Walking in Christ

(#89)

Read Col. 2:6-7.

In Scripture we are told to...walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16); walk in love (Eph. 5:2); walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7); walk honestly (Rom 13:13); walk in wisdom (Col 4:5); walk in good works (Eph 2:10). But to walk in HIM is to walk in all these things.

As ye received Christ so walk in Him.

ƒ    We received Him.  We did not just receive teachings and doctrines about Him but Christ Himself, John 1:12.

Obedience to His precepts, following His example is not enough -- we must live as men united with Him and in Him, deriving our life from Him.

ƒ    We received Him as Lord.  We must crown Him Lord of all.  He is to govern our lives.

ƒ    Recognition of our identification is necessary.  Enoch walked with God but we are to walk in Him.

Accompaniments of a walk in Him.

ƒ    Rooted in Christ.

    1.  Death must first take place, John 12:24.

    2.  Nourishment comes from the soil, so the Christian's comes from Christ.

    3.  We are fixed and stable when we are rooted in Christ.

ƒ    Built up in Christ.  We are to grow in Christ by means of His life.  This comes only after we have been rooted in Christ.  Only then can we receive nourishment just as does the plant.

ƒ    Established in your faith.

    4.  Faith strikes the root downward.  It is by faith that we are saved, Eph 2:8.  It is by faith that we apply God's Word without which it would be impossible to be built up, Hb 4:2.

    5.  Faith is that which binds and holds the building together.

    6.  It is only by faith that we are able to walk in Him, 2Cor 5:7.

ƒ    Abounding in faith with thanksgiving.

    7.  Thanksgiving: the grand refrain of Col 1:3;2:7;3:15,17;4:2.

    8.  In thanksgiving faith becomes plentiful; without it faith cannot grow.

    9.  There is no sure secret of thanksgiving other than full reliance on God.

As ye received Christ so walk ye in Him.