These Shoes Were Made For Walking 7 Walks in Ephesians Introductory Thoughts

Before John penned Revelation, Paul had written to the Church at Ephesus about walking with God. Paul informs them of 7 ways of walking. Some are positive. Some are negative. Each should admonish us to examine how we are walking today. Walking in Disobedience Ephesians 2:1-2

The behavior of children of disobedience – Ephesians 5:3-5. The results of being children of disobedience – Ephesians 5:5-6 – James 1:13-15. Three guides will help you walk in disobedience.

Satan – 1 Peter 5:8 – The World – 1 John 2:15-16 The Flesh – Galatians 5:19-21 We must replace our conformity to the world – Romans 12:2. Walking in Good Works Ephesians 2:10

What is the purpose of Christians letting their lights shine? – Matthew 5:16 How is God able to help us walk in good works? 2 Corinthians 9:8 Scripture thoroughly furnishes a person to all good works – 2 Timothy 2:15-17. Every Christian must live a habitual life of good works.

Toward God – Colossians 3:24 Toward Our Fellow Man – Galatians 6:10 Walking Worthy Ephesians 4:1-2

By walking in the light of Christ – 1 John 1:7. This walk involves our total being – Philippians 1:19-21. Paul gave instructions on how to accomplish this walk in verses 2-3.

Lowliness – Gentleness – Longsuffering – Forbearance – Endeavoring The end of verse 3 tells the results of walking worthy.

Peace and Unity Walking in Vanity Ephesians 4:17

Worldly wisdom hinders the Godly life – 1 Corinthians 1:21 Notice how God looks upon the world's wisdom – 1 Corinthians 3:19 The characteristics of worldly wisdom – James 3:14-16. We as Christians may be lured into vanity – 2 Peter 2. The result of vain walking – 2 Peter 2:20-21. Walking in Love Ephesians 5:2

Notice the extent of this love. Ephesians 5:2 – John 13:34 – Romans 5:8 This love is perfected in us as we love one another – 1 John 4:12 Love is the bond of perfection – Colossians 3:14. Love defined – 1 Corinthians 13. A walk in love will show the world who we are – John 13:35. Walking as Children of Light Ephesians 5:8

How do you begin the walk of light?

Hear the Word – Believe the Word Repent - Confess Christ Be Immersed for forgiveness of sins We must not live in a way that endorses darkness – Ephesians 5:11-12. Walk so the glory goes to God – Matthew 5:14-16. Avoid willful sin – Hebrews 10:19-27. Walking Circumspectly Ephesians 5:14-16

Christians must be awake to our responsibilities.

Worship – Support – Unity – Example Christians must be awake to the challenge of the devil.

Circumspectly – Walking with a constant eye on your surroundings. Christians must be awake looking for opportunities to do good.

Use our time wisely. Living in sin is living in a state of wastefulness. Closing Thoughts

We should all strive to walk as Christ walked. A faithful walk results in God’s faithfulness of giving the reward of heaven. We can walk as God would have us walk if we put on the whole armor of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17 Which walk are you taking today?