A Careful Walk Ephesians 5:15-16 I. Introduction. A. Have you ever tripped on something and wondered why it happened? 1. Most of the time--just were not being careful(and some of us are also clumsy). 2. Perhaps an object was partially hidden or something ran out in front of you. 3. Careful walking has saved many a fall. B. Walk in the New Testament is a word indicating the "whole round of the activities of the individual life"(Vine). 1. Applied to both unbelievers and believers--we all are individuals. 2. One's walk can be "in line" or out of line. 3. All walks follow some pattern, straight or crooked. 4. Note: Galatians 2:14. C. Paul's exhortation: Ephesians 5:15-16. II. Body. A. A careful walk: v. 15. 1. "Look carefully." a. That is, accurately, circumspectly, etc. b. "The word expresses that accuracy is the outcome of carefulness"(Vine). c. There are some things hard to see: Luke 11:44. d. Done by faith: II Corinthians 5:7. e. Hence, walk in light: I John 1:7. 2. "Not as unwise, but as wise." a. Ever thought: it was unwise for me to go there? or do that? b. The unwise: (1 Walk after the flesh: II Peter 2:10. (2 Disorderly(slackness, as soldiers not keeping ranks): II Thessalonians 3:11. (3 This walk is in darkness: John 11:10. (4 Follow their own "paths": Acts 14:16. c. The wise: (1 Know the path: Romans 6:4. (2 Path lighted by love: Ephesians 5:2. (3 Same path for all: Philippians 3:16. (4 Hence: Colossians 4:5. B. "Redeeming the time": v. 16a. 1. Redeeming: "Buying up the opportunity" or "making the most of every opportunity"(Vine). 2. While you have time and blessings: Make the most of them. 3. Opposite of "wasting" time. 4. Set a goal; stick to it; work at it; accomplish it. 5. This is a walk like God desires: Colossians 1:10. 6. A worthwhile walk: Ephesians 4:1. a. Not be ashamed or embarrassed when you are walking. b. Why? II John 6. C. "Because the days are evil": v. 16:b. 1. Sin abounds in every age: Romans 13:13. a. Lying, fornication, immorality, etc. are the ways of men. b. Beware: Luke 20:46-47. 2. The Christian must say no to many encounters on the walk of life: Romans 8:4. D. Walk as God's people should walk: I Corinthians 16:13. 1. One can stand and walk at the same time! 2. There will be others who will walk with you and behind you. a. Saints will be your companions. b. Children will follow in your steps(they see all of how one walks.) 3. There are many pitfalls along the way; there are many pleasant and unpleasant experiences. 4. The spectators will be watching us as we walk. 5. Never falter: walk the walk all of your life(know several who start out enthusiastically, but slow down to a crawl after a while). 6. If I stumble, I can get up and continue to walk(Peter did): I Peter 1:13-15. 7. Sad: John 6:66. III. Conclusion. A. How is your walk(life)? B. Don't you want to walk with the Lord? Mark 1:16-18.-jy