A New Way of Walking

Living Out Our New Identity in Christ

Ephesians 4:17–5:21

There are two phases in every epistle: teaching and application. First comes the foundation—understanding what God has done for us. Then comes the response: How should we live because of what God has done?

Paul makes this transition beautifully in Ephesians.

Over the past few chapters, we have been reminded of who we are in Christ. We have been chosen and adopted into God’s glorious family through Jesus Christ. We are a new creation. The old has gone, and the new has come. Christ has broken down the dividing walls of hostility and brought those who were once far away near to God. We are not merely visitors in God’s house—we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit.

So what is our response to such a great salvation?

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“Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received.” — Ephesians 4:1

As we begin the fourth chapter of Ephesians, the apostle Paul makes a remarkable transition. The first three chapters are filled with the incredible blessings God has freely given us in Christ—our identity, salvation, adoption, redemption, and every spiritual blessing. But chapter four shifts the focus from what God has done for us to how we should now live in response.

Grace is never meant to leave us unchanged. Those who have been called by God are invited to live lives that reflect the greatness of that calling.

Paul urges believers to “walk worthy” of the calling they have received. The word worthy carries the idea of balance or equal weight. God has lavished immeasurable blessings upon us through Christ, and our lives should now reflect the weight of those blessings.

Imagine a child who has been rescued from poverty, adopted into a loving family, clothed, fed, educated, and given an inheritance—yet continues to live like a beggar on the streets. That would contradict his new identity.

In the same way, God has brought us into His family and given us a new identity. We are no longer defined by our old life. We are called to live as sons and daughters of God.

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Lessons from Ephesians 3:14–21

When we think about prayer, our minds often go to asking God for help—healing, provision, guidance, or solutions to life’s challenges. While these are good and necessary prayers, the Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse into something even deeper in Ephesians 3:14–21.

His prayer isn’t primarily about changing circumstances. It’s about God transforming people.

A Prayer Rooted in the Gospel

Paul begins by saying,

“For this reason I kneel before the Father…”

What is “this reason”?

It’s everything Paul has been building up throughout the first three chapters of Ephesians. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, those who were once far from God have been brought near. Jews and Gentiles have become one family. The same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is now at work bringing people into God’s family.

Our confidence in prayer doesn’t come from using the right words or having a particular style of praying. It comes from knowing who our Father is—a loving Father who knows what’s best, hears His children, corrects them wisely, and provides generously.

Paul’s First Request: Strength for the Inner Person

Paul’s first petition is surprising:

“I pray that… He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.”

Why does Paul pray for power?

Word of Grace⁠⁠ is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God’s inspired Word for life. We are a church community with people from every part of India and the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called ⁠⁠RegionsBeyond⁠⁠.

From Far Away to God’s Dwelling Place

Ephesians 2:11–22

Have you ever paused to think about where God found you?

It’s easy to focus on where we are today, but the Apostle Paul intentionally asks believers to look back—not to dwell on the past, but to appreciate the incredible grace that transformed it.

In Ephesians 2:11–22, Paul reminds the Gentile believers of their former condition and then paints a beautiful picture of what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ. This passage takes us on an extraordinary journey—from being far away from God to becoming His very dwelling place.

Remember Where You Came From

Paul begins with an important instruction: “Remember.” Before Christ, the Gentiles were:

Spiritually speaking, they were outsiders.

The same is true of every believer today. Regardless of our background, we were once separated from God because of sin. Remembering our past keeps us humble and fills our hearts with gratitude. Our salvation wasn’t earned because we were good enough—it was entirely an act of God’s grace.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ma4t12xaxnesx6z60ldu6/July-26-2026-Ephesians-Part-5.mp3?rlkey=ntfighqpfnwkcryev514g40k1&st=33xmtipt&dl=0

Word of Grace⁠⁠ is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God’s inspired Word for life. We are a church community with people from every part of India and the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called ⁠⁠RegionsBeyond⁠⁠.

Eden on Our Streets: Living Heaven’s Culture in a Broken World

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10

What if the Garden of Eden wasn’t merely a distant memory from Genesis but God’s ongoing vision for every neighborhood, workplace, family, and city?

This profound truth was the heartbeat of a message that reminded us of God’s unchanging desire—to establish His Kingdom wherever His people live.

Church: More Than a Gathering

The message began with a beautiful reflection on the early church. A recent visit to the ancient cave churches of Cappadocia, Turkey, served as a powerful reminder that the Church was never defined by magnificent buildings or large crowds. Hidden in caves, believers gathered in small communities, teaching God’s Word through paintings because many could not read. Their lives testified that the Church is simply God’s people faithfully living together.

The Church has always been about people—not programs, numbers, or buildings. Wherever believers gather to love God, encourage one another, and live out His Kingdom, the Church is alive.

Word of Grace⁠⁠ is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God’s inspired Word for life. We are a church community with people from every part of India and the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called ⁠⁠RegionsBeyond⁠⁠.

Ephesians 1:16- 23

In the opening chapter of Ephesians, Paul celebrates the incredible blessings believers have received in Christ—we have been chosen, predestined, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed with the Holy Spirit, all to the praise of God’s glory. Having established these wonderful truths, Paul transitions into a heartfelt prayer.

Surprisingly, he isn’t praying because the Ephesian believers are struggling. He is praying because they are thriving.

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16)

His prayer reveals God’s deepest desire for every believer. More than success, comfort, or even effective ministry, God wants us to know Him.

Paul prays that God would give believers “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better” (Ephesians 1:17).

This is the heartbeat of the Christian life.

Jesus echoed the same desire in His prayer:

“I have made you known to them… that the love you have for me may be in them.” (John 17:26)

Likewise, Paul wrote in Philippians,

“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)

Christian maturity is not measured primarily by knowledge, achievements, or ministry accomplishments—it is measured by growing intimacy with Christ.

Word of Grace⁠⁠ is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God’s inspired Word for life. We are a church community with people from every part of India and the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called ⁠⁠RegionsBeyond⁠⁠.

Baby Dedication: More Than a Ceremony—A Parent’s Commitment to Raise a Child for God

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” — Psalm 127:3

A baby’s dedication is one of the most joyful moments in the life of a Christian family. It is filled with smiles, photographs, and heartfelt prayers. But beyond the celebration lies a much deeper spiritual significance.

Recently, during the dedication of baby Zachariah, an important question was asked:

What exactly is baby dedication, and why do Christians practice it?

The answer takes us back to one unchanging foundation—the Word of God.

The Bible: Our Standard for Truth

How do we know Jesus was born in Bethlehem? How do we know His first miracle was turning water into wine? How do we know He was crucified between two criminals?

Not because we witnessed these events, but because God’s Word records them.

Our beliefs should never be shaped by tradition, popular opinion, or human reasoning. They must always be measured against Scripture.

Word of Grace⁠⁠ is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God’s inspired Word for life. We are a church community with people from every part of India and the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called ⁠⁠RegionsBeyond⁠⁠.

Ephesians 1:16- 23

In the opening chapter of Ephesians, Paul celebrates the incredible blessings believers have received in Christ—we have been chosen, predestined, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed with the Holy Spirit, all to the praise of God’s glory. Having established these wonderful truths, Paul transitions into a heartfelt prayer.

Surprisingly, he isn’t praying because the Ephesian believers are struggling. He is praying because they are thriving.

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16)

His prayer reveals God’s deepest desire for every believer. More than success, comfort, or even effective ministry, God wants us to know Him.

Paul prays that God would give believers “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better” (Ephesians 1:17).

This is the heartbeat of the Christian life.

Jesus echoed the same desire in His prayer:

“I have made you known to them… that the love you have for me may be in them.” (John 17:26)

Likewise, Paul wrote in Philippians,

“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)

Christian maturity is not measured primarily by knowledge, achievements, or ministry accomplishments—it is measured by growing intimacy with Christ.

Word of Grace⁠⁠ is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God’s inspired Word for life. We are a church community with people from every part of India and the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called ⁠⁠RegionsBeyond⁠⁠.

The Gospel According to Ephesians 1:1–14

 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To God’s holy people in Ephesus,[a] the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This letter, as we heard last Sunday, does not address any problems, unlike the letters to the Romans, Galatians, and Colossians. The overall theme of this letter is for everyone to grasp the big picture of who God is, what He has done, and what He requires of us as followers of Christ.

As we know, in the Greeco-Roman world, people began their letters by stating who was writing and to whom.

You don’t wear your calling — you live it.

We know that Paul is the author of this letter. Notice he does not say “Apostle Paul”-today, people use the words “Apostle,” “Pastor,” etc., as titles prefixed to their names, just like “Dr.” These are not titles but functions. How many of us would go around with the titles Cleaner Paul, DLP Paul, Announcements Paul?

Grace & peace, a common salutation Paul uses, combining the Jewish and Roman greetings.

This letter was written from prison in Rome around 60-62AD. We know that Paul stayed in Ephesus for 3 years. Towards the end of his stay, there was a revival, and a riot broke out, and Paul had to leave the city.

Ephesus was known for its worship of Diana (her Roman name) and Artemis (her Greek name). Men became eunuchs, dressed as women, and worshipped her.  So, there was a lot of confusion amid the revival.

So we see Paul straddle the Greeco- Roman world, and the Jewish world. And then there is us as well!

While the Bible is not written TO us, it is written FOR us, which is what makes it relevant and eternal.

 And Paul is writing this letter as a plumbline for understanding your identity and calling in Christ, your understanding of salvation and God’s big plan for the church on the earth, and, finally, how we ought to live in view of this great God and the great calling upon our lives.

Word of Grace⁠⁠ is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God’s inspired Word for life. We are a church community with people from every part of India and the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called ⁠⁠RegionsBeyond⁠⁠.

Understanding the Book of Ephesians

Imagine receiving a message between two people—John and Mary. Before understanding the message itself, you would first ask: Who are they? What is their relationship? Where are they writing from?

In the same way, to truly understand the book of Ephesians, we must first understand its context—who wrote it, where it was written, and who it was written to.

The book of Ephesians is not just a letter; it is one of the most profound revelations of God’s eternal plan for humanity.

The Author and the Setting

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul around AD 62 while he was under house arrest in Rome. Chained to a Roman soldier, Paul could have focused on his suffering—but instead, he wrote one of the most powerful letters in the New Testament.

Rather than correcting wrong teachings (as he did in other letters), Paul writes Ephesians to reveal God’s grand and eternal purpose.

The City of Ephesus

Word of Grace⁠⁠ is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God’s inspired Word for life. We are a church community with people from every part of India and the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called ⁠⁠RegionsBeyond⁠⁠.