WALKING WITH CHRIST IN THE NEW LIFESTYLE
Lina’s testimony from Alpha.
Acts 19; Ephesians 4:1-3,17- 6;9; Revelations 2:1-7
Intro: SIT, WALK, STAND
Recall SIT sermon on positional salvation: God’s grace in Christ saveds us from sin and certain eternal death and raised us up to be seated with Christ in the heavenly kingdom to pray down the k. of God on earth. Like directors on the executive top floor or seated in a jet plane above the clouds and dark sky.
Today: Walking with Christ the new Christian lifestyle
Intro: Eph: 4:1, 17,5:2,8 and 15 five times in the KJV St Paul implores us from his imprisonment to walk in a new lifestyle, a Christian lifestyle involving new re lationships, new morality and new attitudes. This is so important because it’s how we put feet on our faith, feet for walking out the new life. It’s where the rubber hit’s the road! It’s walking with a purpose like a soldier marching to get to a destination. ”We’re marching to Zion…”
In Ephesus the new Christians shined out with the love of Christ in a very dark and cruel Roman world: “See how these Christians love one another” it was said of them. Amongst the immorality of those times and fear of death they went singing to their deaths as the drunken crowd at the colosseums jeered at them. At Auschwitz a Nazi guard threatened to shoot a member of a labour group because a shovel was missing. Fr. Koller stepped forward and said it was him so he was killed. He knew the man had a family and that man and his family now are forever mindful of that amazing example of Christian life.
3 keys to walking the Christian lifestyle: LOVE: LIGHT and WISDOM.
(1) How to WALK IN LOVE: Eph 5.1-2: ‘Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.’
The things that love is not: Eph. 4:17- 24 (Living NT)
Four contrasts: Eph 4: 25-29
1. Stop lying……….. tell the truth
2. Be angry………… but get over it quickly
3. Stop stealing…… do honest work eg Kohatere boys
4. Don’t use bad language…. Say what is good and helpful eg me delivered from swearing
FOUR NEW RELATIOSHIPS: CHURCH; MARRIAGE; CHILDREN and FAMILY; WORK where you can walk out your Christian life.
1. CHURCH: Eph 4: 1-4( Living NT)
Paul’s earnest appeal to Christians
Ÿ Walk worthy because you have been chosen people and called by God
Ÿ Be humble and gentle and patient with each other in the church
Ÿ Eager to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace
Because we are one body in Christ, one Lord and one Spirit
2. MARRIAGE: Eph 5:21- 33(Amplified)
Mutual submission in respect for Christ
- a marriage makeover! Roman and Hebrew and Moslem marriage was very harsh and without much love. Christian marriage is centred not on rules but on Christ and at the foot of the cross together our sins and divisions are taken away. With Christ in the Marriage His love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit can help us love each other and forgive each other because we each have been forgiven much more by Jesus death and his blood shed for us.
Being open and transparent and saying “I’m Sorry” first is a key. Yes the Lords prayer applies to marriage. Ps. Murray Robertson quote
Ÿ Wives, serve your husband as a service to the Lord. Men need to be respected and this helps them feel appreciated. If he doesn’t feel respected at home sometimes a man will spend his time where he does feel accepted and respected.. let alone loved
Ÿ Husbands take responsibility: Find ways of supporting your wife and family e.g. pay the bills; put out the rubbish; do the dishes; plan the holidays; find ways to give your wife a break from always taking responsibility to do everything at home. Don’t be another child for your wife to manage!
3. CHILDREN and FAMILY : Eph. 6;1-4(Amplified)
Ÿ Children obey your parents because they are given toyou by the Lord to bring up. They are His representatives for them. By honouring your parents you will be blessed as God promises because he is committed to family life. Many of the 10 commandments are set forth to protect and honour marriage and family life.
Ÿ Fathers particularly are charged to oversee the spiritual development of their children. One of the greatest privileges we have as parents is to pray for and with our children and to share Christian books including the Bible with them. (Manna Books and music has great resources to help you do this. Fathers should make sure their children respect their mother. Discipline and boundaries is something parents need to talk through and agree on so they are in unity so the children feel secure and can’t play one off against another.
4. WORK: Eph 6: 5-9 (Living NT)
Another place to walk out the Christian lifestyle
Ÿ Workers serve diligently as unto the Lord and the Lord will reward you for the good you do.
Ÿ Managers treat your workers well because like them you are serving the Lord too Don’t be harsh with your staff or those for whom you have responsibility.
(2) How to WALK IN THE LIGHT of CHRIST Eph 5:8
Contrast the fruit of the Spirit with the darkness of the world
Ÿ Eph 4:!7- 24 (Living NT) The ‘sex in the city’ lifestyle is not of God. It is not funny and it creates many broken hearts. Eg Foxton and Shannon in the 1970s. Adultery and fornication were condemned by God not to spoil fun but to save people from hurt.
Ÿ Walk in the light of the relationships in Church, home and at work as above
(3) How to WALK WISELY
Contrast 6 ways of grieving the Holy Sprit with 5 ways of welcoming God’s Spirit
Ÿ Eph.4 30- 31: These 6 things grieve the Holy Spirit ; All bitterness; all wrath; all anger; all wrangling; all slander and all malice. This is how Satan works to ruin relationships in church, family and work. These attitudes cause division and hurt and many beautiful friendships and great revivals have been snuffed out by people choosing to hold on to their bitterness.; no matter how well deserved. Eg KPC,eg over an estate in a family.
Ÿ But God has a better way. Verse 31, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven you”
Ÿ Eph 5: 15-20(NRSV), eg couple at KPC with Cecilie Graham marriage healed.
Ÿ Don’t get wasted with alcohol or any drugs. Get stoned on the Rock of ages!
Ÿ Be being again and again filled with the Holy Spirit. How? 5 things
Ÿ speaking Psalms and Hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things unto God the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eg Massey eg Wed at our last Alpha evening.
Ÿ NOW LET US COME BEFORE THE LORD. In confession then worship and communion.
