This Way In Christ

In Imitation

Part of the "IN CHRIST" Series • Ephesians 5:1-21

"Walk this way, talk this way..." It’s a catchy song chorus, but in the Kingdom, it’s a divine command. Paul calls us not just to obey rules, but to imitate God as dear children. It’s about family resemblance.

1. Walk in Love

We are called to walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us. This isn't the world's definition of love (which is often lust or self-gratification).

"Real love is sacrificial. It is an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."

We must not even name the things of the world—fornication, uncleanness, or covetousness—among us. While the world's "love" takes, God's love gives.

2. Walk in Light

You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Notice: you don't just "have" light; you have become light.

Light has a function: it exposes what is hidden. We are called to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather to expose them. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.

3. Walk in Wisdom

See that you walk circumspectly (carefully/accurately), not as fools but as wise. Wisdom isn't just knowing facts; it's understanding the times.

• Redeem the Time: The days are evil. We must buy back every opportunity for the Kingdom.
• Understand the Will of the Lord: Don't drift; know what God is doing.

The Three Walks

Contrasting the Old Life vs. The New Imitation

The Directive	The Counterfeit (Old Walk)	The Imitation (New Walk)
The Walk of Love	Self-Indulgence Fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking.	Sacrifice Giving oneself as an offering; a sweet-smelling aroma to God.
The Walk of Light	Secrecy & Shame Doing things in secret that are shameful even to speak of.	Exposure & Fruit Goodness, righteousness, and truth; exposing the hidden things.
The Walk of Wisdom	Dissipation Being drunk with wine; wasting time; living as "fools."	Spirit-Filled Filled with the Spirit; speaking in psalms & hymns; giving thanks.

The Walk of Love

The Counterfeit Self-Indulgence, greed, and foolish talking.

The Imitation Sacrificial offering; sweet-smelling aroma.

The Walk of Light

The Counterfeit Secrecy, shame, and hidden works.

The Imitation Exposing darkness; fruit of goodness & truth.

The Walk of Wisdom

The Counterfeit Drunkenness, dissipation, wasting time.

The Imitation Filled with the Spirit, thankful, singing to the Lord.

The Evidence of the Spirit

How do we know if we are walking in wisdom? It isn't just about studying harder; it's about being filled with the Spirit. The evidence is found in:

🎵 Melody Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns.

🙏 Thankfulness Giving thanks always for all things.

🤝 Submission Submitting to one another in the fear of God.

"Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."