HANDOUT FOR SERMON: Walking With God.                                                                                                                                            October 2nd, 2022, 9:30 a.m. Manchester, TN

Introduction: We are taught to follow Jesus as He is the Son of God. In addition to following God, the Bible also uses the description of “walking” with God. What do you think “walking with God” includes? Throughout mankind’s history, people have chosen whether they will strive to follow God.  It is a choice each one makes.  If you are thinking about starting a “walk with God” and following Him then you must be aware of all the wonderful benefits and blessings that come with walking with God.

There are things we can do that will help us in our “walk with God.” First, we must get to know God and learn about Him. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to show yourself approved unto God.” After learning basic things about God, we are also encouraged to pray to God and ask for help and we are encouraged to fast, Matthew 17:20-21, Ezra 8:23. After learning about God, prayer and fasting-then we are ready to get out in the World and walk!  Walk with God in the World-that is our purpose in life!  The Book of Ephesians mentions “walk” at least eight times. Before we go to the Book of Ephesians, let us start in the Book of Genesis, chapter 5:21-24.

Lesson: Let us start out by reading Ephesians 1:1-14. As we read together, breath in the message. Look for the words and phrases that emphasis that you are a special, unique and blessed person if you are in Christ. If you have been born again and added to the family of God.

God has predestined a special people. Ephesians 1:1-14. Consider some of the things God has done for us. He has redeemed us, forgiven us, given us purpose, and given us a living, loving, caring family to be a part of.  God has properly positioned us to glorify His name and share His will to mankind. Being with God is great, walking with God is great, but He needs us to be His hands and His feet. God needs us to be His people, a people who walk in Him! So, what does it mean to walk with God? We will answer this question by looking at three of the times the word “walk” is used in the book of Ephesians.

AM I WALKING WITH GOD? What does it mean? How does that affect my life?

Walking No Longer Like We Used to Walk, Ephesians 2:2-3 & Ephesians 4:17-19

Most of us live very selfishly. It is all about me and my stuff. We need to get rid of things that hinder us from walking with God. We need to make a change. There are things I need to stop doing and there are things I need to start doing.

Walking Carefully and Wisely, Ephesians 5:15-16

Being aware of the dangers all around us.  The decisions and choices we make must be carefully considered. The flesh will always be a challenge for us, and we must be vigilant. To “shine as lights” in the world for Jesus Christ, we must first be careful how we walk. We need to cycle back to my relationship with Christ and honestly critique myself. I must be wise, smart, careful and right.

How do I know if I am doing this? (Using my time wisely, walking circumspectly?)                                                                                        Read Ephesians 5:17-20                                                                                                                                                                                           5:17 Use time studying for the purpose of understanding the will of God.                                                                                                                 5:18 Be filled with the Holy Spirit, not wine. (Are you replenishing the cup with the spirit?)                                                                        5:19 Sing and praise God. (Are you singing and praising God? That helps!)                                                                                                      5:20 Giving thanks to God always. (Are you a thankful person for what God is doing?

Walking in a Worthy Manner. Ephesians 4:1-3, 3:20-4:3 Think about that phrase. How many of us really think we walk worthy of God and Christ considering what they have done and continue to do for us? Jesus has done so much for me…. I can never earn it or pay back the goodness and blessings. All we can do is to give Him our lives as we strive to follow Him and walk with Him!

Living in a worthy manner is simply carrying on His Mission in the world! Living and being like Christ! Walk in lowliness of mind, in gentleness, in longsuffering, in helping others in love, be a peaceable person and endeavor to keep unity and promote peace.

Understanding what a worthy manner is: (The book of Ephesians helps us know what that looks like.)

In Good Works. Ephesians 2:8-10 Consider what Jesus can do with a broken person! Bring a shattered vessel to Jesus and He fixes it and makes it useful!
In Love as Christ did. Ephesians 4:31-5:2 Jesus was full of love, anxious to forgive & help. We need to be rooted and grounded in that kind of love. Learn to love as He loved us!
As Children of Light. Ephesians 5:8-14 Walk in love but at the same time walk in light. Shine for God as we walk in love, and let the world decide how they would react to Him as the light. This is what Jesus did and it is the same way with us as children of the Light.

Let us be people who shine the light of Jesus. Be an image that reflects the character of Jesus. Our walk is a walk of reflection and love.

Conclusion: Read Genesis 5:21-24 At the age of 65 Enoch had a son, Methuselah. Take note that after the son is born, it appears that Enoch decided to walk with God. Enoch then walked with God for 300 years and then he “was not” because God took him. What a short but beautiful story. May you live your life like Enoch!