The Epistle to the Ephesians
Lesson 8
Walking Through Ephesians
Introduction
Typical of other epistles written by Paul, Ephesians is both deeply doctrinal
and exceedingly practical. The first three chapters are primarily devoted
to doctrine and the last three to practical exhortations. Most of the
references to the believer’s walk are therefore found in the
final chapters.
The word “walk” as used in Ephesians and in this lesson, refers to
your habits, customs, lifestyle, or conduct. The Epistle leaves us without any
excuses for not knowing the will of God concerning how we are to conduct our
lives. We need to preach and teach the Gospel, but how we walk is more important
than how we talk. Vance Havner observes this disparity in word and deed as he
writes, “Many Christians talk farther up the road than they walk.” If
you don’t walk like a Christian, people simply will not listen to what
you have to say. Importance of this Lesson
- Every sincere Christian ought to diligently seek the will of
God for his life.
- God has a will about everything we do or say.
- This lesson will help
you greatly in determining God’s will
for your
daily life.
The Lesson
I. HOW WE ONCE WALKED – Ephesians
2:2-4
- Remember that the word “Gentiles” refers to all people
of every nation who are not Jews.
- Ephesians is addressed primarily
to Gentiles. Notice the “you” in
Ephesians 2:1 and the “ye” in Ephesians 2:2. The “you” and
the “ye” refer to the Gentiles.
- But now notice the “we” in
Ephesians 2:3. Here the Apostle Paul, a Jew, refers to himself
as well as all other Jews.
It is clear
that “we” is intended to be inclusive of both Jews
and Gentiles. The phrase “how we once walked” applies
to everyone. As sinners, without Christ, we all once walked according
to “the course of
this world” (Ephesians 2:2).
- The world is an organized system,
controlled by Satan, in which the great majority of people
are desperately in search of happiness
without
turning to God.
- The Apostle John discusses “the world” and
what it consists of in 1 John 2:16. He clearly states, “For
all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust
of the eyes,
and
the pride
of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
- How did
we once walk? What was our way of life, our lifestyle before
we received Christ into our hearts and were born again
by the Spirit
of God?
- We did whatever this sin-blinded Satan-controlled
world does. Not having the authoritative power of the Holy Spirit,
we acted
on the
lusts of our sinful flesh – whatever our eyes looked
upon and lusted after.
- Our natural sinful pride also played
a large part in how we walked. We did three things that appealed
to our ego and
made us
feel good
about ourselves.
- We once walked as sinners without Christ, “according
to the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). “The
prince of the power of the air” is just one of several
titles given to Satan in the New Testament. Two others that
apply to Satan are “the
prince of this world” (John 14:30; 16:11), and “the
god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). As the “god
of this world,” Satan
blinds the minds of all who do not believe the Gospel. Remember
how blind you were before you repented and received Christ?
- As
the “prince of this world,” Satan
appeals to sinners with all the world
has to offer, by way of wealth, fame, pleasure,
and popularity.
- As the “prince of the power
of the air,” Satan
seeks to reach our sinful natures through every medium
available over the airwaves.
One has only to turn on the radio or TV to witness the filth that is
on the air today. It is easy to conclude that the “prince of
the power of the air” has largely succeeded in controlling the
broadcasting world, as well as every other means of influencing people
in general.
He is able to cross over any worldly boundary with his control of evil
spirits throughout the atmosphere
Never underestimate Satan. He is
not omnipotent, but he has enormous power. He is not omnipresent,
but with
a host of demons at his command he is able to delegate his power
and effect chaos and turmoil all over the world.
He is crafty, wise, and
deceitful. We need the shield of faith and the whole armor of
God to deflect his darts and defeat him (Ephesians 6:11-17).
- As sinners without Christ we once walked among “the sons
(children) of disobedience,” 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 2:2-3). In addition to obeying the “god
of this world,” we walked among disobedient sinners without
Christ, and so without spiritual discernment or fortitude against
the things
that stimulate our empty human lusts.
- As “children of wrath” (Ephesians
2:3) all unbelievers are already condemned (John 3:18), and are living
under the wrath of
God (John 3:36). How grateful we should all be for Ephesians 2:4-5, “But
God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved
us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together
with Christ
(by grace ye are saved).”
II. WALKING IN GOOD WORKS – Ephesians
2:10
- The context makes perfectly clear that no one is
saved or justified by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 states clearly, “For
by grace are ye saved…Not of works, lest any man
should boast.” The
key verse that settles this once and for all is Galatians
2:16, “Knowing
that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but
by the faith in Jesus Christ, even we (Jews) have believed
in
Jesus
Christ, that
we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by
the works of the
law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
- With this clear presentation of grace and faith as the
only means of salvation, we must ask what Paul means when
he writes, “For
we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk
in them.” If
we are born again believers in Christ, God, through the
Holy Spirit, has made
us new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). God wants
us to be a witness for that “new creation,” and
work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12) by demonstrating
that we have been newly
created in
Christ, letting Christ be seen in all of our works and
activities. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew
5:16).
- Remember, the text says we are to “walk in
them.” That
is, do all that you do to the glory of God
(1 Corinthians 10:31). Share the good news. Be ready at
all times to give a reason for the hope you have within
you (1
Peter 3:15).
Always
be involved in the work of the Lord. Jesus said, “the
night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).
- Remember
also, that in Ephesians 2:10, the Apostle Paul writes, “God
hath before ordained that we should walk in them (good
works).” What
did Paul mean? The word used here means “to prepare
beforehand.” God
has predestinated, “previously determined,” that
we should live a life that is full of good works. Yes,
we are all
saved by
grace alone, but the evidence of that salvation is a life
lived in harmony
with the righteous will and purpose of God (Titus 3:8,14).
III.
WALKING WORTHILY – Ephesians 4:1 Ephesians 1-3 dealt
primarily with doctrine. In chapter 4, we
begin to see the practical aspects of the Christian life.
- Our lifestyle
or manner of living should reflect the greatness, the sacredness, and
the meaning of the vocation to which we
have been called.
Our vocation, of course, is our calling. The word is translated as “calling” in
other verses, such as in 1 Corinthians 1:26, Philippians 3:14, and
2 Thessalonians 1:11.
Paul is writing from a prison in Rome. He had established the church
at Ephesus and was deeply concerned for their welfare. He did not berate
them or demand of them. He writes tenderly, saying, “I beseech
you.” He is here reminding them of “the calling to which
they had been called.” They had been pagan idolaters. Through
Paul, they had responded to the message of God’s grace. They
had become saints by divine call (1 Corinthians 1:2). They had been
called into
God’s kingdom
(1 Thessalonians 2:12) and invited to partake of all the privileges
of the Gospel. Now Paul is pleading with them and with us and all who
are
saved, to live a life worthy and exemplary of that calling.
- In Ephesians
4:2-3, Paul lists five things that would characterize a lifestyle or
walk worthy of God’s call. (Memorize these characteristics.)
- Lowliness – the basic ideas of the original word are humility
and modesty. Pride is despicable in God’s eyes. It is at
the top of God’s hate list (Proverbs 6:16-17). We all, including
professing Christians, are prone to be proud, self-assertive, and
self-seeking.
Some are proud of their wealth, success, and position. Others are
proud of their family name, children, home, or talents. However,
a Christian
never struts! To walk worthy of the vocation or calling to which
we are called, we must see how utterly unworthy we really are.
- Meekness – Years ago I heard a well-known preacher say, “ a
meek horse is the broken horse that will pull the load of corn
to market.” We
should be broken and totally submissive to all the will of God.
Meekness is not weakness. It is Christ-likeness. Jesus said “Take
my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall
find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Meekness does
not fight back, does not seek to get even, and does not fly up
in anger
when slandered
or lied about. Remember that Jesus experienced all of this and
more, but when He suffered, He threatened not (1 Peter 2:23).
- Longsuffering – Did
you ever hear a professing Christian say something like this? “If
he does that to me again, I’ll
knock his head off!” That is a common reaction by many who
profess to know Christ, but it is the opposite of longsuffering.
Bear in mind that
longsuffering is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Allow the Holy
Spirit to control you (Galatians 5:22). Although you may be born
again, you
still have that old Adamic nature, it is this old nature that expresses
itself in anger, jealousies, hurt feelings, etc. This is the nature
we are to reckon as dead (Romans 6:11-13). It is the “old
man” we
are to put off if we are to walk worthy of our calling (Ephesians
4:22).
- Forbearance – Are there Christians in your life you
simply can’t
stand? You don’t like them, you speak evil of them, and never
wish them well or pray for them. If so, listen carefully to
Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath
forgiven you.” Always endeavor to see yourself as God saw
you when He laid your sins on Christ at Calvary. If God can put
up with,
forgive,
and
love all the sinners who have ever trusted Christ, then we should
be able to graciously put up with the dispositions, peculiarities,
and
poor manners of some believers.
- Endeavoring to Keep the Unity
of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace – Some
writers omit this admonition as though it was not one of Paul’s
exhortations related to our “walk worthy of the calling to
which we are called.” This is a sad omission. If we wish
to walk worthy of our calling, we certainly should strive for unity
and peace among
the children of God. The unity we are exhorted to strive for is
not the unity of the Body of Christ, but the unity of the Spirit.
The unity of
the Body of Christ is God’s business. He knows them that
are His (2 Timothy 2:19), and will keep them eternally as members
of Christ’s
Body. In Colossians 3:15 we read, “…and let the peace
of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in
one body….” Satan
has succeeded in sowing seeds of confusion and discord all over
this world so that today there is no unity in Christianity. There
are numerous
denominations and sects, as well as variations of Baptists, Methodists,
Presbyterians, Pentecostal groups, and independent churches. There
may be members of the Body of Christ (the true Church) in many
of these groups. None of the groups individually or together constitute
the Church. The
Church, the Bride of Christ (Revelation 21:2),
is made up of every born-again believer on Christ since Pentecost. The
unity of the Spirit, to which we are to strive in the bond of peace,
is the spiritual unity we should feel and promote among all of God’s
people. It is not difficult for Spirit indwelt believers to recognize
another
Spirit indwelt believer regardless of his local church or denominational
preference. If a man knows and loves Christ he is my brother in the Lord
and I should love him and strive for a peaceful relationship. We should
avoid harsh criticism, pride, jealousy, or anything that would promote
division.
IV. THE WALK OF THE NEW MAN – Ephesians
4:17-24
You might find Ephesians 4:17 quite similar to the exhortation in Ephesians
2:2-10, which reminded us that before we knew Christ, we walked according
to the course of this world and according to Satan, the prince of the
power of the air. The emphasis in that passage is on the richness of
God’s mercy and the greatness of God’s love, so that even
when we were dead in sins we were made alive together in Christ and
were saved by His grace (Ephesians 2:4-5).
In this part of our lesson, “The Walk of the New Man,” the emphasis
is not on the mercy, love, and grace of God, but on the responsibility of all
who have learned of Christ and have been taught and received the truth concerning
Him. That responsibility is to put off our old corrupt nature called “the
old man” in Ephesians 4:22, and put on “the new man” in Ephesians
4:24, which of course, is Christ.
- Ephesians 4:17 – “…Walk
not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind.”
The Ephesian church was primarily made up of Gentiles. Here, Paul is
reminding them of how they once walked “in the vanity of their
minds.” In
modern language, the word “vanity” most often describes qualities
of pride, arrogance, or conceit. In the Scriptures, “vanity” refers
to mental foolishness and useless considerations, such as imagining or
believing things that are not true.
- Ephesians 4:18-19 – In these
two verses, the Apostle Paul clarifies the meaning of “the vanity
of their mind.”
- Their understanding was darkened (Ephesians 4:18;
1 Corinthians 2:14).
- They were alienated from God’s life
due to their spiritual ignorance. How sad it is that millions are
unaware that God desires
to give them
eternal life (John 10:27-28; 1 John 5:12).
- Their spiritual ignorance
was due to “the blindness of
their heart.” 2
Corinthians 4:4 declares that Satan, “the god of this world
(or age) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.”
- Due
to their spiritual blindness and ignorance, many had become hardened
in their sin so that they were past feeling, and have
given themselves over
to a wicked and wanton lifestyle.
- Ephesians 4:20 – “But
ye have not so learned Christ” – This
is a key verse. Christ is the answer. In Christ, our darkened understanding
vanishes. We are no longer alienated from God because of our ignorance
and blinded hearts. Our callused feelings and lascivious natures
have yielded to
a whole new life in Christ (Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians
4:16). Paul taught that in Christ every need is supplied (Philippians
4:19), and we
are all complete in Him (Colossians 2:10;
Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 9:8). Paul constantly pointed the Ephesians
to Christ. In this short epistle of six chapters, the phrase “in
Christ” is
found 28 times. No wonder he could say to them, “But ye have
not so learned Christ.”
- Ephesians 4:22-24 – In these
verses Paul spells out what he meant by “that ye henceforth
walk not as other Gentiles walk” (Ephesians
4:17).
- We are to put off, just as we would a filthy garment of
clothing, our former manner of living, our walk, our lifestyle,
which was
corrupt and characterized
by “deceitful lusts.” To God, even “all our
righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). The
phrase “old
man” is
found in
Romans 6:6, Ephesians 4:22, and Colossians 3:9. In Romans 6:6,
Paul refers to our Adamic sinful nature which was crucified with
Christ.
We are to reckon
it dead (Romans 6:11). In Ephesians 4:22 and Colossians 3:8,
Paul refers to the actions of that nature.
- And be renewed in the
spirit of your mind (Ephesians 4:23). Born
again Christians are to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).
We are transformed by the renewing of our mind
(Romans 12:2). When you were saved, you received more than a new nature.
You received a new mind. We are to keep it refreshed by setting our
affection on things above (Colossians 3:2), and think constantly on
things that
are virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
- And that ye put on
the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true
holiness. The new man is born anew in us by the power of the
Holy Spirit (John 3:5).
¨
Remember, “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation” (2
Corinthians 5:17). The walk of a “new man” is a walk
of righteousness and true holiness.
V. WALKING IN LOVE – Ephesians
5:2
The walk, the lifestyle, and the manner of living of a true Christian
should be characterized by love. The love that Christians are to demonstrate
is not sensual, sexual, or human love. It is the “love of God
shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5). The “love
of God” is illustrated in a number of Bible references so that
we can understand and appreciate the full meaning of this love.
- John
3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave
his only begotten son….” God gives us this clear example
of what divine love does. It gives! It gives sacrificially and unsparingly.
- 1
John 4:10 – “Herein is love, not that we loved God,
but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our
sins.” Propitiation is the work of Christ Godward on man’s
behalf. It is the mighty work on Calvary by which God’s holiness
and all of His just claims against us are fully satisfied. The Apostle
John says, “Herein is love.” Love, then, is not simply
God giving, but God giving the best He had for all of us including
the worst
of us.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – No discussion of Christian love
would be complete without reference to these verses. The Apostle Paul
is
showing the supremacy of love in a believer’s life.
Verse 1 |
Love is greater than angelic eloquence. |
Verse 2 |
Love is greater than prophecy, understanding mysteries, having
faith to move mountains.
Without love, I am nothing. |
Verse 3 |
Love is greater than sacrificially feeding the poor or giving my body to be burned.
Without love, such things profit me nothing. |
Verses 4-8 |
Paul lists 19 characteristics of Christian love. Read these things and then strive
to make
them a reality in your life. |
VI. WALKING IN THE LIGHT – VERSUS
DARKNESS – Ephesians
5:8 “Ye
were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: WALK AS CHILDREN
OF LIGHT.”
- It is good to remember, if you are now saved, that
you were once darkness (Ephesians 5:8). You
were not only living in darkness, you were a part of the darkness. You walked
in darkness and loved
darkness rather than light (1 John 1:6; John 3:19, 8:12).
- Jesus said, “I
am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have
the light of life” (John 8:12). A partial explanation of what it
means to walk in the light is that you have confessed Christ as your Lord
and Savior,
have received Him into your heart,
and are walking in the light of His presence in your life (2 Corinthians
4:6; 1 Peter 2:9;
Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18).
- The darkness in which we all once walked resulted
from spiritual blindness. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, we
read concerning all who are lost, “In whom the god of this world
(age) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light
of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” Satan,
the god of this world (age), fiercely fights to spread the darkness of
unbelief and Christ rejection.
- Causes of the darkness in which we all
once walked (2 Corinthians
11:3):
- Inconsistent Christians and false teachers are used by Satan
to blind sinners to the glorious gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians
4:4).
- Unbelief –Satan blinds those “who believe not
the Gospel.”
- Love of Sin – John 3:19 says, “…men
loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
- What
is the darkness from which we must be delivered?
- Hopelessness – In
Ephesians 2:12, sinners are described as being without Christ, “having
no hope, and without God in the world.”
- Lostness – Paul
writes, “But if our gospel be
hid, it is hid to them that are lost.” (2
Corinthians 4:3). Jesus came into this world to seek and to save
lost souls (Luke 19:10).
- How are we delivered from this darkness?
- We are delivered from
darkness by God’s intervening grace and
power. “Giving thanks unto the Father…Who hath delivered
us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the
kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:12-13).
- God,
who has “commanded the light (of the glorious gospel
of Christ) to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts,
to give
the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of
Jesus Christ” (2
Corinthians 4:4,6).
- In Acts 26:17-18, Paul said he was sent to
the Gentiles to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness
to light and
from the power
of Satan
unto God through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ.
- By repentance
(a complete change of mind and attitude) toward God, and sincere
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God delivered
us from the
power of darkness, and “translated us into the kingdom
of his dear son” (Colossians 1:13; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30,
20:21; Galatians 2:16).
- What is the light in which we are all
to walk?
- The light of Christ Himself (John 8:12)
- “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but
shall have the light of life.”
- 1 John 1:7 – “But
if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with
another….” John is writing about walking in fellowship
with God.
- 1 John 1:5 – “God is light, and in
him is no darkness at all.” Christ
is now in that light. To walk in the light of Christ, then,
is to walk as though we were constantly in the presence
of God, walking
in fellowship
with Him and with Christ.
- The Light of the Word of God
- Psalm 119:130 – “The
entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding
unto the simple.”
- Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word
is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
- The
Light of Prophecy
2 Peter 1:19 – “We have also a more sure word of
prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a
light that shineth
in a dark place,
until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
VII. WALKING CIRCUMSPECTLY – Ephesians
5:15
In considering the seven ways by which we are to govern or pattern our
lives, walking circumspectly must be considered the most important. “Circumspectly” means
to be very cautious and careful about everything we do or say. It means
also to consider carefully all related circumstances before acting,
judging, or deciding. To walk circumspectly can be accomplished by
following these guidelines from Romans 14.
(Memorize these “do’s and don’ts.)
- The
Don’t’s of Romans 14
- DON’T get involved with another
Christian who is weak in the faith in arguments over minor or dubious
things (Romans 14:1-2).
- DON’T sit in judgement over someone
who does not see the matter of separation exactly as you do. Keep
in mind that “to
his own master he standeth or falleth” (Romans 14:3-4).
- DON’T
do anything that might cause another Christian to stumble or be
made weak
(Romans 14:13,21).
- DON’T let your good be evil spoken of
(Romans 14:16).
- DON’T do anything that offends your conscience,
or about which you have doubts as to whether it is proper for you
as a Christian (Romans
14:22-23).
- The Do’s of Romans 14
- DO make certain that whatever you are
doing or proposing to do is the right thing. For a Christian, there
is only one thing
to do about
anything, and that is the right thing. “Let every man be fully
persuaded in his own mind” (Romans 14:5).
- DO whatever you do
as unto the Lord (Romans 14:6-9; Colossians 3:23).
- DO all you can
to edify (build up and strengthen) other Christians (Romans 14:19;
Romans 15:2; 1 Corinthians 10:23).
- DO remember that at the judgement
seat of Christ you stand alone. You must give an account of yourself,
your life, and no
one else
(Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
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