PROGRESSIVE GROWTH OF CHRISTIAN’S LIFE

– A PURPOSEFUL JOURNEY

HOC Winter Conference December 26~28, 2014

Fraizer Park, Calif.

Limited to ONE Backpack!!

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PROGRESSIVE GROWTH OF CHRISTIAN’S LIFE – A PURPOSEFUL JOURNEY

Colossians 2:6-7 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives (walk) in Him,

7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life (walk) worthy of the calling you have received.

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THE MEANINGS OF “WALK” Walk of life – leading a life

Whatever life you lead, make it worthy Ultimate goal - purposeful (as Christians - worthy

the call - Christ like)

Walking – moving progressing (toward a goal) Vs. run; standstill, backslide Walking- most mode of moving (press forward

toward the goal …)

Walk the talk (Jim Cymbala, Brooklyn Tabernacle Church – humdrum life …)

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MESSAGE ONE

Walk in Him

– Continue to live out your life in Him

Outward living

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1. THE NEWNESS OF LIFE IN CHRIST – A TURNING POINT 

Ephesians 4:22-24 22 …You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self (man), which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

23 to be made new in the attitude (spirit) of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self (man), created to be like

God in true righteousness and holiness.

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Put off - Discontinue the old way Put on – and keep Walk in the new way Change of “man”, attitude (spirit) of our mind

Shown in the outward living Conduct in the contaminated (in God’s standards)

world

Robe of righteousness “Just as I am” – Charlotte Elliott, 1834

Robe for the wedding feast (Matt 22)– just behavior (righteousness and holiness of God)

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2. WALK IN HIM- FOLLOWING IN HIS STEPS 

1Pet 2:21  To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.

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“In His Steps” Novel 1896 –Charles Sheldon , 30M copies; Rev. Henry Maxwell, Raymond

The WWJD  movement (fad?)   Jesus - learn of me Paul – imitate me as I imitate Christ

Walk in Him --need to look at Jesus Christ a few characters (of many virtues….)

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2. WALK IN HIM

A. Walk in truth God’s truth -Jesus -“I am the way, the truth, and the life”

Ephesians 4:25, 29 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk (corruptive speech) come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up (edifying) according to their needs, that it may benefit those (grace to them) who listen.

Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

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What is truth? Scornful challenge (John 18:37-38)

Man’s pursuit of “TRUTH”

Man’s pride, ignorance – invented own truth

Against Christianity Stand for our faith as only truth – wishy-washy ------ Heart >> speech Matt 15:18; 12:34b-37;

Evil speech - false, deceitful, unwholesome, corruptive, obscene, foolish, coarse joking, out of place, cussing, slandering, bitter, flattering, hurtful, …

Good speech – truthful, sincere, considerate, edifying, gracious, thankful, …

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2. WALK IN HIM

B. Walk in love Ephesians 5:1-2  1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as

dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 4:32     Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

1John 4:10-11 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

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Selfishness

Me-ism

Hatred

Apathy - Coldness

Love >> forgiveness

Tender mercy – caring

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2. WALK IN HIM

C. Walk in light Ephesians 5:8-11 8 For you were once darkness, but

now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,

righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of 

darkness, but rather expose them.

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God Is Light, in Him there is no darkness

Under the light you see everything more clearly

Rowdy behavior, social gathering, school, office, etc.

Sin, stain

Tinted glass

Bro. Lu’s surgery testimony - not bribing the doctor

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2. WALK IN HIM

D. Walk in wisdom Ephesians 5:15-17 15 Be very careful (Circumspect),

then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity (redeeming the

time) , because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the

Lord’s will is. James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is

first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

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True wisdom is from God

Knowing life’s path

Data ne information ne knowledge ne wisdom Misuse of knowledge

Be circumspect – as walking over field of landmines

Days are evil – grab the opportunity, use time wisely Wasteful life style: average American : hours on TV 4:55h/day; 1d,10h,27’/week; 6d,5h,17’/mon; 2m,12d,15h,29’/year;

16y,1m,9d,1h,21m/life time) 35 yrs old – has 500 days at your disposal (another 35 years)

Seeking God (Eccle 12:1) Remember your Creator in the day of your youth, before the days of trouble come, and the years approach when you will say “ I find no pleasure in them.’

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3. PRACTICE UPRIGHT AND PRAISEWORTHY DEEDS

Philippians 4:8-9  8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true,

whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

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Awareness – Willingness – Steadfastness

Against the tide - God’s will prevails

Walk to honor God Walk straight Walk tall Walk open

Stephen Curry – NBA player (Golden State Warriors)

Career success as a basketball star Personal faith - value system since youth Public walk - honesty, humility, wisdom, glorifying God Private walk - family relation Kingdom walk - love of the Lord, and involvement evangelism

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How am I walking? In Him? In my own, or the world way?

Any area that the Lord enlightens me to watch out? Truth Love Light Wisdom

Am I willing to obey God’s command, and begin/renew my walk in Christ?

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