Learning to Walk

Read Ephesian 4.

One of the exciting moments in parenting is when the baby takes those first steps.  In time, the child is expected to do much more than wobble for a few feet.  The parents look forward to seeing them run.  The walking comparison is used in the New Testament regarding spiritual growth and living as a follower of Jesus.

Chapter 4 begins in verse 1 with "therefore."  Based upon what was written in the first three chapters, the last three chapters become very personal.  These are instructions on how to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."  Since we are individually gifted by God to serve Him effectively, we are to grow up.  This is done as we mutually utilize our gifts for each other in the local church.  Then, we are to serve one another with the gifts God has given to us.  Such maturation takes place in a gathering of committed believers.  Notice how crucial each member of the local church is to the health of the congregation.  "From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly..." (v.16)

Learning to walk as a believer in Jesus and then helping others to follow in your footsteps is what every church member is to be pursuing.  Living in a manner that pleases God requires decided and continuous acts of discipline.
1. Put off the old self. (vv.17-22)
We are no longer allowed to walk like those who do not know Christ.  All of us enter the Christian life with certain vocabulary words, ways of thinking, a world view, personal habits, sinful behaviors, and selfish motives that offend the holiness of God.  Those are sins that nailed Jesus to the cross (Isaiah 53).  Before Christ, these things did not bother us because of the "hardness of heart" and callousness in our thinking.  Sometimes these changes may happen instantly upon salvation.  But there is usually one or more of these "old self" elements that linger.  It is our duty in Christ to daily confront our temptations to sin and flee them.

2. Put on the new self. (vv.23-24)
In other words, we are to practice "true righteousness and holiness"; "the likeness of God."  One who claims to be a Christian is to be known by others as a person of God.  How does this happen?  First, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us.  We must listen moment by moment for His voice in our conscience reminding us of right from wrong.  Second, we must exercise moment by moment obedience to the holiness of God in our thinking, words, and actions.  There is no substitute for the daily intake of reading and studying the Scriptures to renew our minds.

3. Put away the old responses and practice the new. (vv.25-32)
To be specific, the Holy Spirit had Paul write down ten examples of sinful behaviors that we are no longer allowed to do.  Lying, anger (twice), stealing, offensive and condemning vocabulary, grieving the Holy Spirit, bitterness, wrath, clamor, slander, and malice.  Each of these comes with a contrasting response of a true follower of Christ.  Speak truth, do not hold on to anger, work so you  may share when others are in need, speak in a constructive way that ministers grace to others, be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.