The apostle Paul uses the word “walk” in seven verses in his letter to the Ephesians. To walk means “to live or behave in a specified manner.”
Ephesians 2:1-2 “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” Prior to salvation we were spiritually dead, and this manifested itself as we lived in sin, followed worldly ways, and submitted to the authority of Satan. In Ephesians 2:4-9 Paul expounds on the glorious truth that we have received the gift of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. By God’s grace we have new life in Christ and have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of God.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Paul explicitly states we are not saved by our works (Eph. 2:9). But, through the gospel we receive a new boss, instead of working for Satan and the world (Eph. 2:1-3) we now have the privilege of working for Jesus and advancing His Kingdom (Eph. 2:10).
Not only do we have the honor of working for God’s Kingdom, but we get to do it with the people of God, the church. Ephesians 4:1 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” In light of the rich gospel truths found in Ephesians 1-3, we are commanded to live a life that reflects the gospel. In Ephesians 4:1-16 Paul calls Christians to live out the gospel in the context of the church in unity.
The last four uses of “walk” in Ephesians are practical examples of how we can live in a manner worthy of the gospel:
Ephesians 4:17 “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.”
Ephesians 5:2 “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:7-8 “Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light”
Ephesians 5:15-16 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Brothers and sisters, in love, Jesus came on a rescue mission for His bride, to save us from sin and darkness. He rescued our lives by giving up His. We have been saved by grace through faith in King Jesus, so we must live our lives in a manner that honors Him. Our days are numbered, may we spend them wisely by loving God, loving others, and advancing His Kingdom together.
Written by Jonathan Mitchell