Category Archives: Walking

Bible, Christ, Life, New, Renewed, Scripture, Walking

WALKING IN NEWNESS

ROMANS 6:4

“Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.”

I have shared many times in this blog that I am a walker. Most mornings I get up early before sunrise and walk about three miles in my neighborhood. Every morning is a fresh walk, brand new to me. I may walk the same path every day, but I see different stars or planets in the early morning sky. I may see different cars in our neighborhood and even a new “For Sale” sign in front of one of the houses. My walks never get old. They are new every morning.

Paul uses a word for “newness” that is only used one other time in the New Testament. We’ll see that later in the next chapter of Romans. The word is kainotés. The Topical Lexicon says this about the use of this word here. “Kainotēs here describes a life sourced in resurrection power, characterized by freedom from sin’s dominion.” Our newness is directly tied to Christ’s resurrection power in our lives which gives us that victory over sin’s power. Hallelujah!

APPLICATION

This verse reminds me of Lamentations 3:22-23 which read, “22 The LORD’S acts of mercy indeed do not end, for His compassions do not fail. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Isn’t that a great promise from the Lord? God’s compassions do not fail. They are brand new every morning. Now, technically God’s compassions have been around for a long time and will continue into the future. But the particular compassion or mercy He gives you today is new to you and is designed just for you.

So, when the Lord tells us in today’s verse that we are to walk in newness of life, He means just that. Embrace the newness of your life in Christ. Enjoy the freshness of it. Each day when I step out my front door to begin my walk, I look up into the night sky to see the newness that greets me. I should also approach my walk with Christ each day. Instead of worrying about my future, I should step out in the newness of it, knowing that Christ has my back.

Look back at our verse. The first part tells us that we have been buried with Him through baptism into death. We have died to our old self and have been resurrected anew in Christ. The old things have passed away, right? If the old is gone, that leaves us the new. Today, walk in it. Walk in Him knowing all things are new in Christ. Amen?

God, I thank You for the newness I have in Christ that allows me to walk each day with fresh, spiritual eyes.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Distractions, Flesh, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Walking

KEEP STRAIGHT

PHILIPPIANS 3:16

“however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.”

You may have heard the expression “It’s not how high you jump. It’s how straight you walk when you come down.” What in the world does that mean? Well, many in the Christian world focus so much on the emotional aspects of worship. They can jump around, dance, raise their hands and do all other sorts of highly charged things in the name of Christ. Now, I am not going to judge whether those individuals are truly in the Spirit or not. What is important is how straight they walk the rest of the time.

Paul uses a word in this verse that is not fully illustrated by the English words. The phrase “let’s keep living” is the Greek word stoichein. Literally, it can be translated as “to walk straight.” HELPS Word studies defines it this way, “(from stoixos, ‘a row, line, or rank’) – properly, walk in line, in strict accordance to a particular pace (‘stride’); walk in cadence, ‘keep in step.’” Get the picture?

APPLICATION

In Acts 21:24, this word is translated as “walk orderly.” In Romans 4:12, Paul uses it again to say, “…who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.” Then in Galatians 5:25, right after the discourse about the deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, Paul says, “If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.” You see, it’s not just living in the Spirit. We also have to follow Him, walk straight with Him.

Most mornings I take a walk around my neighborhood. About half of my route includes sidewalks, which I like because it keeps me off the streets and out of the way of cars. Undoubtedly, every morning there will be two or three places where cars have parked across the sidewalk, so I have to veer off course to get around the vehicle. But I am quick to get back on the sidewalk as soon as possible. I just feel safer there.

Hmmm, that could apply here, couldn’t it? There will be times when you or I veer off course for one reason or the other. The flesh is strong and will work against us all the time. We have to be quick to recognize this waywardness and get back on the safe path, the path with Jesus. Keep straight on the narrow path, my friends.

Father God, You are the beacon which lights my path. Help me be quick to see when I am off course.

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Bible, Conduct, Living, Scripture, Walking

WHERE YOU WALKED

COLOSSIANS 3:7

“and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.”

Wow! When I think back to where I walked as a teenager, it’s a miracle I made it out. There is no need to go into detail here. Let’s just say I was walking in darkness and not light. Oh, I would step into the light when it promised something good for me. But I didn’t stay there long. Darkness seems to hide our sins much better, doesn’t it?

Paul uses the Greek word for “walked” to imply a manner of living, one’s conduct. But, for me, the key word in this verse is “once.” This little Greek word pote means in the past or formerly. This means this was past behavior. It’s not their current conduct. But it also reminds them of where they came from.

APPLICATION

Look back for a minute at your life before Christ. Do you remember those days? How was your conduct? It wasn’t too bad, Carl. Not too bad? It doesn’t have to have been real bad. If it wasn’t in line with Christ, then it was still bad. But the glory of our salvation changes everything. What was once true about us is not any longer.

Our past conduct does not determine our future position! Aren’t you glad? Ephesians 2:1-2a says this about this issue. “1 And you were dead in your offenses and sins, 2 in which you previously walked according to the course of this world,” WE WERE DEAD! What changed? God didn’t wait for you to clean yourself up before He changed your position. No! He sent His Son to die for us while were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

I am reminded of that old hymn, “Just As I Am.”

Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee
Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come

Thank You, Lord, that I am not now what I once was.

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Bible, Scripture, Talking, Testimony, Walking

WALK THE TALK

COLOSSIANS 2:6

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,”

Trash talking in sports is just part of the game. Players try to get in the head of their opponent before and during the game. But one thing that will come back to bite you is to say what you are going to do and then not produce. If you are going to talk the talk, you had better be ready to walk the walk. In other words, don’t be a showoff.

In today’s verse, Paul is basically saying that if you say you’re a believer, then act like one. The verb “walk” used in this verse is peripateó which “primarily means ‘to walk’ in a physical sense, but it is frequently used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe one’s conduct or manner of life. It implies a continuous action or habitual lifestyle, often in the context of moral and spiritual behavior. The term is used to encourage believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling and to follow the teachings of Christ.” (Strong’s Lexicon)

APPLICATION

The verb “walk” is also a command. It’s in the Present tense, which means continuous action. Paul is telling us to walk and keep on walking. Saying you have received Jesus is not enough. You have to show you have received Him by the way you live your daily life. Notice I said, “daily life.” Your walk isn’t just about attending church a few times a month. It isn’t just about picking up your Bible (and blowing the dust off) once a month for an inspirational thought.

In Galatians 5:16, Paul tells us, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” You see, when you are consistently walking in the Spirit, you are less likely to yield to the fleshly desires that are constantly bombarding you. Walking daily with Jesus isn’t just something we sing about. It’s a choice we make every single day.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:12 peripateó is used in an interesting way, but it shows us what Paul is talking about when he uses this word. “so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” Your walk should be a visible expression of your inner decision. Let the world see your walk today.

Lord, I want to show the world I am different by the way I treat others.

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Bible, Fruit, Growth, Pleasing, Scripture, Walking

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR JESUS

COLOSSIANS 1:10

“so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” 

How much time did you spend Christmas shopping this year? Some people shop all year looking for that perfect gift for a loved one. Grandmas especially are good at that. They seem to always be on the lookout for a gift for a grandchild. That’s because they are always on her mind. Hmmm, how can we apply this to today’s verse?

In the previous verse, Paul had prayed for knowledge of God’s will for these believers. In today’s verse, we see why. He wants them to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” Isn’t that what every parent wants for their child? I know that is what I desire for my children and grandchildren. Once again, Paul further explains what he means by this.

APPLICATION

He wants the Colossian believers “to please Him in all respects.” The Greek word used here for “to please” is only used here in this verse. It means to be agreeable or accommodating. Paul wants them to walk only where Christ would walk. He wants them to do what only Christ would do, to say only what Christ would say. To be agreeable and accommodating to Christ in their daily lives.

He also wants them to bear “fruit in every good work.” We know what that means, don’t we? Fruit bearing is always for the benefit of others, not yourself. Paul desired that these believers bear fruit to help spread the gospel, to do good for those who need to hear the truth. I am sure the words of Jesus in John 15 were ringing through Paul’s ears as he wrote this.

And then Paul prayed they would be “increasing in the knowledge of God.” The Greek word for “increasing” has the idea of physical or spiritual growth. In either, it infers growing in size, getting bigger, getting stronger, just as a plant would grow in size and produce its fruit or grain.

Are you pleasing? Are you bearing? Are you increasing? If you are, you have just given Jesus the perfect gift this Christmas.

Father, help me please you, bear fruit and increase in the knowledge of You this Christmas Day.

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Beware, Bible, Guard, Scripture, Walking, Warnings

WALKING WISELY

EPHESIANS 5:15

“So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise,”

Long gone are my days of reckless abandon, jumping across creeks, running through the woods and walking recklessly down steep hills. I can’t feel my feet that well anymore since I developed neuropathy from my chemotherapy a few years ago. I have to watch each step I take. I can’t rely on feel. I have to be able to see where I am stepping or leaping or jumping. One misstep and I could break an ankle or leg.

The Greek text gives a clearer emphasis of what Paul is writing in today’s verse. It literally reads, “Take heed, therefore, carefully how you walk…” The first word is blépō, which according to HELPS Word studies, means this, “properly, to see, be observant (watchful). Blépō suggests ‘to see something physical, with spiritual results (perception).’ That is, it carries what is seen into the non-physical (immaterial) realm so a person can take the needed action (respond, beware, be alert).” Then we see the Greek word translated “carefully.” This word refers to having the highest degree of accuracy. These two words together give a much clearer image than just “be careful.” Paul is telling us to look closely and carefully and apply what we see.

APPLICATION

That advice can be applied in many areas of our life, but especially our spiritual walk. How many times have you and I taken a wrong step spiritually? Too many to count! In Mark 8:15, we see blepo used when Jesus refers to the leaven of the Pharisees. “And He was giving orders to them, saying, “Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and the leaven of Herod.’” Look carefully for those things that want to deceive you.

In Philippians 3:2, Paul uses blepo three times to give us warning. “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;” Warning signs! Danger ahead! Take caution! Guard yourself! In each example of this word blepo I have given you, it is in the Present Imperative Active which means it’s a command that is to be continuously followed. You can’t afford to take a day off.

I am reminded of the death of King Ahab of Israel. Remember? Let me remind you from 1 Kings 22:34. “Now one man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, ‘Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am severely wounded.’” He had disguised himself and even brought in a “body double,” King Jehoshaphat of Judah, to throw off the enemy’s attack on him. But he was still struck by an arrow and died. You cannot disguise yourself enough to hide from the enemy’s arrows aimed at you. You must guard your heart daily with His Word and His Spirit. Beware!

Father, thank You that You are constantly guarding me. Keep me alert and aware of the devil’s schemes.

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Bible, Father, Pleasing, Scripture, Walking

LEARN TO PLEASE

EPHESIANS 5:10

“as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Some people are “people pleasers.” They’ll do just about anything to make you happy. That is okay unless it becomes unhealthy for you. I’ve seen that happen, and it’s not good. You may have heard also about people who have a “pleasing personality.” They get along with others well. That’s a good trait to have. But what is Paul referring to in today’s verse?

The phrase “as you try to learn” is the Greek word dokimazo. It means to prove what is good. Try that definition in the verse. Then it would read, “as you prove what is good in pleasing the Lord.” We want to make sure that we know what is good, what is well pleasing, what is acceptable. Right?

APPLICATION

I have a friend who writes daily devotional thoughts. Her words today fit this verse. “We do well to remember, that our ‘sacrifice of praise’ within the ‘fires of affliction’ is a sweet aroma, pleasing to the Lord Jesus. It indicates that we believe what He has allowed is for our best interest – even in the direst of circumstances.”

It is easy to focus on pleasing the Lord and doing all the right things when things are going well. But when the hard times come, and they will, are you able to focus on pleasing Him? This doesn’t mean you have to “do” things for Him to please Him. It means living your life as a reflection of Him. The writer of Hebrews says it well in Hebrews 13:20-21. “20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

How can you please Him today? Don’t think about what you need to do. Think about how you need to live. When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with the Father. Live today with your motive being to please Him in all that you do.

O Lord, I want to please You in each and every thing I do.

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Bible, Goodness, Righteousness, Scripture, Truth, Walking

FRUIT OF THE LIGHT?

EPHESIANS 5:9

“(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),”

I have never seen light give off fruit. Have you? At first reading, you may think Paul has lost his marbles or something. This is why it is so important to consider the context in which this verse lies. Paul had been talking about darkness and light before this verse. This verse simply carries on that idea. Don’t let the language of the text confuse you. Remember, God is not the god of confusion.

MacLauren says this about this verse. “The Apostle has just been exhorting his Ephesian friends to walk as ‘children of the light’ and before he goes on to expand and explain that injunction he interjects this parenthetical remark, as if he would say, To be true to the light that is in you is the sum of duty, and the condition of perfectness, ‘for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth’.” 

APPLICATION

Okay Carl, so what are you trying to tell us? I’m glad you asked. The evidence, the fruit of your walk in the light is goodness and righteousness and truth. Do you perform goodness rather than “badness”? Do you want to do good or evil? It’s that simple. Your goodness is not your goodness. There’s nothing good about you. That goodness is the fruit of the Spirit in you.

How about living a righteous life? What does that mean? It’s living a life approved in the eyes of God. Wow! Who doesn’t want that? You may be surprised. Some people could care less about having God’s approval. In fact, they will do everything they can think of that runs counter to God. But not you – you have received His righteousness.

And the truth is also fruit of your walk in the light. There is no hiding yourself, sneaking away to do who knows what. Your life is an open book, no secrets. The truth is there for all to see. How do you live that way? Because the One Who is the Truth lives in you. He produces the fruit of the light in you. What a Savior! What a Lord!

Father, help me to walk in the light as Your are the Light

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Battles, Bible, Futility, Mind, Scripture, Useless, Walking

FUTILITY

EPHESIANS 4:17

“So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds,”

What exactly does “futility” mean? Well, according to the dictionary it means “pointlessness or uselessness.” Let me give you an example. It is futility to try to stop the ocean waves with a sandcastle. You can build as big of a one you like, but the crashing waves will bring it down and claim it once again to the ocean. It is useless. It is pointless. Why even try?

Paul is pointing out the unbelieving Gentiles, from which these Ephesian believers came. He is exhorting them to stop doing the things they used to do before coming to Christ. Remember, they all probably came out of pagan worship. Paul says that way of thinking is pointless and useless. It is futility. Pretty bold words, don’t you think?

APPLICATION

Paul uses this word in Romans 8:20 when he writes, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope.” Even the perfect creation God created fell to the futility of man when he ate of that fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Creation will never be perfect again until Jesus brings a new heaven and a new earth.

Then Peter uses that word in 2 Peter 2:18. “For, while speaking out arrogant words of no value they entice by fleshly desires, by indecent behavior, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error,” You see, this kind of thinking, these words are of no value. They are pointless and useless. Why do we waste so much time trying to do things on our own? God has the answer if we will just turn to Him.

Paul is telling us in today’s verse to walk with Christ, not with the world. Stop emulating and embracing all these things. They are futile. Nothing that this world emphasizes will draw you closer to Jesus. Rely on His Word. Come to Him in prayer. Get your mind right each day so you can walk with purpose, serving the One who gave you life.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me a new mind when I came to Jesus.

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Abiding, Bible, Forbearance, Gentleness, Humility, Patience, Scripture, Walking

HOW TO WALK WORTHY

EPHESIANS 4:2

“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,”

I was walking the other day and stepped up on a sidewalk jamming my right hip. It took a few steps to work that “kink” out, but it got better as I walked. Until… The next day and each day since then (it seems), that hip has been bothering me. I guess I am due to go see my chiropractor and get him to check it. One little misstep has caused some lasting pain.

In yesterday’s verse (Ephesians 4:1) Paul tells us “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling.” We talked about the calling yesterday, but what about this walk? What did Paul mean by walking worthy? Well, he went on to explain what he meant in today’s and tomorrow’s verses. Let’s take a look at what walking worthy means and how we can do that.

APPLICATION

Paul gives some descriptions in today’s verse of what it takes to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. First of all, he says we should walk (live our lives) “with all humility.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t like that. I don’t want to be humbled by anyone or anything. But wait a minute. Scripturally, that is a good thing. The word here for humility is tapeinophrosýnē. HELPS Word studies says it is “(lowliness, humility) an inside-out virtue produced by comparing ourselves to the Lord (rather than to others). This brings behavior into alignment with this inner revelation to keep one from being self-exalting (self-determining, self-inflated). For the believer, tapeinophrosýnē means living in complete dependence on the Lord, i.e. with no reliance on self (the flesh).” That’s a pretty exhaustive definition, don’t you think?

Then Paul continues in our verse by saying, “and gentleness.” Wow, not only must we be humble. We must be gentle. The word here is prautés, which is a gentle strength. It does not mean you are weak. Think of a strong, beautiful stallion that has been broken for a rider. That animal still has all the strength it had before, only now it is under control.

Next, we are told to have “patience.” What? That’s asking way too much. Makrothumia means to be long suffering. This really applies towards people, not circumstances. This is the same word used in Galatians 5:22 where Paul gives us the fruits of the Spirit. This is God’s patience towards us.

Lastly, Paul says we should walk worthily by “bearing with one another in love.” The Greek word for “bearing with” literally means “to put up with.” Now, just think of the number of people that may apply to in your life. But don’t get too cocky about that. You are probably on their list too.

Listen, walking worthy of our calling is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. You cannot walk humbly, gently, patiently or with forbearance apart from God. He knows that and will give you all these things if you ask. Back to my opening illustration – I made a misstep that caused me pain. I can get help with that. The same applies to your walk with Christ. You may have mis-stepped, but God can correct it. Go to Him.

O Lord, I want to walk in a manner pleasing to You

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