Walking with God (2)

The concept of walking with God, a prominent theme in the Old Testament, is continued in the New. Believers are commanded to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. They are not to walk according to the flesh or their former way of life, but rather, according to the Spirit, in newness of life, in love, in good works, and in truth. They are to walk by faith, as children of light, and in keeping with God’s commandments. Jesus Himself was the ultimate example of one who lived every moment in perfect communion and intimate fellowship with His Father. He sets the pattern for us to follow. As 1 John 2:6 reminds us, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

 

Like believers in Bible times, all Christians are called to walk in obedience, truth, and godliness. Of course, everything in society fights that effort. Secular culture is only getting worse, and the church, in many cases, has grown weak and shallow. The temptation to compromise and sin is immense and relentless. But as in the days of Enoch and Noah, God is watching for those who will faithfully walk with Him. As 2 Chronicles 16:9 reminds us, “The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” The actions of godly men and women are not determined by peer pressure or popular opinion. Rather, they arise from deep personal character and conviction—the kind forged over years of walking with the Lord in fellowship, truth, and obedience.

 

That kind of walk characterized Enoch’s life. It started with forgiveness from sin. It was marked by steadfast faith in the Lord. And it subsequently resulted in fruits of righteousness. In the midst of a corrupt society headed for total destruction, Enoch’s walk with God was counter-cultural and heavenly in character, as his earthly end demonstrates.

 

 --- John F. MacArthur, Twelve Unlikely Heroes: How God Commissioned Unexpected People in the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You. 2014.

Walking with God (1)

The term walk expresses the idea of moment-by-moment fellowship with the Lord. And in the early chapters of Scripture, it is the primary way that someone is identified as having been forgiven from sin and reconciled to God. Because Noah walked with God, he escaped judgment (Genesis 6:9). Because Abraham walked with God, he received blessing (Genesis 17:1). Because Enoch walked with God, he avoided death.

 

That kind of fellowship is what God both desires and provides. It is that same kind of relationship that He still offers sinners today. As Jesus told the multitudes to whom He preached, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29). Even now, the Lord is looking for those who will come to Him for forgiveness—based on His substitutionary sacrifice—and walk with Him in fellowship.

 

--- John F. MacArthur, Twelve Unlikely Heroes: How God Commissioned Unexpected People in the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You. 2014.

The Marks of a True Hero

The pages of Scripture are filled with stories of great heroes—men and women whom God used in unique and powerful ways to accomplish His purposes. Their exploits vary greatly, yet the common thread that runs through all of their testimonies is faith.

 

Even though the word hero does not occur in the New Testament, believers often refer to the biblical saints (such as those listed in Hebrews 11) as the “heroes of the faith.” They are regarded as heroes for two primary reasons: they believed in the Lord, not just for salvation but for every aspect of life; and they acted on that faith, choosing to honor Him even when it was difficult to do so. When their circumstances seemed impossible, they depended on God’s wisdom and strength rather than their own. And they kept their eyes on Him, choosing to trust in His promises rather than pursue the passing pleasures of sin.

 

Thus, they were known both for their faith and their faithfulness—and God was honored through them. From the world’s perspective, most of them were not especially noble, strong, or wise. They had quirks, flaws, and shortcomings. But through the power of God, they were used in mighty ways to accomplish His purposes and bring Him glory.

 

We have much to learn from the legacy left to us by the heroes of the faith. They are the great “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) that has gone before us. As we study their lives, their testimonies encourage us to respond to trials with steadfast faith and to fight against temptation with uncompromising faithfulness. Their circumstances were often far different from our own, and yet the God-centered principles and priorities that governed their lives are applicable to us as well.

 

--- John F. MacArthur, Twelve Unlikely Heroes: How God Commissioned Unexpected People in the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You. 2014.