Bible discussion
Bible Talk => Christian Walk => Topic started by: Moss on November 22, 2016, 11:19:06 pm
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“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15).
Walking wisely is a step in the right direction.
Sometimes a soldier has the thankless task of clearing mine fields from enemy territory. If you’re aware of the procedure, you know the work is both dangerous and tedious. To proceed in an orderly fashion, a soldier marks areas that are considered dangerous and areas that have been cleared. Above all, he makes sure he is careful where he’s walking!
In the spiritual realm, Paul is telling believers in Ephesians 5:15 to walk carefully. The Greek term translated “careful” speaks of looking carefully from side to side and being alert to what is going on. We need to be extremely alert because the world we’re walking through is a mine field of sin and temptation. Therefore, we must walk carefully, exactly, and accurately. The wise Christian carefully charts his course according to life principles designed by God. He doesn’t trip over the obstacles that Satan puts in his path or fall into the entanglement of the world’s system. He is “careful.”
The Greek word translated “walk” means “daily conduct,” “daily pattern,” or “daily life.” The daily pattern of our lives must reflect wisdom. The Greeks saw wisdom primarily as head knowledge. They tended to spin off theories that had no practical implications. To them, the wise people were the intellectuals and the philosophers. The Hebrew mind, however, defined wisdom only in terms of behavior. When a person becomes a Christian, it’s more than a change in theory—it’s a change in how he lives.
Paul is saying in verse 15, “If you used to be a fool, but you’ve been made wise in Christ, then walk wisely.” In other words, we’re to practice our position, to live in accordance with who we are. When we became Christians, we came out of foolishness into wisdom. Therefore, we need to act like it!
Be careful not to act foolishly and step on Satan’s mines. Your spiritual transformation demands that you live your life with care.
From Strength for Today by John MacArthur
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Pay special attention on how you use your tongue. People hear as well as see, they will remember your words as much as your deeds.
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Always ask for wisdom from God in all your prayers. Wisdom is a gift of love.
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Notice in the text that he is telling us to be careful how you walk, not where you walk. We are expected to walk into the minefield to carry the gospel to all nations and all people. Do not hesitate to go to the people that need to hear the word but be very careful of your surroundings and your footing so that you will not slip and fall.
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Not easy to be in the world and not of the world at the same time.
JB