FOOTPRINTS part 2

Footprints > > > > >
> > > >

Part 2 Ephesians 5:8-14


A. WHO ARE WE? > > > > >

If we are going to walk in Gods footsteps and leave a path for others to see and follow, we must fully understand who we are. Look at the first verse of our text in Ephesians 5.

1. What we were….

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

There was a time that we were totally in sin. We were controlled by it, without forgiveness from it, and having no power from God to fight it. We were not just in sin, we were sin. Ephesians 5:8 tells us this….. another 5:8 tells us this in Romans 5:8.

Romans 5:8 But
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Jesus Christ allowed sin to be put on him, our sin! He paid for it all with his own blood as he died on the cross. He had to do it because he was the only one who could. We cannot pay for sin because we are sinners. That would be like trying to pay off debt with more debt. An angel cannot pay for our sin because angels are not human and neither are they capable of sin. A human being who is able to be tempted with sin just like us is the only person who could pay for our sin. This is why God became a human and lived a sinless life.

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.


2. What we are now….

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Now we are to be a light to shine for others to see Jesus through us. This is what Jesus tells us in…

Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Paul tells us this in

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore“Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “ I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.”


B. WHAT IS NATURAL FOR US? > > > >

Is it natural for a rabbit to leave dog tracks, or is it natural for a duck to leave moose tracks? Of course you would laugh and say,” Of course not, that is crazy to even think it.”
Is it natural for a Christian to leave ungodly tracks? Of course a Christian can still sin, but the sin is no longer the dominant force in our lives, and is quickly confessed the closer we are to God. Christians should have certain fruit in their lives, just like certain animals leave certain footprints.

Ephesians 5:9-10
(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

These fruits (footprints) of the spirit are given in more detail by Paul in Galatians chapter 5 and contrasted with what are not fruits (footprints) of a Christian. Hmmm, same author, same topic, same chapter number (Paul, footprints. Chapter 5 of Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians) coincidence?…. Not with God!

Galatians 5:16-26

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

1. Footprints of a Christian > > > > > > >

Goodness
Righteousness
Truth
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Faithfulness to God and people
Self Control
Gentleness
Humility
A life dedicated to Christ

2. Footprints of someone without Jesus, lost, unsaved > > > > > > >

Evil
Unrighteousness
Lies
Hate
Sorrow
Strife
Bad Temper
Anger
Meanness
No care about God and people
Out of control
Harsh
Prideful
Nasty
Unkind
Cruel
Callous
Spiteful
Heatless
Malicious



Ephesians 5:11-14

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

WHAT DO YOUR FOOTPRINTS SAY ABOUT YOU?