Spirit for transformation.
Walk worthy of your calling—practise humility, gentleness, patience, and love daily.
Serve others sacrificially as Jesus served you.
INVITATION TO SALVATION:
If you have never trusted in Jesus Christ, today is the day. He calls you. He loves you. He died for you.
Come to Him. Repent of sin. Believe in His finished work on the cross. Receive eternal life.
Pray in your heart:
“Lord Jesus, I confess I am a sinner. I believe You died for me and rose again. Forgive me. Save me. I turn from sin and trust You now as my Lord and Saviour. Make me Your disciple. Amen.”
CONCLUSION AND BENEDICTION:
Church, our calling is not to be successful, but to be faithful disciples who reflect Christ.
Walk humbly.
Walk gently.
Walk patiently.
Walk in love.
May the Holy Spirit empower you to live worthy of the Gospel you profess.
1 Peter 1:2 (NLT): “May God give you more and more grace and peace…”
Amen.
