Sermon Outline

In Step With God
Part 1: Walking in Step with God

Charles F. Stanley

Sdcripture: Ephesians 4:1-3

1. Introduction: Walking in step with God means sustaining intimate fellowship with our heavenly Father. A close relationship with Him brings us joy, peace, contentment, and purpose. When we walk in step with the Lord, other people see Him through our lives, and we make an impact for His kingdom.
   
   
2. What does it mean to walk with God?
   
   
   1. In Scripture, this phrase describes the lives of righteous people who have an intimate friendship with God, characterized by divine guidance (Gen. 3:8; 5:24; Is. 30:21; 40:31; Eph. 4:1-3).
      
      
   2. God calls every person to four things:
      
      
      • Salvation from sin and death—faith in Christ brings forgiveness and eternal life .
      • Sanctification—a life-long process of maturing and increasing in righteousness..
      • Service in some fashion throughout life.
      • Accountability for both foolish and wise choices.
        
        
   3. What defines a worthy Christian walk? We faithfully read the Bible, obey God, and believe His promises. In our daily lives, we exhibit love, wisdom, faith, and transparency (Eph. 5:15-16).
      
      
3. How do we walk in step with God?
   
   
   1. Surrender: Wholly submitting to God ensures our ability to walk with Him consistently.
      
      
   2. Sensitivity: Listening to the Lord is a vital part of enjoying intimate fellowship with Him throughout the day (John 8:28-29). The ability to hear His voice is an absolute essential for the Christian life.
      
      
   3. Studying: By learning biblical principles, we discover what pleases the Lord and which attitudes and actions to avoid (Eph. 4:17-18).
      
      
   4. Supplication: Passionate, specific prayer is vital to walking with God. Jesus often withdrew to pray alone in the early morning hours (Mark 1:35).
      
      
   5. Self-denial: We must die to the temptations of the world and allow Christ to live through us (Gal. 2:20).
      
      
   6. Service: Jesus gave of Himself by healing, befriending, meeting the needs of others, and ultimately by dying on a cross for the sins of the world (Mark 10:45). Our intimacy with Him naturally results in service.
      
      
4. Conclusion: An exciting adventure begins when we walk in step with Jesus. Peace, joy, contentment, confidence, comfort, and direction belong to us when we obediently submit to Him. Nothing is more fulfilling than knowing God and accomplishing His plan for your life.