The Christian's Walk

Introduction

Ephesians chapters l through 3 deal with doctrine, "Riches in Christ," and the last 3 chapters deal with duty, "Responsibility in Christ." In chapters 1-3, God says, "I have made you a saint"; and in chapters 4-6, God says, "Now, live a saintly life."

I. The Plea To Walk Worthy v.1

"In a worthy manner." "Walk" - one's behavior

The Christian life we live should weigh as much as the profession of Christianity which we make. A Chinese Christian came to America and returned home to say, "To much talkie-talkie, not enough walkie-walkie." We must practice what we preach.

In verse 1 we see the word, "Therefore, " which stands as a sign board to tell us that there is no divorcement of Christian doctrine from Christian duty.

"Beseech" - divine compulsions; entreat them, to desire God's best for them, to pray for them; indicated urgency.

"Vocation" - calling; divine summons into salvation which God gives a sinner. Ephesians 2:8-9 called to be saved and serve.

Vance Havner said, "Jesus takes the disciples and makes not a depository but a dispenser out of him and through him reacts to others.

Eddie Middleton - Drifters - everywhere he turns "a cross."

II. The Plan To Walk Worthy v.2

His life - fruit of the Spirit - exchanged life

A. Lowliness 2a

Lowliness speaks of Humility. It is self-knowledge. Bernard, "It is the virtue by which a man becomes conscious of his own unworthiness, in consequence of the true knowledge of himself." To face oneself is the most humiliating thing in the world. Most of us dramatize ourselves. Of no repute; a word which describes a plant which trails along the ground.

True estimation of ourselves is needed. A deep sense of our own moral smallness and demerit is necessary. Psalms 8:3-4

B. Meekness 2b

Jesus - Matthew 11:29 - a soft wind; power under control; describes a broken horse; an animal which has been trained and domesticated until it is completely under control; not self-control but

God-controlled. Describes the man who is always angry at the right time but never angry at the wrong time. Man is kindled by indignation at the wrongs and the sufferings of others, but is never moved to anger by the wrongs and the insults he himself has to bear.

Bob Harrington at French Quarters - Bourbon Street, New Orleans. Preaching - man came and tore out pages of his Bible and poured beer on his head.

C. Long-Suffering 2c

Describes the spirit which will never give in and which, because it endures to the end, will reap the reward, long-tempered. The spirit which has a power to take revenge but never does so. The spirit which refuses to retaliate is the Christian spirit. Spirit that bears insult and injury without bitterness and without complaint. Spirit that can suffer unpleasant people with graciousness and fools without irritation.

D. Forbearing 2d

To hold oneself up against; to put up with, endure, suffer present participle - continuous repeated action; to sustain. An extraordinary patience with restraint of one's feelings.

E. Love 2e

Affection - Unconquerable benevolence; agape - means that nothing that he can do will make us seek anything but his highest good. Quality of heart and mind which compels a Christian never to feel any bitterness, never to feel any desire for revenge, but always to seek the highest good of every man no matter what he may be.

III. The Purpose Of Walking Worthy v.3

"Endeavoring" - a determined effort; to guard.

These virtues contribute toward keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace within the church. Difference in wealth, education, race, color, and social standing create the temptation to deny that unity. "Peace" - binding factor which will preserve unity which the Spirit has produced; sacred oneness. Right relationship between man and man

Selflessness is only hope.

"Am I Worthy?"

"Am I worthy, of all this praise?

Should it be my name that they all raise?

Am I the great Christian, that they say I am?

Or am I just a hypocrite, no doubt to be damned?

Am I worthy? Should I be exalted?

Or am I deceiving them?

Should my life be halted?

I feel unworthy, no matter how hard I try,

When they say that I am, I want to break down and cry.

Am I a winner, at this confusing game?

Each time they say I am, I turn way, in shame.

There are so many people, more worthy than myself,

Sometimes I feel as worthless to God, As a dusty book on a shelf.

So many opportunities, that I've let pass by,

At times I feel I'm living, one great big lie.

Maybe, I am worthy, but don't ever bother, to give me the glory,

THAT belongs to the FATHER!" Dwight Watson