Proper Posture
In Psalm 1 David writes,
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers” (Psalm 1:1)
Here we are warned not to walk, stand, or sit as unbelievers do. Walking has to do with doing, doing as those not yet in the faith may do. Standing suggests though we may not be participating in their ways we are still in their company, perhaps chatting… hobnobbing, maybe trying to “fIt in.” Sitting is here more a from the sidelines thing… mocking, pointing the finger, perhaps being smug.
Though these three postures describe a lessening degree of involvement with the worldly-minded they are all defined as associations a believer must avoid. Certainly we must associate with the lost – how else may we be a light to them? But we must not follow in their ways. We come to bring light to them not to allow their darkness to snuff out our flame.
In his epistle to the Ephesians Paul follows a similar ordering: walk… stand… sit. But Paul speaks positively. He tells us what we must do in these postures:
You used to walk godlessly, he says (Eph. 2:2), as sinners (4:17), but now walk in “good works” (2:10), “worthy” of your calling (4:11), “in love” (5:2), “as children of light” (5:8), and with caution (5:15). He tells us how to stand also, fully armoured and wary of the devil (6:11), remaining erect after having done all your calling (6:13), protected by truth, righteousness, and all other protections and weaponry of God (6:14).
Clearly now is a time for actions and resolve. Later comes the resting and rejoicing. God has “raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” writes Paul (2:6). For God that time has already come, it is a sure thing, but for us that time is not yet. Now is our time of confidence… of faith and trust in our Commander. Now we walk rightly, stand firmly and press on…
And this too is what the Apostle urges the Galatians: Do not walk with the Judaizers, those who would add works to faith, do not try to add flesh to Spirit, but walk rightly… walk by faith, stand by FAITH, and give glory to God!
Press on…
To hear Pastor Andrew’s Sunday message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the livestream from the church website.
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