Precept Austin

What Does it Mean to Walk In a Manner Worthy of the Lord?

Updated: Wed, 12/25/2024 - 14:02 By admin

Walking worthy of the Lord is a lifestyle of love, integrity, and faithful obedience to God. It’s about taking every step in alignment with His will and purpose. Walking worthy isn’t about earning God’s favor but responding to His grace with gratitude. A good picture of a worthy (axios) walk is a set of scales that balance so that the same weight is on one side as on the other side. If Jesus is in me (Col 1:27+, Ro 8:9+ NB: "+" = in depth commentary) then enabled by His Spirit (Eph 5:18+, Ro 8:13+, cp Jn 6:63+) and depending continually on His all sufficient grace (cp 1Co 15:10+, 2Co 12:9+, 2Co 12:10+), I possess the supernatural ability to live a lifestyle that will "Measure up" to Who is in me and which gives a proper opinion to the lost and perishing world of His supernatural life (Mt 5:16+, cp Php 2:15+, 2Co 2:14, 15, 16+, 1Pe 3:15+). A worthy walk brings "forth fruit in keeping (axios)with repentance." (Mt 3:8+). Those who claim to know Christ, who say they are born again, will demonstrate a new way of walking that corresponds to ("has a weight that equates to" or is worthy of) their new birth (cp 2Co 5:17+). And so first observe an illustration of a worthy walk and then read the "Scriptural definition" of this walk…

MY WALKCHRIST IN ME

The Bible defines a worthy walk as a walk in …

  1. truth (2Jn 1:4+, 3Jn 1:3, 4+)
  2. faith (2Co 5:7+)
  3. the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:4+; Gal 5:16+, Gal 5:25+)
  4. humility, gentleness, patience, forbearing (Ep 4:2+)
  5. fear (holy)note (1Pe 1:17+, cp 2Co 7:1+)
  6. purity (Ro 13:13+; Ep 5:3+)
  7. good works which God prepared beforehand (Ep 2:10+)
  8. a manner worthy of your calling (Ep 4:1+, cp 1Th 2:12+)
  9. bearing fruit in every good work (Col 1:10+)
  10. steadfastness (Col 1:10, 11+)
  11. joy (Col 1:10, 11+)
  12. thankfulness (Col 1:10, 12+)
  13. newness of life (Ro 6:4+)
  14. obedience like a child (1Pe 1:14+)
  15. holiness (2Pe 3:11+, cp 1Pe 1:15, 16+)
  16. sacrificial, Christ-like love (Ep 5:2+, 2Jn 1:5,6+)
  17. light, bearing fruit (which is good, righteous, true) (Ep 5:8+; Ep 5:9+)
  18. the light, in fellowship with one another (1Jn 1:7+)
  19. light (no longer in darkness) (Jn 8:12+)
  20. the same manner Jesus walked (1Jn 2:6+, cp 1Pe 2:21+) (See Walking Like Jesus Walked!) 
  21. the knowledge of God which is increasing (Col 1:10+)
  22. wisdom (Ep 5:15+, Col 4:5,6+)
  23. unity (Ep 4:3+)
  24. one spirit standing firm, striving together for the faith of the gospel (Php 1:27+)

A worthy walk is …

with a whole (shalem = "perfect", fully devoted) heart (Isa 38:3, 2Ki 20:3)

in truth, doing what is good in God's sight (see article on Coram Deo) (Dt 6:18+, Dt 12:28+)

associated with prayer for one's heart to be united to fear God's Name (Ps 86:11+)

motivated by remembering God's lovingkindness (Ps 26:3+)

associated with righteousness, uprightness of heart before God (1Ki 3:6)

with all one's heart and soul (1Ki 2:4, cp Mk 12:29, 30+)

**Fear (holy) - This fear includes a self-distrust, a Spirit dependence, a tender conscience, a "trembling" at the Word of God (Isa 66:2, 5, Ezra 9:4, 10:3 - "tremble" in all 4 verses = Hebrew chared = reverential awe), a constant vigilance against temptation (Mt 26:41, Pr 4:23+), taking heed lest we fall (He 3:12+, He 4:11+), a constant awareness and apprehension of the deceitfulness of the desires of the fallen flesh (the evil disposition still resident even in believers until we reach glory; Ep 4:22+, cp He 3:13+) and the insidious (intractable, irrevocable) the corrupting power of lusts (cp 2Pe 1:4+, 1Pe 2:11+ where "wage war" = continually strategizing!), and a constant caution and circumspection which timidly (or perhaps "boldly") shrinks away from whatever might offend and/or bring shame and dishonor to the Holy Name of our God and Father (cp Ge 39:9). (See sermon by Alexander Maclaren)

MORE ON WHAT IT MEANS TO WALK WORTHY

  1. Live with Integrity:

    • A life that aligns with God’s moral and ethical standards, avoiding hypocrisy or actions that contradict His Word. (Ps 15:1,2+, Ps 7:8+, Ps 26:1, 11+, Ps 25:21+, 1Jn 2:6+ - see Walk Like Jesus Walked!)

  2. Reflect Christ’s Character:

    • Display attributes such as love, humility, kindness, patience, and forgiveness (Galatians 5:22-23+, the Fruit of the Spirit, Col 3:12-16+, Ro 13:14+).

  3. Pursue Holiness:

    • Strive for purity in thoughts, words, and actions, recognizing that we are set apart for God’s purposes (1Pe 1:15-16+, Heb 12:14ESV+, 2Co 7:1+, Lev 11:44+).

  4. Bear Fruit:

    • Demonstrate faith through good works (Jn 15:5+, Eph 2:10+, see God's Masterpiece, His Poiema), such as serving others, sharing the Gospel, and living generously (John 15:8+).

  5. Walk in Love:

    • Let love for God and others guide all your interactions and decisions (Matthew 22:37-39+; Ephesians 5:2+, Dt 10:12-14+).

  6. Depend on God’s Strength:

    • Walking worthy is not about human effort alone but relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and transformation (Philippians 2:13NLT+, Col 1:29+, 1Co 15:10+).

  7. A Journey, Not a Destination:

    • Walking worthy is a process of continual growth, relying on the Holy Spirit to transform your character (Gal 5:16-25+).

  8. Walking Worthy Reflects Our Identity in Christ

    • Walking worthy is living in a way that aligns with who you are as a child of God. You have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light, into God’s kingdom, and your life should reflect His character (1 Peter 2:9+).

PRACTICAL STEPS TO WALK WORTHY

  1. Study God’s Word:

    • Regularly read and meditate on Scripture to understand God’s will and grow in knowledge of Him (2Pe 3:18+, 1Pe 2:1,2,3+, Col 3:16+, Mt 4:4+).

  2. Pray for Guidance:

    • Ask God for strength and wisdom to live in a way that honors Him. (Ps 5:8+, Ps 25:4,5+, Ps 119:9,10, 11+, Ps 143:10+)

  3. Examine Your Life:

    • Reflect on whether your actions, relationships, and priorities align with God’s standards. (Ps 139:23, 24+; Ps 26:2+)

  4. Serve Others:

    • Look for opportunities to help, encourage, and uplift others as an expression of God’s love. (Gal 6:10+, 1Th 5:5+, Heb 13:16+, Ps 37:3+)

  5. Stay Accountable:

    • Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and support you in your walk with Christ. (Heb 10:23,24,25+, Pr 17:17, Pr 27:17)

MOTIVATION FOR WALKING WORTHY

  • Gratitude for Salvation:
    • Walking worthy is a response to God’s grace, not a way to earn it (Ephesians 2:8-9,10+).
  • God’s Glory:
    • Our lives are meant to reflect His glory to the world (Matthew 5:16+, 1Co 10:31+).
  • Eternal Purpose:
    • Walking worthy prepares us for our ultimate calling to live eternally in God’s kingdom (Php 3:20,21+, Col 3:1+, Col 3:2+, Mt 6:19, 20, 21+).
    • To hear "'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' (Mt 25:21ESV+)

ILLUSTRATIONS OF WALKING WORTHY

  • The Ambassador:

    • Just as an ambassador lives in a foreign country but represents their home country, their words, actions and demeanor should reflect the values and priorities of the nation they serve. As bondservants of Jesus walking worthy means representing our Master wherever we go, showing His love and truth through our actions. (2Co 2:14-15+, 2Co 5:20+)

  • The Athlete:

    • Like a runner in a race, walking worthy involves spiritual discipline and Spirit enabled perseverance, as we run keeping our eyes on the goal, eternal life with Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27+, 2Ti 2:5+, Heb 12:1-2+)

  • The Lamp on a Stand:

    • A lamp doesn’t shine for itself but lights the way for others in the darkness. Its purpose is to illuminate the surroundings, providing guidance and safety for those around it. A walk worthy of the Lord is a life that shines brightly in this dark world, drawing others to God’s love and truth. (Matthew 5:14-16+, Php 2:15+, 1Pe 3:15+)

  • The Tree by the Stream

    • A tree planted by a stream grows strong and bears fruit because it is constantly nourished by the water. Its fruit benefits those who come near, offering shade and sustenance. A walk worthy of the Lord is a life rooted and being built up in Christ (Col 2:7+), nourished by His Word, and bearing the fruit of His Spirit, bringing blessing to others. (Psalm 1:2-3+, Galatians 5:22-23)

PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF WALKING WORTHY 

  1. At Work:

    • Situation: Your coworker takes credit for your idea.
    • Walking Worthy: Instead of retaliating or holding a grudge, you choose humility and integrity, trusting God to vindicate you. (Colossians 3:23+)

  2. In Relationships:

    • Situation: A friend wrongs you deeply.
    • Walking Worthy: You extend forgiveness, even when it’s hard, because Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32+, Col 3:12,13+)

  3. In Serving Others:

    • Situation: You’re tired and busy, but a neighbor needs help.
    • Walking Worthy: You show compassion and assist them, reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love. (Matthew 25:40+)

  4. In Speech:

    • Situation: Gossip starts during a group conversation.
    • Walking Worthy: You choose words that build others up or gently steer the conversation toward kindness. (Ephesians 4:29+)

  5. In Challenges:

    • Situation: You face criticism or persecution for your faith.
    • Walking Worthy: You respond with grace and steadfastness, honoring God even in trials. (1 Peter 4:14-16+)

A PRAYER FOR A WALK WORTHY

Let me encourage you to pray Paul's prayer recorded below for yourself, your family, your missionaries, your pastor and elders and your Christian friends because it is without doubt one of the most complete prayers in the Bible. My step mother prayed this prayer for me daily (not vain repetition, but in faith) for over 10 years and this website is only a portion of the fruit of her daily devoted prayers. While you may not see the answer to this prayer in this life, you can be fully assured that you will see the answer in the next life! Why can I be so confident? Because this is a prayer in God's will and John tells us "this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.." (1 John 5:14-15+). I encourage you to make this part of your daily prayers to your Father and can assure you that you will be eternally grateful you did! Here's the prayer...

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may WALK IN A MANNER WORTHY (axios) OF THE LORD, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14+)

Reflection Questions

  1. Are my daily decisions and actions reflecting Christ’s love and character (Gal 2:20+, Col 3:4a+)?
  2. How am I demonstrating humility, patience, and kindness in my relationships (Col 3:12,13+)?
  3. In what ways can I serve others to glorify God (Ps 115:1+)?
  4. In what areas do I need to rely more on God’s guidance to walk worthy of Him?
  5. Am I continually relying on the Holy Spirit to enable me walk worthy, or am I trying walk worthy in my strength? (2Co 3:5-6+)

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