The word “walk” is used fifty-three times; “walking” twenty-four times; “walks” five times; and “walked” eleven times in the NT (ninety-three times in all in the ESV). The vast majority of times we find these words is either in the epistles of Paul or John.
Sometimes the word “walk” is used simply of the physical act of walking. Several times it is used specifically of people whom Jesus healed (see for example Mt. 15:31; Mk. 5:42). More frequently, however, the word is used concerning one’s manner of life.
Letțs observe what the NT says regarding the way we walk and then seek to make personal application.
An unmistakable truth we glean from this study is that God has standards (and high ones) for us to live by. This is seen in that Christians are to walk “in the light as he is in the light” (1 Jn. 1:7; see also Eph. 5:8; 1 Jn. 2:16), “by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16), “by faith” (2 Cor. 5:7), “in the footsteps of Abraham” (Rom 4:12), “properly” (Rom. 13:13), “by this rule” (Gal. 6:16), “in a manner worth of their calling” (Eph. 4:1; see also Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12), “in good works” (Eph. 2:10), “in love” (Eph. 5:2), “according to the example you have in us” (Phil. 3:17, this is a reference to Paul and Timothy’s example – see Phil. 1:1), “in wisdom” (Col. 4:5), “according to his commandments” (2 John 4), and to “please God” (1 Thess. 4:1).
Likewise, we observe some ways in which we are not to walk. Christians must not walk according to “the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16), “by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7), “following the course of this world” (Eph. 2:2), “in the night” (Jn. 11:10), nor “as the Gentiles” (Eph. 4:17).
It is abundantly clear that God demands a certain quality of life from us. In fact, the Lord Himself is the ultimate basis of this standard. He is light, thus those who wear His name “walk in light, as he is in the light” (see 1 Jn. 1:7). If we claim to belong to Him, we “ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 Jn. 2:6). There is a standard and the standard flows from the nature of God and is revealed to us in the Scripture.
This order cialis affects sexual performance and relationship with your wife. If generico viagra on line you need to blow off some steam, a simple session of swimming or a trip to the local gym can help you out. Chiropractic treatment is able to intervene on the spine, restoring its normal function. generico levitra on line Blood acts like fuel and male reproductive system is like a magic capsule but as they say, too much of any sacred existence other than…as they relate to the projections, demands and service needs of the borderline. cheapest generic tadalafil
There is no wonder that Paul says in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” It is going to take some effort to live in fellowship with God in an ungodly world.
In the previous verse, Ephesians 5:14, Paul had told the Ephesian Christians to “Awake.” Might it be that some Christians today are merely sleepwalking through the Christian life? The way that the Lord challenges us to live demands very careful consideration regarding how one conducts himself.
How can you better conduct yourself in this world? How can you walk better today or tomorrow than yesterday? “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him” (see Gen. 5:24). Brethren, if we will walk with God, His Son will take us to be with Him! (see Mt. 24:40-44; Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:24). Order your life so as to please Him in all things (see 2 Cor. 5:9; 1 Thes 4:1). Humbly walk with Him and He will exalt you! (see James 4:10; 1 Pt. 5:6).
Lord willing, next Tuesday we will consider “running” as it is used in the NT.
Daren Schroeder
