WALK IT Don't just TALK IT!!!

Subject Sentence: To be a follower of God and look like our Father, we're to make choices differently than those that do not know Him!


I. Be followers of God – NOT doing improper things, BUT giving thanks.

Things not appropriate are not only fornication and uncleanness (physical or
moral impurity), but also covetousness, foolish talking, jesting (silly talking).

Application ??: Do I KNOW and DO what is APPROPRIATE and GOOD
and FITTING and PROPER? I need to be DIFFERENT than those who
don't proclaim Christ – how am I different??

II. We were once in darkness BUT not we are children of light!

We KNOW that those who live outside of Christ have no inheritance in
the Kingdom of Christ and God.

Application ??: Am I walking in LIGHT or CHOOSING to walk in
ways contrary/against the light Christ has given me by His Word and
presence? I need to be DIFFERENT than those who don't proclaim
Christ – how am I different??

III. Have no fellowship with UNFRUITFUL works of darkness BUT
reprove them!

Let the FRUIT of the Spirit be demonstrated in my life, and reprove
UNFRUITFUL works – this is a clear definition of walking in darkness,
doing things "not appropriate" – there is NO FRUIT/advantage in it!

Application ??: Is the fruit of the Spirit obvious in my life; and do I
ACTIVELY reprove the works of darkness by my life?? I need to be DIFFERENT than those who don't proclaim Christ – how am I different??

IV. Do not walk as fools, BUT as wise person: walking circumspectly (UNWILLING to take RISKS!!!), redeeming (regaining possession of!)
the time!

Whatever makes things OBVIOUS is LIGHT – am I making things
obvious by the light I live in??!!

Application ??: Do I live as a WISE person – unwilling to take risks –
REGAINING possession of my time and making it COUNT?? Or do
I WASTE the time Christ has given me?? I need to be DIFFERENT than those who don't proclaim Christ – how am I different??

V. Don't be unwise BUT understand ("perceive the significance of") what God's will is.

Application ??: Am I FOOLISH or do I "perceive the significance of" what God's
will is for my life? I need to be DIFFERENT than those who don't proclaim
Christ – how am I different??

Challenge: WALK it DON'T just TALK IT!!!

“THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. But immorality (sexual vice) and all impurity [of lustful, rich, wasteful living] or greediness must not even be named among you, as is fitting and proper among saints (God’s consecrated people). Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God]. For be sure of this: that no person practicing sexual vice or impurity in thought or in life, or one who is covetous [who has lustful desire for the property of others and is greedy for gain]—for he [in effect] is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one delude and deceive you with empty excuses and groundless arguments [for these sins], for through these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of rebellion and disobedience. So do not associate or be sharers with them. For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light]. For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life. And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him]. Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them. For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret. But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light. Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light. Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.”

(Eph 5:1-20 AMP)