7.52 The Principle of “Sit”, “Walk” and “Stand” in the book of Ephesians

Throughout Church history, believers have been trying to reconcile what the Bible says about them versus their real-life experiences. For example, the Bible tells us that we are righteous in Christ. But many believers do not believe that they are righteous because they are conscious of their imperfections. They conclude that they are not righteous and then they try to be righteous. When they try to be righteous, they fail.

The reality is that we are righteous IN CHRIST. It is the righteousness that comes by being IN HIM. It does not come from our actions; what the Bible calls “works of the law.” When we believe by faith that we are in Him, and we are righteous in Him, only then can we walk in the reality of His righteousness.

When we talk about the fruit of the Spirit, it is important to know that our new creation in Christ is already created according to God – in true righteousness and holiness.

(Ephesians 4:24)
…and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

When we believe that we are righteous and holy in Christ, His attributes will be manifested from within us as fruit of the Spirit.

Let me introduce the important principles of “sit”, “walk” and “stand” to help us understand our Christian lives. These three themes are revealed in the book of Ephesians.

To “sit” is to know our “position”. When you say that a king sits on the throne, it means that the king is reigning (his position). To “walk” is to act in accordance with our position. The king conducts the affairs of the country. To “stand” is to defend the country when attacked by its enemies.

A king who does not know his position (sit) will not be able to perform (walk) as a king. When the kingdom is attacked, he is unable to defend (stand). Likewise, a Christian must know his position in Christ in order to walk in victory. When Satan attacks, he is able to stand up against the enemy.

If we believe that we are holy in Christ (our position), we will be able to bear fruit to holiness (our walk). When we are established in the fruit of the Spirit, we will be able to overcome sinful habits and temptations from Satan (our stand).

We will be using these principles over the next few lessons. We will always tell you your position in Christ before we teach on the Christian walk, because you cannot walk until you know who you truly are in Christ.