The Christian Walk

The Christian walk! How do we describe the christian walk? The word walk is used in the Bible as a reference to “a way of life”, how we conduct ourselves, how we go about living our life. What are we focused on as we live our life. The Christian today is focused on one of two things, the world or Jesus Christ. If you are trying to focus on both then you are lukewarm. Lukewarm is sickening to God.

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

The way along which the Christian walks is a narrow way. |Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life.| But we need have no fear; for although it is narrow, it is not dark. |Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.| I would rather walk in a narrow way in full light than in a broad way in the dark. The Word of God lights up the Christian's pathway. How beautifully the electric lights light up the walks in the city park! There is no danger of stumbling. The Bible is a light along the way of life, and it lights the way beautifully. Not one step need be taken in the dark. There is light for every step of the way. Sometimes the Christian may think he has reached a dark place; but if he will open his Bible, he will find a light to lighten that very spot.

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

The way along which the Christian walks is a narrow way. 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

We must be like the athlete on the balance beam, we must be prepared, read and study, well trained, and most of all, be totally focused on Jesus.

In order to walk the way God desires us to walk, we have to be totally focused on what we are doing, we need to stay in the Bible, we need to continually pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and be prepared for the obstacles that come our way.

Have you ever watched the athletes in the Olympics do the balance beam? They are amazing, such focus, balance, and ability. A balance beam is 3.9 inches wide. When I was growing up, we had what we called foot logs across a creek or real deep ditch, If you were not careful and did not concentrate when you crossed, you would end up wet or hurt. The athletes that do the balance beam train for a long time. They are totally focused on that beam when they walk and perform on it. During their long training, they listen to their coaches and trainers and improve as they learn and practice.

The way along which the Christian walks is a narrow way. |Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life.| But we need have no fear; for although it is narrow, it is not dark. |Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.| I would rather walk in a narrow way in full light than in a broad way in the dark. The Word of God lights up the Christian's pathway. How beautifully the electric lights light up the walks in the city park! There is no danger of stumbling. The Bible is a light along the way of life, and it lights the way beautifully. Not one step need be taken in the dark. There is light for every step of the way. Sometimes the Christian may think he has reached a dark place; but if he will open his Bible, he will find a light to lighten that very spot.

We must be like the athlete on the balance beam, we must be prepared, read and study, well trained, and most of all, be totally focused on Jesus.

that do the balance beam train for a long time. They are totally focused on that beam when they walk and perform on it. During their long training, they listen to their coaches and trainers and improve as they learn and practice.

In order to walk the way God desires us to walk, we have to be totally focused on what we are doing, we need to stay in the Bible, we need to continually pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and be prepared for the obstacles that come our way.

But we need have no fear; for although it is narrow, it is not dark. |Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.| I would rather walk in a narrow way in full light than in a broad way in the dark. The Word of God lights up the Christian's pathway. The Bible is a light along the way of life, and it lights the way beautifully. There is light for every step of the way. Sometimes the Christian may think he has reached a dark place; but if he will open his Bible, he will find a light to lighten that very spot.

****Walking “The Christian Walk”’ is not an easy stroll, we cannot do it in our own power. The Christian Walk...

I.The Christian walk Is according to God's Word....

61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. God wants us to follow what the Bible, His Word , says.

A. What does the Bible say we should do?

61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. We are in the world and yet not of it: Crucified with Christ and now alive in Christ Risen.

We are in the world and yet not of it: Crucified with Christ and now alive in Christ Risen. We are citizens of Heaven-- the Heavenly Zion is our home. Yet many times we, as Christians, become caught up in worldly things. Whether it's fear of terrorism, sensationalism in the media, watching worldly TV shows, etc.; some Christians are addicted to worldly entertainment-- such as sports, soap operas, reality TV shows, etc.

We are citizens of Heaven-- the Heavenly Zion is our home. Yet many times we, as Christians, become caught up in worldly things. Whether it's fear of terrorism, sensationalism in the media, watching worldly TV shows, etc.; some Christians are addicted to worldly entertainment-- such as sports, soap operas, reality TV shows, etc.

Obey God’s Commandments...

(KJV) 1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

(KJV) 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

The Bible tells us that we keep ourselves "unspotted from the world."

The Bible tells us that we keep ourselves "unspotted from the world." What does this mean?

We should not do anything that would make people say, He, or she did that and they claim to be a Christian.

(KJV) 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

How can we do this in a world that is so ungodly

The Bible tells us in

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

If we concentrate on what God has for us to do down here and that we have our reward waiting in Heaven, we want fall into worldly actions.

We are to be Looking to Jesus and the Holy Spirit..

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We are to have this mind: "if riches increase, set not your heart upon them." ()

We are not to have a worldly mind:

"if riches increase, set not your heart upon them."

.We are to have this mind: "if riches increase, set not your heart upon them." ()

(KJV) 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

II.The Christian walk Is thru God's Spirit 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

****The Bible Tells Us Several Things About Our Walk As a Christian, We are Only Looking at Three. Next We Have....

II.The Christian walk Is thru God's Spirit

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and mye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

A. When we believe on Christ, the Spirit comes to dwell within us

2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

We are “born after the Spirit” as was Isaac (). It is the Holy Spirit in the heart who gives assurance of salvation (); and it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to live for Christ and glorify Him. The Holy Spirit is not simply a “divine influence”; He is a divine Person, just as are the Father and the Son.

2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

B.We are “born after the Spirit” as was Isaac

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

III.The Christian walk Is in God's Ways

B. We are “born after the Spirit” as was Isaac

When we believe on Christ, the Spirit comes to dwell within us (). We are “born after the Spirit” as was Isaac (). It is the Holy Spirit in the heart who gives assurance of salvation (); and it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to live for Christ and glorify Him. The Holy Spirit is not simply a “divine influence”; He is a divine Person, just as are the Father and the Son.

28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

It is the Holy Spirit in the heart who gives assurance of salvation (); and it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to live for Christ and glorify Him. The Holy Spirit is not simply a “divine influence”; He is a divine Person, just as are the Father and the Son.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc

C. It is the Holy Spirit in the heart who gives assurance of salvation

6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

D. It is the Holy Spirit who enables us to live for Christ and glorify Him. The Holy Spirit is not simply a “divine influence”; He is a divine Person, just as are the Father and the Son.

****Not Only Should We Walk Thru the Spirit,But ...

2 And many nations shall come, and say,

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 716). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

And he will teach us of his ways,ntain of the Lord, And to the house of the God of Jacob;

And to the house of the God of Jacob;

They also do no iniquity:

And he will teach us of his ways,

III.The Christian walk Is in God's Ways

And we will walk in his paths:

For the law shall go forth of Zion,

3 They also do no iniquity:

And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

(KJV) 6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

2 And many nations shall come, and say,

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. They also do no iniquity:

They walk in his ways.

Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

And to the house of the God of Jacob;

4 Thou hast commanded us

And he will teach us of his ways,

And we will walk in his paths:

To keep thy precepts diligently.

For the law shall go forth of Zion,

And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

(KJV) 6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

(KJV) 22 For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;

God doesn’t expect us to know everything and of course we don’t, but He is able and willing to teach us if we are receptive to Him.

IV. Is by Faith

(KJV) 4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

****All we have said today is important in the Christians walk, but I think that this is the beginning of it all...

IV. The Christian walk is by Faith

In order to walk the Christian walk, we have to be a Christian...

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

IV. Is by Faith

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:

walking with God Enoch

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:

There are many things in the Bible that cannot be explained by logic. Miracles are only one of them. Jesus raising people from the dead. We have to have faith to believe.

Walking by faith means living life in light of eternal consequences. To walk by faith is to fear God more than man; to obey the Bible even when it conflicts with man’s commands; to choose righteousness over sin, no matter what the cost; to trust God in every circumstance; and to believe God rewards those who seek Him, regardless of who says otherwise

.

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

walking with God Enoch

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, qthat he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

It requires faith to live God’s way, because we cannot see, hear, or touch anything spiritual. When we base our lives on the truth of God’s Word, rather than on the popular philosophy of our day, we are going against our natural inclinations. Our natural instincts may be to horde money, but walking by faith says we should "give to those in need" (; ).

walking with God Enoch

To walk by faith requires that we tune our hearts to the voice of the Holy Spirit and the truth of His Word.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

We choose to live according to what God reveals to us, rather than trust our own understanding

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths

Walking by faith and not by sight requires you to go to a place you do not know, one that God will reveal as you walk in obedience. Just look to Abraham as an example.

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

INTRO: How far can you walk? one block, two? one mile, ten? We used to be a nation of people who walked, but now are a nation dependent upon the automobile. We used to be a church of people who walked with God, but now what are we?

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

How far can you walk? one block, two? one mile, ten? We used to be a nation of people who walked, but now are a nation dependent upon the automobile. We used to be a church of people who walked with God, but now what are we?

Can a Christian have a private fellowship with God, to the exclusion of others? Can we ignore other Christians and be real Christians? There are three things in this text that tell us about the walk of the Christian life. They are the conditions of fellowship with God and man.

I. WALK IN THE LIGHT (vv. 5-7).

This letter was written to Christians in a world where there was a real fear of darkness. Evil was associated with it. Modern man, with his electric lighting, has a hard time understanding how societies were developed around the idea. When night came, men slept, or watched in anxiety or fear of the dark. John tells us that God is more than just light. There is no darkness (evil) at all in Him. He says: “You claim to be sons of God, Light has enlightened you, do your actions show this?”

The key to this prisoner’s freedom was the admission of his guilt.

ILLUS: In the early days of the energy shortage of our country when the cities turned off the street lights the crime rate rose in those cities. They had to leave the street lights on in order to reduce the crime rate.

As modern day Christians, we need to ask ourselves the same questions John asked these early Christians (see question above). If we claim to have fellowship with God who is light, how can we have darkness (evil) in our lives? Some of the deeds we do, some of the things we say, some of our attitudes reflect darkness not light.

II. WALK WITH ONE ANOTHER (v. 7).

John was writing to enlightened Christians. His use of the personal pronoun “we” shows that he included himself in their fellowship. All Christians are to have fellowship with one another. It is theoretically possible to have fellowship with God and not with man (John on the Isle of Patmos), but John longed for the day he could fellowship with man again.

ILLUS: One of the astronauts talked of the feelings of being alone while the other men were on the surface of the moon. He said it was the worst feeling he had ever had.

It is inconceivable to N. T. Christianity that Christians could voluntarily live in isolation from one another, but this happens all the time in the modern church.When we fail the test of fellowship, we have caused disruption to the well being of the church. Our forgiveness of sin is conditional upon our fellowship with each other.

III. WALK IN FORGIVENESS (vv. 8-10).

And lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

John tells those early Christians that God is a forgiving God. In order to be forgiven by God, the Christian must confess his sins. Before he can confess them, he must first admit them. To refuse to admit them makes God a liar.

12 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

ILLUS: “I PLEAD GUILTY!” The great “prince of preachers” Charles Haddon Spurgeon used to tell this story: “A certain duke once boarded a galley ship. As he passed the crew of slaves, he asked several of them what their offenses were. Almost every man claimed he was innocent. They laid the blame on someone else or accused the judge of yielding to bribery. One young fellow, however, spoke out, ‘Sir, I deserve to be here. I stole some money. No one is at fault but myself. I’m guilty.’ Upon hearing this, the duke seized him by the shoulder and shouted, ‘You scoundrel, you! What are you doing here with all these honest men? Get out of their company at once!’ He was then set at liberty while the rest were left to tug at the oars.”The key to this prisoner’s freedom was the admission of his guilt.

he passed the crew of slaves, he asked several of them what their offenses were. Almost every man claimed he was innocent. They laid the blame on someone else or accused the judge of yielding to bribery. One young fellow, however, spoke out, ‘Sir, I deserve to be here. I stole some money. No one is at fault but myself. I’m guilty.’ Upon hearing this, the duke seized him by the shoulder and shouted, ‘You scoundrel, you! What are you doing here with all these honest men? Get out of their company at once!’ He was then set at liberty while the rest were left to tug at the oars.”The key to this prisoner’s freedom was the admission of his guilt.

CONC: It is surprising how many people today do not feel the need of confessing sin. Also, many do not believe they commit sin. Not to admit our sins, is to call God a liar. The hardest words to say are the words “I’m sorry.”

Conclusion: Walking the Christian walk is not easy, and as I said before, we cannot do it in our own power and strength.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,

Walking by faith means you have the courage to stand up for the hurting, broken, and down-trodden, to face death yourself for the good of others. Look at Esther and how she risked the death penalty to save the Jews. You just may have to play the part of a fool. Think about Noah building an ark for a flood when it had never even rained on earth. Think about Abraham clinging to the promise that he would be the father of many nations even though he was childless at the age of 100. Think about Moses standing before the Israelites in the wilderness telling them they would eat meat until it disgusted them but having no idea where that meat would come from. Think about Joshua marching around the walls of Jericho as God had told him to and wondering what good it was going to do.

Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe that thou mayest understand. Augustine.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

****Walking the Christian walk Takes Courage and a Lack of fear of what man can do to you. In Walking the Christian Walk, we must know and place in our heart a few facts...

Augustine.

And he shall direct thy paths.

****Walking the Christian walk Takes Courage and a Lack of fear of what man can do to you. In Walking the Christian Walk, we must know and place in our heart a few facts...

You just may have to play the part of a fool. Think about Noah building an ark for a flood when it had never even rained on earth. Think about Abraham clinging to the promise that he would be the father of many nations even though he was childless at the age of 100. Think about Moses standing before the Israelites in the wilderness telling them they would eat meat until it disgusted them but having no idea where that meat would come from. Think about Joshua marching around the walls of Jericho as God had told him to and wondering what good it was going to do.Conclusion: Walking the Christian walk is not easy, and as I said before, we cannot do it in our own power and strength. We must have faith in God and the Truth of the Bible.

Conclusion: Walking the Christian walk is not easy, and as I said before, we cannot do it in our own power and strength. We must have faith in God and the Truth of the Bible.

Enoch was a witness for God. Enoch walked with God, he was well-pleasing to God, and lastly, he was a witness for God. As Enoch walked with God and pleased Him, he had a testimony and a witness.

Stan Mikita, a star center for the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, used to get in a lot of fights during games. He stopped one day when his daughter, Meg, who was eight at the time, asked a very grown up question: “How can you score a goal, Daddy, when you’re in the penalty box all the time?”

Every Christian has a testimony. People are watching us. They are observing us. And we should give a lot of thought to that. Before we can effectively witness for God, we must first walk with Him.

Because Enoch walked with God, he saw this world for what it was. Do you?

If I might rephrase the question, How can you work for the Lord if you aren’t walking with the Lord? If you have trusted in Christ, you’re on His team. You’re in the ministry. You are as responsible as I am before God to fulfill your ministry. To do it, pay attention to your walk with Christ; that’s the foundation. And, pay attention to your work for Him. Don’t neglect the gift He has entrusted to you.