1. Walking circumspectly
Ephesians 5:12-17
Walking circumspectly

2. Ephesians 5:12-17
“12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is”
Walking Circumspectly

3. Definitions
“Walk” - a figure of speech meaning the whole of a persons life
“Circumspectly” - means carefully
Greek - akribōs, exactly, circumspectly, diligently, perfectly - Strong
Involves looking around on all sides, and watching one’s steps; to walk accurately
Psalms 119:133
Psa. 119:133 - Order (direct) my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Walking Circumspectly

4. Translation Comparisons
KJV & NKJV - See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
NASV - Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
NIV - Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise
ASV - Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise;
RSV - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
YLT - See, then, how exactly ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise,
Psa. 119:133 - Order (direct) my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Walking Circumspectly

5. Two Ways of Walking… The Walk of Fools The Walk of the Wise
“…as fools”
“fools” (unwise) - asophos - one who has no concern for the will and way of God
The Walk of the Wise
“but as wise”
“wise” - sophoi - one who has knowledge and correctly applies his knowledge, especially of God’s word and way
Walking Circumspectly

6. The Fool Walks In Denial of God - Psalms 14:1
Immorality - Ephesians 5:3-5
Deception - Ephesians 5:6
Darkness - Ephesians 5:8, 11, 12
Slumber & Death - Ephesians 5:14
1 Corinthians 11:30
His Own Imagination - Romans 1:21
What Seems Right - Proverbs 12:15
Their Own Ungodly Lusts
Jude 1:18
The Fool Walks In
Psa. 14:1 - The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Eph. 5:3-5 - But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Eph. 5:6 - Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Eph. 5:8 - For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
Eph. 5: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Eph. 5:14 - Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
1 Cor. 11:30 - For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
Rom. 1:21 - Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Prov. 12:15 - The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Jude 1:18 - How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Walking Circumspectly

7. The Wise Walk Is Not a Walk…
According to carnality - 1 Corinthians 3:3
By sight - 2 Corinthians 5:7
In vanity of the mind - Ephesians 4:17
That is disorderly - 2 Thessalonians 3:6
But,
The Wise Walk
1 Cor. 3:3 - For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
2 Cor. 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight). Heb. 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Eph. 4: This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
2 Thess. 3:6 - Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
Walking Circumspectly

8. In Good Works - Ephesians 2:10 In Wisdom - Colossians 4:5 By Faith - 2 Corinthians 5:7 In Truth - 3 John 1:4; 2 John 9 In the Light - 1 John 1:5-10 By the Same Rule - Philippians 3:16 After the Lord’s Commands - 2 John 6
The Wise Walk
Eph. 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Col. 4:5 - Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
2 Cor. 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight:). Abraham looked for the unseen - Heb. 11:8-16
3 Jn. 1:4 - I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth,
2 Jn. 9 - Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
1 Jn. 1: This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Phil 3:16 - Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
2 Jn And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
Walking Circumspectly

9. The Wise Walk In love - Ephesians 5:2 In The Spirit - Galatians 5:16
In The Steps of Abraham’s Faith
Romans 4:12-13
In Newness of Life - Romans 6:4
In White Garments - Revelation 3:3-5
The Wise Walk
Eph. 5:2 - 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.
Gal. 5:16 - This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Rom. 4:12 - And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. Heb. 11:8-16 went to a promised land; Offered Isaac
Rom. 6:4 - Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (New man Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:9-10)
Rev. 3:3-5 - To Sardis, John wrote - Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Rev. 1:5 - “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood”
Walking Circumspectly

10. “Redeeming The Time” Ephesians 5:16a
“Redeeming” - means to buy up for ones use or benefit
“Time” - not chronological time, but opportunities of life
Must use opportunities that come our way to the greatest spiritual benefit
Galatians 6:9, 10
Colossians 4:5
Eph. 5:16 - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Gal. 6: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Col. 4:5 - Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Walking Circumspectly

11. “…The Days Are Evil” Ephesians 5:16b
We Live In An Evil Age
Many Warnings Of This Evil Period…
1 Timothy 4:1-3
2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13
2 Peter 2:1-7, 10; 3:1-9
1 John 2:18
Eph. 5:16 - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
1 Tim. 4: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
2 Tim. 3:1-5 - READ
2 Tim 3:13 - But evil men and seducers shall wax (grow) worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2 Pet. 2:1-7, 10 - READ
2 Pet. 3:9 - READ
1 Jn. 2:18 - Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
“Antichrist” - Antichristos - an opponent of the Messiah:--antichrist - Strong
Walking Circumspectly

12. Understand God’s Will Ephesians 5:17
Hear God’s Word - Romans 10:17
Read God’s Word - Ephesians 3:3-5
Study God’s Word - 2 Timothy 2:15
Trust God’s Word - Psalms 56:4
Meditate On God’s Word - Psalms 119:148
Hope In God’s Word - Psalms 119:114
Obey God’s Word - Hebrews 5:8, 9
Prepare For Judgment By God’s Word
John 12:48
Eph. 5:17 - Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Rom. 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Eph. 3:3-5 - How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
2 Tim. 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Psa. 56:4 - In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psa. 119:148 - My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.
Psa. 119:114 - Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Heb. 5:8-9 - Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Jn. 12:48 - He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Walking Circumspectly

13. Are You Walking Circumspectly?
Carefully, exactly, diligently, perfectly?
Are you on guard for the spiritual hazards that lie in wait. Are you guarding your every step
Walking Circumspectly

14. Colossians 1:9-14
“9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins”
Walking Circumspectly

15. “what shalI we do…?” Acts 2:37
An alien sinner must…
Hear the Gospel – Romans 10:17
Believe – John 8:34
Repent – Acts 17:30
Confess Christ – Matthew 10:34
Be Baptized in water – Acts 22:16
An erring Child of God must…
Repent and Pray – Acts 8:22
Live “faithful unto death”
Revelation 2:10
Acts 2:38 - When Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for (Eis) the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Rom. 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Jn. 8:34 - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Acts. 17: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Matt. - 10:34 - Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Acts. 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Bible baptism is an immersion in water (Acts 8:36-38) that puts one into Christ (Galatians 3:27-For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.) where salvation is (2 Timothy 2:10- Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.).
Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Walking Circumspectly