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.

In chapter 2, the Apostle Paul explained that before a person puts their faith in Jesus, they are spiritually dead.  Unbelievers live life walking "following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience" (2:2).  "But God" has "made us alive together with Christ" (2:4-5).  In chapter 3, we are challenged to put God's grace that saved and changed our lives into action.

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.  All of us need learn from those with speaking gifts (v.11).  Their purpose in ministry to us is to teach and equip us to maturity in our faith (vv.12-15).  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, all the time, not sometimes, not just on Sunday mornings, "true righteousness and holiness"; "the likeness of God."  A man who claims to be a Christian is to be known by others as a man of God.  A woman who claims to be a follower of Jesus is to be known by others as a woman 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.

Romans 12:2 reinforces this same teaching.  "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect,"