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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?
Walk in Love (v. 2)
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.
Matt.
5:48; Luke 6:36)
The “and” in verse 2 should be translated “that is” in order to convey the idea that Eph.
5:2 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)
Proof of new life (1 John 3:14)
Proof of the Holy Spirit within (1 Peter 1:22)
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 (1 John 3:16)
Walk as Children of Light (v.
8)
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 (Rom.
13:12)
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 Romans 13:11-14.
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)
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.
Col. 4:5) 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
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