Walk the Walk — Part 2

Walk the Walk – Part 2

-Identity (ī-ˈden-tə-tē): the truth of who I am (including who I perceive myself to be) that alerts me to my personal value, directs my personal choices, and determines the direction of my .

*In at least 7 occurrences in this letter to the Ephesian believers, Paul references the idea of walking:

– περί πατέω (peripateō) — to make one’s way, progress; to make due use of opportunities (Eph. 2:2, 10; 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15)

I. Our Identity Calls Us to a Better of Life (5:1-17)

1. Jesus died to you from sin’s control. (2) – Christ…hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

2. Because of Jesus you don’t have to give in to personal . (3) – But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints

3. Gratitude resets your patterns. (4) – Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

4. Heart are crucified with Christ. (5) – For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

5. Don’t let your down with sin. (6-7) – Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

6. God has your product. (8-10) – For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

7. We are called to each other up to sin’s dangers. (11-14) – And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

The man who is asleep does not care what becomes of his neighbors; how can he while he is asleep? And oh! Some of you Christians do not care whether souls are saved or damned… It is enough for them if they are comfortable. If they can attend a respectable place of worship and go with others to heaven, they are indifferent about everything else.” (Spurgeon)

8. is vital to Christ-identified living. (15-17) – 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.

*Discussion: What are some examples of life-choices believers make that are in opposition to Christ-identified living?

** To continue in sin calls for either an examination of the authenticity one’s salvation or of one’s sinful choices within the Christian life.

II. Our Identity Calls Us to a Better (5:18-21)

1. We must our life’s influence. (18) – And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

A. Just say “no” to every influence but the Holy Spirit.

B. This is a choice that must be made .

2. God wants to use YOU in the influence process. (19) – Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

A. Our communication should be God-influenced and -influencing.

B. worship must be a regular part of life.

3. is an important influence factor. (20) – Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

A. Gratitude is always warranted.

B. is always the Object of our gratitude.

4. is part of God’s plan for renewal. (21) – Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

A. No believer is exempt from submission to one another.

B. All submission is God-oriented.

*Discussion: What are some practical thoughts or habits that you have found to be helpful in resisting all influences other than the Holy Spirit?