Note: This is a study through the book of Ephesians as done in 1995. One of the main sources I used at the time was Beacon Bible Commentary vol. 9.
Title: Walk in Love
Text:
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Ephesians 5:1-2 AV)
The greatest measure of our motiviations as we walk the Christian walk is Love. Everything should be based on love. Not of gain. Not of benefit but of love. This is the reason Paul gives us what is known as the Love chapter in 1 Corinithains 13
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. I Cor 13:1-
Paul understood this when he penned the words for us to walk in Love. But the question is what is love. Who decides what is love? How do we decide what is love? Many people say go by your heart. Let your actions follow your heart. But you heart can be deceptive. Many people say follow you mind. Use intelligence. But your mind cand be deceptive. So where do we go. Paul answers this question. What greater example for love can we have but Christ himself.
Paul tells us to walk in love as.Christ. Meaning that he is our example. Meaning that we are to look at the life he lived to understand how to walk in love. Where we see Christ love we are to love. How we see Christ love we are to love.
Christ our example in Love
4) MANIFESTED IN HIS
4a) Coming to seek the lost
# Lu 19:10
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10 AV)
4b) Praying for his enemies
# Lu 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34 AV)
4c) Giving himself for us
# Ga 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 AV)
4d) Dying for us
# Joh 15:13 1Jo 3:16
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 AV)
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16 AV)
4e) Washing away our sins
# Re 1:5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5 AV)
4f) Interceding for us
# Heb 7:25 9:24
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9:24 AV)
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. {to the...: or, evermore} (Hebrews 7:25 AV)
4g) Sending the Spirit
# Ps 68:18 Joh 16:7
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. {for men: Heb. in the man} (Psalms 68:18 AV)
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7 AV)
4h) Rebukes and chastisements
# Re 3:19
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (Revelation 3:19 AV)
