The life of a soldier is hard work, often performed in extreme environments. They are called to endure hardness, and share in suffering. Each day brings new challenges.
As Christian soldiers we are called to put off the old man, be renewed, and to put on the new man each day.
WALK IN NEW LIFE
Contrast old life & walk 4:17-19
22 to put off your old self...
23 be renewed in the spirit...
Cf., Rom 12:2; 1 Pet 3:3–4
4:24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Parallel passage: Col 3:1–17
5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Romans 13:14
WALK IN LOVE
5:2 And walk in love, [STANDARD] as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice
to God.
Cf., Gal 5:14–15; Rom 13:8–10
WALK IN LIGHT
8 …at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light...
Cf., 2 Cor 4:4; John 3:16–21; Isa 5:20–21; John 8:12; Acts 26:17
WALK IN WISDOM
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Cf., Col 4:5-6; 1 Pet 3:15–16; Mat 10:16; Prov 11:30
Words full of grace… speaking the truth in love… offering real life… demonstrating real life...
Takes daily discipline & renewed power of God living within us:
Phi 2:12–16 (ESV) ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God
who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing...
Outline PDF avail in eDocs |
