When Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians, the church there was experiencing difficulties. Jewish leaders were trying to bind their Jewish traditions on the Gentile converts. Paul warned the Jews of their legalism. He told the Gentiles to avoid falling under this influence. He reminded them both of their common salvation (Ephesians 4:3). He admonished them to take special care in their Christian walk.
The Christian Walk is...
Not according to the world (Ephesians 2:1-3)
For the Chrisitan, the world was once a place to walk, but not anymore. The Christian has a new walk - a new way of living.In good works (Ephesians 2:10)
The Ephesians were expected to do good works, but were also reminded them that these works were not be boasted about. Paul reminded them that in times past they were nothing, so boasting in a work would not have brought about a right relation with God. They could not save themselves in their boasting over a good work, nor can we today.Worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1)
None of us, by our own merit, are worthy of Christ. It is through obedience to Christ we become worthy, but we need to come before God with an attitude of lowliness and meekness. This is part of our worthiness.Not as other Gentiles (Ephesians 4:17)
The "other" gentiles refer to those Gentiles who were not Christians. These others were still vain in their minds. They were still ignorant and blind in their hearts. Are we, as Christians today, still keeping our promise to walk differently than we once walked?In love (Ephesians 5:1,2)
It was the amazing love which God had for us that allowed for the giving of His Son. It was Christ's love which was willing to give Himself. DO we really appreciate this great love? Do we appreciate what was given on our behalf?As children of light (Ephesians 5:8)
Christians are the light of the world. As a Christian, does the world see you walking in the light?Not as fools (Ephesians 5:15-17)
Pagan philosophy was the way of fools. Christian philosophy was the wisdom which came from God, is still so today. To spend time on the worldly things of life is to walk foolishly. Are we looking circumspectly in our walk? Are we looking "around" (circum) ourselves for the dangers of the world?We all leave paths where we have walked - some are straight and some are crooked. Where have our footsteps lead? Where are they leading? Are we on the broad path that leads to destruction or are we on the narrow path leading to life?
Ephesians 2:1-3
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
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:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.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 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
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 5:1,2
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
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 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
Ephesians 5:15-17
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
