Learning to Walk

According to a recent Barna research study, spiritual growth does not matter to most people.

This is especially true if a person is not trusted Jesus as Savior.

It may also be the case if a person is content with mere formal Christianity, has moved away from their initial decision, or is in a spiritual rut.

But spiritual growth is normal for followers of Jesus.

Growth naturally follows birth.

Evidences of growth should be seen in all of us continually. So… Let’s learn to walk… But how does this walk look?

Ephesians 5:1–16 NKJV

1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Walk in Love (v. 2)

Walk in Love (v. 2)

Ephesians 5:1–2 NKJV

1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

In applying his doctrines, Paul now for the third time used the term for “walk” (peripateō, trans. “live” in some translations; 4:1, 17; 5:2). This is the third section in his discussion on the conduct of believers. God’s children are to walk (live) in unity, in holiness, and in love.

Each Christian should be an imitator of God because he/she is God’s child. As a child imitates their parents, so ought a believer to imitate God. (cf. ; )

In applying his doctrines, Paul now for the third time used the term for “walk” (peripateō, trans. “live” in some translations; 4:1, 17; 5:2). This is the third section in his discussion on the conduct of believers. God’s children are to walk (live) in unity, in holiness, and in love.

The “and” in verse 2 should be translated “that is” in order to convey the idea that explains how a believer is to imitate God: by walking in love. The supreme example of this love is Christ’s love for His own (sacrifice).

A. This love is proof of genuine faith.

Proof of discipleship ()

John 13:35 NKJV

35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Proof of new life ()

1 John 3:14 NKJV

14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

Proof of the Holy Spirit within ()

1 Peter 1:22 NKJV

22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

B. How does walking in love affect our disposition and conduct?

Greater concern for others

Greater kindness in speaking and acting

Greater compassion for those in trouble

For all these we have the example of Jesus.

C. To sum this up, we can imitate God by loving others, even to the point of death if necessary ()

Walk as Children of Light (v. 8)

Ephesians 5:8 NKJV

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

The behavior of followers of Jesus should correspond with our positions. Since we are children of light, and our very nature is spiritual light, we are to live accordingly ()

A. This command is covered in verses 3-14)

B. Light and darkness is contrasted

Light speaks of God and His righteousness

Darkness speaks of Satan and all evil

For a commentary on this walk, see .

C. Notice how darkness is described in our text for this morning.

Fornication (sexual immorality), uncleanness (impurity) and covetousness (greed) (v. 3)

Filthiness (obscene stories), foolish talking, jesting (course jokes) (v. 4)

Whoremongers (immoral ones), unclean persons (impure), covetous persons (greedy), Paul goes on to explain that greedy people are idolators, because they worship the things of this world. (v. 5)

D. In contrast, notice how light is described

Goodness, righteousness and truth (v. 9)

What is acceptable to the Lord (v. 10)

Rejecting and exposing the works of darkness (v. 11)

E. Christ is the source of light (v. 14)

Walk Carefully (v. 15)

Ephesians 5:15 NKJV

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Ephesians 5:15–16 NKJV

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

The adverb “carefully” or circumspectly, literally means “accurately”

As believers, we are to live carefully, so as to be wise or skillful and thus please God. The manner for this careful, precise walk is making the right use of every opportunity (cf. ) and the reason for this careful walk is that the days are evil.

Many are walking in sin, and since the time is short, followers of Jesus must make full use of their time to help turn them from darkness to light. This necessitates wise conduct.

A. We are to be walking with our eyes open and alert to what is going on.

Have eyes open to the needs of others

Have eyes open to the will of God

Have eyes open to the signs of the times

B. This careful walk is one that seizes opportunities to share our faith with others.

Realizing the time is short

Realizing the seriousness of the situation.

Conclusion:

A. How’s your walk?

B. The call to proper walking:

In love

In light

Looking around