2008-12-12 - Our Walk

Ephesians is a great book. It's my favorite for a couple reasons. First, I am a geek who loves swords and armor so I love Ephesians 6:10-18. In addition, Ephesians is what I call "Christianity 101". It is rare among the Pauline epistles in that it was not written to a church to correct some problem but simply to instruct them how to live the Christian life. I highly recommend everyone read and study this book.

Having said that, I just want to focus on a single part of this wonderful book over the next couple of weeks. Chapter 3 closes with the church's purpose: "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages". (Ephesians 3:21a) We, the church, are to glorify God through Jesus. With this goal established, Paul switches from mostly doctrine to mostly application at chapter 4. Paul begins with a challenge to walk the walk and talk the talk.

Ephesians 4:1 (MSG) - In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk-better yet, run!-on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere.

With all that we know, we are to follow God down whatever path he may lead.

Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV) - Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

While we are on that path, we're to be humble, gentle, patient, tolerant, and peaceful. This sounds a lot like the description of love Paul gave the church at Corinth. (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.) Love makes all these possible. Since God is love, this then is how we walk in the ways of God himself. As we endeavor to walk as Christ walked, we are to keep the unity of the Spirit.

Next week I hope to continue with our unity. Until then.

IHFHBOH
Adam

acdum@hotmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All scripture references from KJV unless otherwise noted

2018-09-14