EPHESIANS 4-5

In chapter 5, the idea of "walking" is developed extensively. Before he does that, Paul will show the Ephesians (and us) how not to walk. Hear it in 4:17: "Walk not as other Gentiles walk." To do so would put the Ephesians on the same plane as those who were unconverted. Several things are observed about such people. First, they walk in the vanity of their mind. Next, they have the understanding darkened, resulting in alienation from God (v. 18). Going on, they were past feeling (v. 19), were lascivious, and were filled with uncleanness and greediness. God's people should not be involved in such a walk! In chapter five, Paul will describe the way the Christian should walk, discussing it from three perspectives.

Ephesians 5:1-2. After insisting that God should be imitated in our life, the apostle then says to "walk in love." Since "walk" denotes the entire round of the Christian's life, love should be a dominant part of that life. Paul holds before us the supreme example of love - Jesus Christ. One of the things love does is give. The giving of His Son is evidence of God's love for lost man (John 3:16). Paul follows that line of thought here, for Christ loved us, and "hath given himself for us ..." However Christ loved us, we are to love one another. Such an attitude is seen when Jesus said, "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Love for another does not express itself in isolated deeds that are only done occasionally. No, our text affirms that we should "walk in love," and that says it is a way of life. Hear the Savior again: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35). Love for brethren is evidence of discipleship! It is the commandment second only to one's love for God (Matt. 22:37-39).

Ephesians 5:8. Paul now leaves the "walk of love" and comes to a "walk in light." Time would fail us to tell of all the Bible says about God's people as they are lights! Jesus once said "as long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5). Then we learn of John that he was a "burning and shining light" (John 3:35). But there is a difference! When he spoke of himself, Jesus used the word phos, which means "to give light," and would denote a self contained light. We see our word "phosphorus" in the word. It is a glorious light; one that excels. When Jesus spoke of John he used the word luchnos, the word for "lamp," and it is so translated in later versions. And so the "light of Christ" was greater than the "light of John." But what of the "light of the Christian?" Jesus once told his disciples, "ye are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14). Here he uses the word phos, and therefore Jesus challengesus to be what He is! Paul also used a form of the word in Philippians 2:15. The Christian has ceased from being a "child of disobedience" (Eph. 5:6) to being a "child of light."

Ephesians 5:15. Paul next brings us to "walking circumspectly." The ASV has it, "look therefore carefully how ye walk." "Circumspectly" is from akribos, and is sometimes translated "accurately." Luke used the word when he spoke of having "traced the course of all things accurately from the first" (Acts 1:3). It is the word Herod used when he told the wise men to search "diligently" for the Christ child (Matt. 2:8). Again, it is the "more perfect way" which Apollos was taught by Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:26). Therefore, the primary thought behind the word is that of accuracy. The Ephesians are then exhorted to this sort of conduct, and only a fool would do otherwise, for Paul draws the contrast between those who would "walk circumspectly" and those who are "fools." The round of the Christian life should be accurate, or in harmony with the will of God. Observation as to one's surroundings will help us as we walk this journey. Be aware of the time (v. 16), knowing the character of the days in which we live. because they are filled with danger.

The Christian’s Walk – characterized by: [1] love; [2] light; [3] accuracy. Does yours measure up? Read Ephesians 4-6 and you will know how to walk! Your life will not be one of occasional good deeds, but an entire way of life.- Bill Moseley.