Walking With God
Introduction: In the text is supplied the answer to the questions in vs. 14. Israel had forsaken God. In sin they turned from him, and had broken the covenant. It is said that "Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down, and Sharon is like a wilderness." (vss. 8, 9.)
God is set forth as a "consuming fire," and the sinners in Jerusalem are afraid. They therefore inquire, "who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings." Our text is the answer.
Here is supplied the ingredients, and also the requisites for a walk with God free from soul destroying influences. Let us notice them.
I. A Righteous Walk.
1. "He that walketh righteously." A man's "walk" takes in the whole of his conduct in all of the positions and relations of life. All that one does must be conformed to the law of God. (Lk. 1:8.)
A. It applies to his speech. "He speaketh uprightly." vs. 15. (Psa. 19:14.)
a. Frequently difficult. If one can control his tongue, he can control his whole body. (Jas. 3:2.)
b. An unbridled tongue makes vain a man's religion. (Jas. 1:28. cf. 3:3-10.)
B. It applies to means of acquisition. "He despiseth the gain of oppressions." (fraud)
a. Honesty in all things required of 1 Christians. (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor, 8:21.)
b. A Christian will not take advantage of a situation wherein he has opportunity to gain from another's misfortune, or ignorance, at his expense.
C. He will not succumb to bribery. "He shaketh his hands from holding bribes."
a. Judas accepted a bribe and sold his soul. (Matt. 28:15.)
D. It applies to hearing. "He stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood." (bloodshed) Applies to hearing anything sinful.
a. Some have ears that "itch" to hear a different doctrine. (2 Tim. 4:3.) Others are open to slander, smutty jokes, etc. "Take heed what you hear." (Mk. 4:24.)
E. It applies to seeing. "He shutteth up his eyes from seeing evil." The Christian will find no amusement in looking upon sin.
a. Cost Achan his life. (Joshua 7:21.)
b. Led David to his great sin with Bethsheba. (2 Sam. 11:2. cf. Matt 5:28.)
c. If a Christian supposes he can carry an unguarded eye in his person without sin, he is deceiving no one but himself. (Flab. 1:13.)
II. An Exalted Walk
2. "He shall dwell on high." vs. 18. The Christian's heart is set on things above. His walk therefore, is elevated above the masses. (Eph. 2:5, 6; Col. 3:1-3; Phil. 3:20.)
III. A Safe Walk
1. "His place of defense is the munitions of rocks."
The Christian's Rock is Christ. (1 Cor. 10:4.)
A. As long as the Christian holds to his Rock, he is beyond the reach of chance and change. Psa. 18:2, 3.)
IV. A Well Supplied Walk
1. "Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure." vs. 18.. (Psa. 34:10.)
A. But a man needs more than bread to eat and raiment to put on. Like the Master, the servant has meat to eat of which the world knows nothing.
a. Gladness. (Psa. 4:6, 7.)
b. Joy. (1 Pet. 1:8.)
c. Hope. (Rom. 15:13.) Such bread is withheld from the sinner.
V. A Walk Of Hope
1. "Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty." vs. 17. (Heb. 12:1, 2.)
A. The Christian sees Jesus already crowned with glory and honor, King of kings, Lord of Lords. He is the Christian's King NOW.
Conclusion: This is the walk with God. Like Moses, Christians gaze the landscape over and gird their loins; they take courage and press on.
Such a walk advances to a peaceful death of which there is no fear. The two go together. We cannot have one without the other. Balaam thought he could, but it was in vain.
Exhort to obedience and the Walk with God.
- Box 72, Newbem, Tennessee