Walk

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph)

Thus says the LORD: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk in it. – Jeremiah 6:16

The message I want to share today is just one word “Walk”. Walk in the good way; the narrow way to find rest for your souls. Whenever we are at the crossroads, we know we have to make a conscious decision to choose which way to go. How do we know, which way to turn? How do we know where to walk? This is what I would like to share!

Life’s paths are not always straight, nor are they without choices. But in every circumstance of life, He is with us to guide us and help us make the right decision. We can certainly know which way to go, once we encounter and trust God and His word! Many saints, all around the world, are choosing the right options while walking here on earth. Do you want to know how?

1. Walk in newness of life

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:4

We were dead in our sins. We came to Jesus, repenting of our sins; and He forgave us. We were baptized into his death; and raised as a new creation in Christ. Therefore we are no longer slaves to the sinful flesh, but alive in the spirit. Therefore…you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind (Eph. 4:17), but walk in that newness of life. Walk in Him; As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. (Col. 2:6).

Do not listen to the counsel of the wicked (Psalm 1); do not give in to peer’s pressure; choose your ‘own’ way! Because the righteous will be bold as a lion (Prov. 28:1). 

2. Walk in a manner worthy of your calling

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. - Eph. 4:1-3

The book of Ephesians has 6 chapters; the first 3 describing our wonderful calling in Christ and the next three imploring us to walk in that calling. What is our calling in the Lord? Ephesians describes that we are seated along with Jesus Christ in the heavenlies; it is such a high calling. It describes our position here and now on earth, and not when we die and go home! Therefore our daily walk should match our calling.

3. Walk in light

John was 95 yrs old when he wrote “…if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).

Therefore there is no part of our life that is shameful and hidden from the Lord. Whether in our relationship, or deeds, or words, or thoughts; we bring everything under His searchlight to see if there be any wicked way in us; because there is a way that is everlasting. (Psalm 139:24). Walk as children of light. (Eph. 5:8).

4. Walk According to His Commandments

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. – 2 John 1:6

His word is a light unto our paths. If we regard God’s word, we will take heed to do  just as He has asked us to do. John sums up saying this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. How else do you show, you love the Lord?

When David sinned, Nathan the prophet came to him and said “Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight?” (2 Sam. 12:9). As a Christian, if you go astray, you are guilty of not just disobedience, but also of despising God’s word!

Do you really love the Lord? Follow His commands. God loves the obedient child of light! “But on this one will I look; on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2). Declare with the psalmist that His precepts are right on every matter under the sun. “Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128)

5. Walk in Good Works

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

Good works’ walk is what we are called for. We are not saved by good works; but saved for good works! Everywhere you turn, something good is expected of you. You see, God has prepared these good works for you beforehand, only for you to walk in them. Uniquely gifted you are, in time and space, to fulfill that work and fill the void around you, which only you can do. It’s not for tomorrow-then and there; it’s for today-now and here! “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10).

6. Walk in love

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. – Ephesians 5:2

It is easy to know what God has called us to do, but it is rather difficult to actually do what He has called us to do! It may require some sacrifice; lose of self-esteem; or lots of faith; or all together! And it will be possible to do only because you want to walk in love-a sweet smelling aroma before God.

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God who he has not seen? (1 John 4:20)

7. Walk in the Spirit

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16

There is a way that seems right, but its end is death! The flesh leads us in a direction contrary to the way of the Spirit. The Spirit of God always leads us into the paths of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:22). Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…

8. Walk by Faith

For we walk by faith, not by sight – 2 Cor. 5:7

Without faith, it is impossible to please God; Faith pleases God. That is why we confess ‘Even though I walk through the valley of deep darkness, I will fear no evil. For You are with me. Your rod and Your staff-they comfort me.’ I know that ‘surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life’ here on earth!

In darkest hours we cry out ‘It is the Lord who is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?’ In difficult times we cry out ‘The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want’: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing only the word of God.

9. Walk as Wise

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15

The wise will redeem their time and not lose it in endless bickering and quarrels-whether in work or home; whether with peers or spouse. There is a whole book of wisdom within the Bible – Proverbs. It teaches us what to say, what not to say; and how to conduct ourselves and how to begin our wisdom walk. (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom). We are here for a short time; and we are here for a purpose that God has planned beforehand. Do not let days and weeks go by in emptiness. Fulfill all that God has planned for you-realise your full potential, use your talents! Don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

10. Walk as Jesus

He who says he abides in Him {Jesus} ought himself also to walk just as He {Jesus} walked. – 1 John 2:6

We are His followers and Jesus Christ is our example. We follow in His footsteps. The early believers were first called ‘Christians’ at Antioch, because others saw that they were followers of Christ. This must be our witness too! Do you want to know how Jesus walked? Here it is.

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; - 1 Peter 2:21-23

Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

There you are. Start Walking!