the seven walks of ephesians the seven walks of ephesians

The Seven Walks

of Ephesians

The Seven Walks

of Ephesians

Continue our look at “sevens” of the Bible in ‘07Continue our look at “sevens” of the Bible in ‘07

In the book of Ephesians, “walk” appears in seven places

In the book of Ephesians, “walk” appears in seven places“Walk” is found six times and “walked” appears once“Walk” is found six times and “walked” appears once

Can learn much about Christian life by observing these seven “walks” of Ephesians

Can learn much about Christian life by observing these seven “walks” of Ephesians

Walking in

Disobedience

Walking in

Disobedience

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 2:2

When they thus walked, they were “dead in sins”When they thus walked, they were “dead in sins”

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Ephesians 2:1

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Ephesians 2:1


Later in this letter, some matters are specified in which these “children of disobedience” walked


But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Ephesians 5:3, 4

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Ephesians 5:3, 4



Later in this letter, some matters are specified in which these “children of disobedience” walkedWe also discover the outcome of the “children of disobedience”

We also discover the outcome of the “children of disobedience”

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. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:5, 6

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. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:5, 6



Later in this letter, some matters are specified in which these “children of disobedience” walkedWe also discover the outcome of the “children of disobedience”

We also discover the outcome of the “children of disobedience”Christians are not to participate in such mattersChristians are not to participate in such matters

Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:7

Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:7

Walking in

Good Works

Walking in

Good Works

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

This passage follows Paul’s famous statement regarding grace


For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8, 9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8, 9


This passage follows Paul’s famous statement regarding graceBy the way they approach the subject of grace, some would practically teach a contradiction between these two statements

By the way they approach the subject of grace, some would practically teach a contradiction between these two statements

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10


This passage follows Paul’s famous statement regarding graceBy the way they approach the subject of grace, some would practically teach a contradiction between these two statements

By the way they approach the subject of grace, some would practically teach a contradiction between these two statementsIn their minds grace excludes any and every idea that there is anything for man to “do”

In their minds grace excludes any and every idea that there is anything for man to “do”

However, the fact that we can do nothing to deserve God’s grace does not mean that there is nothing we have to do to acquire His grace

However, the fact that we can do nothing to deserve God’s grace does not mean that there is nothing we have to do to acquire His graceGod’s grace has appeared unto all, yet not all will be saved

God’s grace has appeared unto all, yet not all will be saved

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:11

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:11

However, the fact that we can do nothing to deserve God’s grace does not mean that there is nothing we hav eto do to acquire His grace

However, the fact that we can do nothing to deserve God’s grace does not mean that there is nothing we hav eto do to acquire His graceGod’s grace has appeared unto all, yet not all will be saved

God’s grace has appeared unto all, yet not all will be savedThus, in order to acquire God’s grace, there must be something else involved other than the availability of His grace

Thus, in order to acquire God’s grace, there must be something else involved other than the availability of His grace

Noah stands as an example of the correlation between God’s giving of His grace and man’s obedience in enjoying the benefits of His grace


But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Genesis 6:8

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Genesis 6:8

Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Genesis 6:22

Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Genesis 6:22

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Hebrews 11:7


Noah stands as an example of the correlation between God’s giving of His grace and man’s obedience in enjoying the benefits of His graceDid Noah’s doing what God told him to do negate the grace God offered?

Did Noah’s doing what God told him to do negate the grace God offered?Would God have saved Noah if he had refused to do what God commanded him to do?

Would God have saved Noah if he had refused to do what God commanded him to do?

We are indeed “saved by grace,” but not by grace alone

We are indeed “saved by grace,” but not by grace alone

God’s unmerited favor is not deserved but His will must be obeyed in order for it to be acquired

God’s unmerited favor is not deserved but His will must be obeyed in order for it to be acquired

We must walk in good works We must walk in good works

Walking

Worthy

Walking

Worthy

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.

Ephesians 4:1

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.

Ephesians 4:1

The word translated “worthy” is the same root word as the negative form “unworthily” of I Corinthians 11


Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

I Corinthians 11:27

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

I Corinthians 11:27


The word translated “worthy” is the same root word as the negative form “unworthily” of I Corinthians 11Thus, it demonstrates a manner in which we are to walk- “worthy manner”- not an indication that we are worthy so to walk

Thus, it demonstrates a manner in which we are to walk- “worthy manner”- not an indication that we are worthy so to walkWe are undeserving of that worthy name of Christian, but we can walk in a worthy fashion as we carry that name

We are undeserving of that worthy name of Christian, but we can walk in a worthy fashion as we carry that name

Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

James 2:7

Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

James 2:7

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:37, 38

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:37, 38

Walking in

Vanity

Walking in

Vanity

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Ephesians 4:17

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Ephesians 4:17

As seen, prior to their conversion these people were “dead in trespasses and sin” (Eph. 2:1), “walked according to the course of this world” (Eph. 2:2) and were “the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2)

As seen, prior to their conversion these people were “dead in trespasses and sin” (Eph. 2:1), “walked according to the course of this world” (Eph. 2:2) and were “the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2)They, too, had once walked “in the vanity of their mind” (Eph. 4:17), but must no longer do so

They, too, had once walked “in the vanity of their mind” (Eph. 4:17), but must no longer do so

“Vanity” carries the idea of emptiness, aimlessness, leading to no object


Solomon knew all too well the foolishness of such vain pursuits


Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 2:17

Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 2:17





The summation of the majority of the Gentile world in Paul’s day pictured such emptiness

The summation of the majority of the Gentile world in Paul’s day pictured such emptiness

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:21, 22

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:21, 22

Christians have purpose to and meaning in lifeChristians have purpose to and meaning in life

Rather than being aimless and without objective, we are guided by truth to eternal principles and a walk that is not in vain

Rather than being aimless and without objective, we are guided by truth to eternal principles and a walk that is not in vain

O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Jeremiah 10:23

O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Jeremiah 10:23

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

Walking in

Love

Walking in

Love

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Ephesians 5:2

This statement comes on the heels of the command to “Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children” (Eph. 5:1)

This statement comes on the heels of the command to “Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children” (Eph. 5:1)

The entire life of Christ on the earth was one great act of love for man

The entire life of Christ on the earth was one great act of love for manHe healed, forgave, had compassion, went about doing good, had concern for the “nobodies”

He healed, forgave, had compassion, went about doing good, had concern for the “nobodies”

He exemplified by His life that love is not abstract; it is not a mere sentiment or emotion


Love is an action, a walk in which Christians are to be engaged constantly


Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

I John 4:10, 11

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

I John 4:10, 11




Love is an action, a walk in which Christians are to be engaged constantlyLike Him, we must have compassion, forgive, do good, be concerned about those for whom others have no concern

Like Him, we must have compassion, forgive, do good, be concerned about those for whom others have no concern

Walking As

Children of Light

Walking As

Children of Light

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Ephesians 5:8

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Ephesians 5:8

Note that they not only walked in darkness, but were said to be darkness

Note that they not only walked in darkness, but were said to be darkness

In contrast, they were now “light in the Lord”In contrast, they were now “light in the Lord”

Certainly we must “walk in the light” (I Jn. 1:7), but we must also be a source of light ourselves

Certainly we must “walk in the light” (I Jn. 1:7), but we must also be a source of light ourselves

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14, 16

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14, 16

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.

Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.

Philippians 2:15

Our “walk” then should be consistent with what we are and in direct contrast to what we used to be

Our “walk” then should be consistent with what we are and in direct contrast to what we used to be

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:12, 13

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:12, 13

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

I Corinthians 6:9-11

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

I Corinthians 6:9-11

Walking

Circumspectly

Walking

Circumspectly

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Ephesians 5:15

The word translated “circumspectly” means exactly, diligently, perfectly

The word translated “circumspectly” means exactly, diligently, perfectlyDue diligence must be given in living the Christian life, in walking the Christian way

Due diligence must be given in living the Christian life, in walking the Christian way

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.

Hebrews 6:10, 11

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.

Hebrews 6:10, 11

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge,

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.

II Peter 1:5, 10

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge,

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.

II Peter 1:5, 10

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

II Peter 3:13, 14

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

II Peter 3:13, 14

The word translated “circumspectly” means exactly, diligently, perfectly

The word translated “circumspectly” means exactly, diligently, perfectlyDue diligence must be given in living the Christian life, in walking the Christian way

Due diligence must be given in living the Christian life, in walking the Christian way

The idea given is that we are to take special efforts to walk in accordance to His will- it is not a way that will be stumbled upon accidentally

The idea given is that we are to take special efforts to walk in accordance to His will- it is not a way that will be stumbled upon accidentally

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

Isaiah 35:8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

Isaiah 35:8

As Christians we must walk:As Christians we must walk:

In Good WorksIn Good Works

WorthyWorthy

In LoveIn Love

As Children of LightAs Children of Light

CircumspectlyCircumspectly

We must avoid walking:We must avoid walking:

In DisobedienceIn Disobedience

In VanityIn Vanity

-numerous thoughts from various writers in Studies in Ephesians, ADL 1997; Dub McClish-“Heaven’s Sevens,” Vol. 3; F. Dale Simpson

the seven walks of ephesians the seven walks of ephesians

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