Walking in Holiness: A Divine Mandate
Introduction
A. The Call to Holiness The Christian has been summoned to a life of holiness for one primary reason: our God is holy. As 1 Peter 1:15-16 declares, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
B. The Mirror of Conduct Our "walk"—how we carry ourselves day by day—is the ultimate proof of our identity. It demonstrates who we truly are and, more importantly, whom we serve.
C. The Biblical Meaning of "Walking" In the language of the New Testament, to "walk" (peripatéō) is a metaphor for a person's lifestyle. It encompasses the entirety of our daily conduct: our habitual actions, the architecture of our thoughts, and the gravity of our decisions.
The question before us today is: How must we walk in a holy manner?
I. Walk in a Manner Worthy of Your Calling
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."
A. Integrity Between Word and Deed
Paul, writing from a prison cell, does not ask for sympathy but for consistency. A man or woman of God must practice what they preach. Without coherence between our lips and our lives, our testimony loses its power.
B. The Meaning of "Worthy"
The Greek word axiōs refers to a set of scales. It implies "balance" or "equal weight." Our behavior should "weigh" as much as the glorious calling we have received. If the calling is high, the conduct must be high.
C. The Price of the Calling
We were called by the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), a calling made possible only by the precious blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). Because the price paid for us was infinite, our standard of living cannot be mediocre.
D. Landmarks of a Worthy Walk
• With Humility, Gentleness, and Patience: Bearing with one another in love (Eph. 4:2).
• In Newness of Life: Leaving the grave of sin behind (Romans 6:4).
• According to the Spirit: Not governed by fleshly impulses (Romans 8:4).
• By Faith: Guided by God's promises, not just what we see (2 Corinthians 5:7).
• In Good Works: Fulfilling the purpose for which we were created (Efesios 2:10).
Holiness is not a dry theory; it is a daily practice.
II. Do Not Walk as the Gentiles Walk
Ephesians 4:17 — "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking."
A. A Visible Distinction
The difference between a believer and the world should be as unmistakable as the difference between high noon and midnight.
B. Characteristics of a Godless Walk
When someone walks without God, their life is defined by:
1. Futility of Mind: Empty thoughts that lead nowhere.
2. Darkened Understanding: An inability to perceive spiritual reality.
3. Hardness of Heart: A callousness toward God and conscience (Eph. 4:18-19).
4. Greed and Licentiousness: A never-ending hunger for impurity.
Doctrinal Principle: Holiness requires a moral separation from the sinful system of this world (2 Cor. 6:17). A Christian cannot live as if they have never been transformed.
III. Walk in Love
Ephesians 5:2 — "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Christian holiness is not just about what we don't do (separation from evil); it is about what we do (manifesting Christ's love).
• The Supreme Model: We are commanded to love exactly as Christ loved us (John 13:34-35).
• The Divine Tutor: We are "taught by God" to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10).
• The Permanent Debt: In the Christian life, the only debt we are allowed to keep is the debt of love (Romans 13:8).
• Love Without Hypocrisy: True love is not a feeling or a greeting; it is demonstrated through tangible actions and truth (Romans 12:9; 1 John 3:18).
IV. Walk as Children of Light
Ephesians 5:8 — "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."
A. Our Identity in a Dark World
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14-16). We are called to shine like stars in a crooked and depraved generation (Filipenses 2:15-16).
B. The Function of Light
1. It Illuminates: It brings the knowledge of the glory of God (2 Cor. 4:6).
2. It Guides: Like a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105).
3. It Reveals: It exposes things for what they truly are (Juan 3:19-20).
If the light does not shine, it fails its only purpose.
V. Walk Not as Fools, but as Wise
Ephesians 5:15-16 — "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity..."
A. The Walk of the Fool
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God" (Psalm 14:1). The biblical fool:
• Spouts folly and rejects discipline (Proverbs 15:2, 5).
• Stirs up strife and conflict (Proverbs 18:6).
B. The Walk of the Wise
The spiritually wise person:
• Redeems the Time: They understand that time is a stewardship and that the days are evil.
• Treasures Knowledge: They seek the Word over opinion (Proverbs 10:14).
• Fears the Lord: They turn away from evil because they respect God (Proverbs 14:16).
Holiness requires spiritual intelligence and constant diligence.
- Three Terrible and Appalling Things Before God
- Our Life is Fleeting: How Then Should We Live?
- How To Prepare for the Adversities of Evangelism: Sent as Sheep Among Wolves
Conclusion
The Bible teaches us that holiness is not an unreachable mystical state reserved for a few. It is the "walk" of every true believer.
• It is a Worthy walk.
• It is a Different walk.
• It is a Loving walk.
• It is a Bright walk.
• It is a Wise walk.
If you claim to be a child of God, your footsteps must tell the same story as your faith. Let us determine today to align our walk with our calling.
