WALKING WITH GOD.
GEN 17: 1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
What does it mean to walk with God ?
1. Walking with God means having a close and intimate relationship with Him. (Genesis 5:24) “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”
2. Walking with God involves seeking His guidance and following His lead in all aspects of life. (Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
3. Walking with God means living according to His commandments and obeying His Word. (Deuteronomy 5:33) “Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”
4. Walking with God involves a surrender of self and a daily commitment to follow Him.
(Luke 9:23) “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'”
5. Walking with God means being filled with His Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide and empower us. (Galatians 5:16) “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
6. Walking with God means having faith in Him and trusting His plans and purposes. (2 Corinthians 5:7) “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
7. Walking with God involves loving others and demonstrating His love through our actions. (1 John 2:6) “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
REASONS TO WALK WITH GOD.
1. Personal Relationship: Walking with God entails developing a personal and intimate relationship with Him. (John 10:27) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
2. Guidance and Direction: Walking with God involves seeking His guidance and direction in all aspects of life. (Psalm 32:8) “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
3. Fellowship with God: Walking with God means enjoying intimate fellowship and communion with Him. (1 John 1:3) “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
4. Transformation: Walking with God leads to personal transformation and growth in Christ-likeness. (Galatians 5:22-23) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
5. Spiritual Nourishment: Walking with God means seeking spiritual nourishment through prayer, reading the Bible, and engaging in worship. (Matthew 4:4) “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Examples
1. Enoch – Enoch had such a close walk with God that he was taken up to heaven without experiencing death. (Genesis 5:24) “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
2. Abraham – Abraham enjoyed a deep friendship and trust with God, receiving promises and blessings. (Genesis 15:1) “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”
3. Moses – Moses had a unique relationship with God, speaking to Him face to face as a friend. (Exodus 33:11) “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.”
4. David – David, described as a man after God’s own heart, had a close and intimate relationship with God, experiencing His presence and guidance. (Psalm 23:1-2) “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
5. Elijah – Elijah had a powerful walk with God, witnessing miracles and experiencing God’s provision and protection. (1 Kings 17:4-6) “And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.”
6. Paul – Paul had a profound walk with God, being transformed by His grace and being used to spread the Gospel. (Galatians 2:20) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Things that Hindered Walk with God.
1. Sin/ secrets Sins – Sin separates us from God and hinders our walk with Him. (Isaiah 59:2) “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
2. Unbelief – Lack of faith and trust in God can hinder our walk with Him. (Hebrews 11:6) “But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
3. Worldly distractions – Being overly consumed with worldly pleasures and pursuits can distract us from our relationship with God. (Matthew 13:22) “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”
4. Unforgiveness – Holding onto grudges and refusing to forgive others can hinder our fellowship with God. (Mark 11:25) “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
5. Pride – A prideful heart can prevent us from seeking and humbling ourselves before God. (James 4:6) “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
6. Lack of prayer and seeking God – Neglecting prayer and failing to seek God’s wisdom can hinder our relationship with Him. (Matthew 6:6) “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
7. Lack of obedience – Disobeying God’s commands can hinder our walk with Him and His blessings. (1 Samuel 15:22) “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
8. Neglecting the Word of God – Failing to regularly study and meditate on God’s Word can hinder our understanding and growth in our walk with Him. (Psalm 119:105) “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
9. Lack of gratitude – Failing to acknowledge and give thanks for God’s blessings can hinder our relationship with Him. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
10. Fear and anxiety – Allowing fear and worry to consume us can hinder our ability to trust God and walk closely with Him. (Philippians 4:6-7) “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
THINGS THAT HELP OUR WALK WITH GOD.
1. Faith – Trusting in God and His promises helps strengthen our walk with Him. (Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
2. Prayer – Regular and fervent prayer helps cultivate a deep connection and communication with God. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Pray without ceasing.”
3. Reading and studying the Bible – Delving into God’s Word helps us understand His will and grow in our relationship with Him. (Joshua 1:8) “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
4. Worship – Engaging in heartfelt worship and praise to God helps us draw near to Him and experience His presence. (Psalm 95:6) “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!”
5. Community and fellowship – Surrounding ourselves with other believers who can encourage and challenge us in our walk with God helps us grow spiritually. (Hebrews 10:24-25) “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
6. Serving others – Actively serving and loving others as God has commanded strengthens our relationship with Him and demonstrates His love to the world. (Matthew 25:40) “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
7. Obedience – Obeying God’s commands out of love and reverence for Him is essential for a thriving walk with Him. (John 14:15) “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
8. Repentance and forgiveness – Humbly acknowledging our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness and cleansing allows for a renewed closeness with Him. (1 John 1:9) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
9. Seeking God’s guidance – Regularly seeking God’s wisdom and direction in all areas of our life helps us align our steps with His will. (Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
10. Gratitude – Cultivating an attitude of gratitude for God’s blessings and faithfulness helps us appreciate His presence and goodness in our lives. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
BENEFITS OF WALKING WITH GOD.
1. Peace and Contentment – Walking with God brings inner peace and contentment as we trust in His guidance and provision. (Philippians 4:7) “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
2. Guidance and Direction – When we walk with God, He guides us and directs our paths, helping us make wise decisions. (Psalm 32:8) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
3. Strength and Encouragement – God strengthens and encourages us in our journey with Him, giving us the ability to overcome challenges and persevere. (Isaiah 40:31) “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
4. Protection and Provision – Walking with God affords us His protection and provision, as He promises to take care of His children. (Psalm 23:1) “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
5. Joy and Fulfillment – Following God’s path and purpose for our lives brings deep joy and fulfillment, as we align ourselves with His perfect plan. (John 15:11) “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
6. Transformation and Growth – Walking with God leads to transformation and growth as the Holy Spirit works in us, conforming us to the image of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:18) “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
7. Wisdom and Discernment – When we walk with God, He grants us wisdom and discernment to navigate the complexities of life. (James 1:5) “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
8. Intimacy and Relationship – Walking with God deepens our intimacy and relationship with Him as we spend time in His presence and abide in His love. (John 15:4) “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
9. Hope and Assurance – Walking with God fills our hearts with hope and assurance, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises and that our ultimate destination is with Him in eternity. (Romans 8:28) “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
10. Eternal Life – Walking with God leads to eternal life, as He has promised us everlasting fellowship with Him. (John 3:16) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
