Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Ephesians 1-3
Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Let’s take a walk. In the book of Ephesians there are seven walkways we can choose, meaning there are seven ways that we can walk through this life. Six are wonderful, one we best stay away.
That one is listed in the above verse. Yes, it is one to leave, but it is where we all start. It is the walkway of sin, …according to the course of this world… This book is not a book about individual achievement or even church polity for that matter, it is, like Romans, a defense of salvation by faith not of works (see 2:8-9). Upon salvation a person steps away from the walkway of sin to another, which is in actuality six others. Like any good walk, on the ultimate Christian walkway which is the narrow way (Matthew 7:14), there are various views. New things to see, experience, and goals to obtain. Consider the six…
The walkway of good works, 2:10. God has ordained that those who are saved are to walk in good works. This is just like a person being ordained into the gospel ministry, they are set apart for a specific purpose. According to Jesus the good works a child of God performs on their walk through life glorify the Lord God. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The walkway of Unity, 4:1-3. Remember, this book was written to a singular church. In that church unity is vital, and every member must walk with purpose to maintain that unity. Four times in the New Testament the term “same mind” is used; five times in the books of I and II Corinthians Paul admonishes the church members to have the “same spirit.” God’ people should be in unity (especially in their churches), all having the same head, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The walkway of separation, 4:17. To not walk as others walk one must separate from them. II Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,. At the end of this walkway our Lord is there to receive us.
The walkway of Love, 5:2. The believer’s walkway is figuratively paved with love. Love others as Christ loved us.
The walkway of Brightness, 5:8. Having been given the Light of the World, walk in brightness. His Word being, well as Psalm 119:105 states, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
The walkway of Wisdom, 5:15. In this verse the word “circumspectly” indicates a 365 degree view. While we focus on that which is before us, we keep an eye on that, and those which are beside us, and forget, or try to, that which is behind us.
Thank you for walking with me for a moment or two today. I trust our time together has been enjoyable for you.
Dr. William T. Howe
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