WALKING IN EPHESIANS
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Ephesians 2:2 |
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Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. KJV |
In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. NIV |
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Proverbs 4:19 |
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The way of the wicked is as darkness, they know not at what they stumble. KJV |
But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. NIV |
It has been said that the course of this world is like the course of the River Jordan – crooked and both speak of death. It is only because of the wonderful power of Salvation brought about by the death of Christ on the Cross that we can say we have been brought from death into life.
That we should Walk in Good Works.
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Ephesians 2:10 |
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We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. KJV |
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV |
As a result of the Salvation received from Jesus, we are His workmanship. He has made us into something new! We have been saved FOR good works; we therefore bring forth the fruit of good works.
That we Walk Worthy of the Vocation Wherewith Ye are Called.
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2 Corinthians 5:17 |
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We are a new creation in Christ, old things have passed away and all things have become new. KJV |
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! NIV |
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Ephesians 4:1 |
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I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. KJV |
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. NIV |
Here Paul urges us to walk worthy of the call we have received through Jesus. The word vocation must not be confused with the word vacation (which so many are inclined to do!). Vocation means: calling, aptitude, talent, and ability, they are attributes we all possess and must not be forgotten even if we are on vacation.
That we Walk Not as Other Gentiles in the Vanity of Their Minds.
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Ephesians 4:17 |
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This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. KJV |
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. NIV |
It amazes me how those who are not saved care so little about their eternal destination. As the Christian author Dave Hunt put it: They spend more time researching what their next car will be rather than where they will spend eternity. The vanity of the human mind knows no bounds.
That we Walk in Love.
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Ephesians 5:1-2 |
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Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath given Himself for us… KJV |
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us… NIV |
The more we follow Christ the more we learn of Him and His ways. The more we get to know Christ the more we realise just what He has done for us. The more we walk as He wants us to walk, the more we will want to love Him and others.
That we Walk as Children of Light.
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Ephesians 5:8 |
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For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. KJV |
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. NIV |
When a person comes to Christ, it is as if a light has been turned on in their minds. They begin to see things a little clearer. They once walked in darkness, now they are walking with Jesus who is the Light! Find Him and you will find the Light. Follow Him and you will find your way.
That we Walk Circumspectly (Accurately).
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Ephesians 5:15 |
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See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. KJV |
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise NIV |
The word Circumspectly means accurately which is the outcome of walking cautiously and carefully. We are not to walk as fools do. Fools walk as if they do not have a care in the world, when in fact there is an ever-present danger lurking around every corner. Who knows when you will depart this earth for eternity?
THE 7 WALKS – We should walk:
| According to the Course of the World. |
The Sinful Walk |
| In Good Works. |
Service Filled Walk |
| Worthy of the Vocation Wherewith Ye are Called. |
The Sanctified Walk |
| Not as Other Gentiles in the Vanity of Their Minds. |
The Sightless Walk |
| In Love. |
The Sacrificial Walk |
| As Children of Light. |
The Sure Walk |
| Circumspectly (Accurately). |
The Straight Walk |
Note: There are 5 Positive Walks and 2 Negative Walks.
May the Lord help each and every one of us to walk as He would have us walk and that our conduct will bring Glory to Him and Him alone.