Seated, Walking, Standing

The Christian’s Posture in Christ

Introduction
The letter to the Ephesians, written by Paul from prison around AD 60–62, presents a sweeping vision of God’s redemptive plan. The first half focuses on identity in Christ; the second half on how to live it out. Paul describes the Christian life in three postures: Seated, Walking, Standing.

1. Seated – Our Position in Christ
Paul begins with what God has already done. We are “seated with Christ” (Eph. 2:6–10). This means:
- Resting in His finished work.
- Security in our identity—not based on performance.
- Living from acceptance, not for it.

The challenge is to resist striving and instead remember: the Christian life starts from grace and rest.
Question: Am I living from my seat in Christ—or striving in my own strength?

2. Walking – Our Life in the World
Paul then urges believers to “walk worthy of the calling” (Eph. 4:1). To walk is to grow and move with purpose. Ephesians highlights:
- Walk in unity (4:1–6)
- Walk in newness (4:17–24)
- Walk in love (5:1–2)
- Walk in light (5:8–10)
- Walk in wisdom (5:15–17)

The Christian walk is about direction, not perfection.
Question: Am I walking intentionally, reflecting Christ in my life?

3. Standing – Our Readiness in Battle
Finally, Paul closes with a call to stand firm (Eph. 6:10–13). The Christian life is not a playground but a battlefield. Standing means:
- Resisting lies and discouragement.
- Standing in truth with God’s armour.
- Remaining steady in His strength.

Question: Am I daily putting on God’s armour, or coasting on yesterday’s victory?

Conclusion: The Rhythm of the Christian Life
- Seated – Rest in Christ’s finished work.
- Walking – Live out that calling in love and wisdom.
- Standing – Stand firm against opposition in God’s strength.

Daily, we ask: Am I resting? Am I walking with purpose? Am I standing firm?

Do check out Mike's blog post that mirrors this message.

Isaiah 43: 18 -19' Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. ¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'

How many of us find ourselves stuck in the past? Reliving glories, regretting failures, holding onto hurts? It's a natural human tendency. Isaiah 43:18-19 is a powerful antidote and a liberating truth: God is doing a new thing.

"Do you not perceive it?"

• Often, we miss God's new work because we're looking in the wrong places
• Why? clinging to old methods, blinded by our past experiences (good or bad).
• Are we paying attention? Are our spiritual eyes open?

• Let go of.............
  • Past regrets/failures: Are you beating yourself up over past mistakes? God offers forgiveness and a fresh start. Don't let shame hold you back.
  • Past hurts/bitterness: Are you holding onto grudges? God calls us to forgive and release. Bitterness is a poison.
  • Past successes/comfort zones: Are you resting on old laurels? Is comfort preventing new growth or new obedience? God may be calling you to step out.

• • Are we stuck in "how we've always done it"?
  • Is nostalgia hindering innovation and outreach?
  • Are past conflicts still impacting present relationships?

God's 'new thing' always involve His provision in impossible circumstances

Let's approach life with hope and a joyful expectation of God's fresh work, rather than being bound by what has been.

God help us release the past and step into  the new and glorious future that You have for us.