Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32

Speaker: Rev. Lito Villoria

Topics: Walk with Christ Part 1

Date: January 1, 2012

New Year has always been the time to look back to the past, look forward to the coming year, and to make resolutions. As we set regular resolutions like losing weight, finding a better job, having a good life, it is good to include a resolution to walk closer with Christ in 2012. In the last three chapters of Ephesians, Paul used the term “walk” 6 times (4:1; 4:17 [2x], 5:2; 5:8; 5:15) and it all revolves around the believer’s relationship with Christ. Based on Ephesians 4:17-32, there are three things we need to make happen in 2012 to have a closer walk with Christ.

 

I. Make it a Habit to Avoid a Selfish Lifestyle. (vv. 17-19)

A. Gentile Condition: Without any moral purpose. (vv. 17-18a)

B. Gentile Position: Separated from God. (v. 18b)

C. Gentile Practice: Selfish Lifestyle (v. 19)

II. Make it a Goal to Engage in Spiritual Renewal.  (vv. 20-24)

A. Know Christ constantly not only during conversion. (vv. 20-21)

B. Put off the old person, be renewed in the mind, and put on the new person. (vv. 22-24)

III. Make it a Practice to Walk in Holiness. (vv. 25-32)

A. I will speak the truth and not lie. (v. 25)

B. I will control my anger and not sin. (vv. 26-27)

C. I will work diligently and not steal. (v. 28)

D. I will use words that build up and not those that tear down. (vv. 29-30)

E. I will exercise graciousness and not maliciousness. (vv. 31-32)