Young People's Group

“Walk Circumspectly…”

by Mitchell Tan
October 21, 2020

THE CHALLENGE TO WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY

Becoming children of light does not automatically mean that one will live well for the Lord. The apostle Paul was concerned for people who had been saved but were still living in sin and darkness. They had not risen up to be what the Lord had meant them to be. And thus, they were sleeping spiritually and were wasting their time in sin, in worldly pursuits, and unprofitable living. In the light of this, Paul was strongly encouraging the Ephesians to walk carefully.

“See then that you walk circumspectly …”
Ephesians 5:15

What does this mean to walk circumspectly? First, it is possessing knowledge and wisdom in one’s life. Knowledge and wisdom come from the Lord God Almighty and it is through the Spirit’s enlightenment that people can gain them. Second, it is applying knowledge and wisdom into one’s way of life. When much thought and consideration is put into the way one should live according to His word, there is greater alertness. There is greater commitment to live vigilantly and prudently.

THE REASONS FOR WALKING CIRCUMSPECTLY

1. BECAUSE IT IS A WISE THING TO DO

“… Not as fools but as wise”
Ephesians 5:15

The word “fool” has the idea of a person without wisdom or discernment at all. The Ephesians were not to live their lives foolishly by not growing in faith and continuing in sin. They were to apply what they have learnt into their lives so that they can live wisely.

2. BECAUSE THE FORCES OF EVIL ARE DAILY AT WORK

“Because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15

“The days are evil” refers to how the evil one and his forces are hard at work. They can work on influencing our lives through sin, the world, and falsehood. Paul warned of how he and the Ephesians were not wrestling against flesh and blood but against an army of evil beings (Ephesians 6:12). In the world today, there is this proliferation of evil. We really need to walk carefully.

THE WAY TO WALKING CIRCUMSPECTLY

1. PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO IT

“See then that you walk circumspectly”
Ephesians 5:15

The challenge is for us to take heed and to see to it that we live our lives wisely and carefully on a daily basis. It is making sure that we do walk carefully. Let’s not falter on this matter.

2. MAKING FULL USE OF TIME

“Redeeming the time”
Ephesians 5:15

This has the idea of “buying back” time. It is to make full use of the time that the Lord has given to us. We are to make full use of the day for good instead of allowing evil to fill the day Time is precious. We are to carefully live out our days. How we live is going to affect our testimony to those outside (Colossians 4:5). Let’s not waste our time. Let’s learn to use the time that God has given to us well.

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