0308. WALKING WITH GOD.

WALKING WITH GOD.

"Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (Gen_5:24).

Walking with God simply means living in the presence of God (Gen_17:1). A life regulated by His will, inspired by His Spirit, and devoted to His purpose. It implies-

I. Entire Self-surrender. The name Enoch means "dedicated," one yielded up to God, to be conformed to His mind and will.

II. Unbroken Fellowship. "How can two walk together except they be agreed?" (Amo_3:3). Good company makes the road short.

III. Continual Progress. To walk with God means a growing knowledge of Him. The light on this path shineth more and more. There is no standing still with Him. The wheels that are full of eyes rest not.

IV. Complete Separation. You could not think of Enoch taking part in the world’s sinful pleasures. "Be ye holy" (Lev_20:7), for I am holy. God is light, and those who love the light do not walk in darkness.

V. Unfailing Perseverance. For 300 years he walked with God. Not once a week, not only in the morning or the evening for a few minutes, but continually, and amidst all the cares and trials of the ordinary family life. He was no hermit or recluse.

VI. Fearless Confidence (Psa. 23). When we can say, "Thou art with me," what need we fear? Greater is He that is with us than all that can be against us. Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory over sin, the world, death, and the devil (1Co_15:57).

VII. Intense Satisfaction. "He hath this testimony, that he pleased God" (Heb_11:5). What a consolation this is, "He pleased God." In so doing he would no doubt displease many. Because ye are not of this world therefore doth the world hate you (Joh_15:18).

VIII. Future Blessedness. "God took him." This is the epitaph written concerning a man who was buried in Heaven before he died. He went in "to walk with Him in white" (Rev_3:4). A figure of the transformation of the Church at the Coming of the Lord (Jud_1:14-15).

IX. Simple Faith. "By faith Enoch was translated" (Heb_11:5). He evidently believed that God would take him in without tasting death, and He did it. By faith in Christ God still takes men into His company, enabling them to please Him, and transforming them into His own likeness. "Walk worthy of the Lord" (Col_1:10).

Autor: James Smith