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Walk

Walk
August 13, 2017

 Ephesians 5:1-21

“Look carefully then how you walk . . .” 

Are You Walking with the Right Examples?

Imitating God

“. . .be imitators of God . . .” (v1)

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Imitating other believers

“. . .as is proper among saints.” (v3)

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

       Imitating those still in darkness

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them.” (v6-7) 

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) 

Are You Walking in the Right Direction?

          In the light

“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” (v8-10) 

“For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling that I may walk before God in the light of life.” (Ps. 56:13)

          In the darkness

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,‘ Awake, O sleeper and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” (v11-14) 

“The light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” (John 3:19) 

Are You Walking with the Right Purpose?

          With a lifestyle of worship

“. . .addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (v19-21) 

“. . .And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

   With a wise use of time

. . . not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (v15-17) 

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6)