Introduction:     The last part of the last verse in chapter 3 says Jesus is coming again! 1,845 times the Bible says Jesus is coming again. 318 times in the N.T. says Jesus is coming again. In light of that, how am I to live my life? I believe I am to live a life without compromise! Christianity is a life lived, not a religion practiced. Christianity is not an ornament you wear around your neck. It is not a routine that you endure. It is not a luxury you enjoy. It is not a job that you suffer through, but Christianity is a walk (4:1) and a life to be lived every day! To walk denotes forward progress going toward a desired destination. It is not stationary. How are we to walk this walk?

I.          WALK IN HOLINESS (VV.1-5)
Holiness is a choice. Why should we walk in holiness?

            A.        It Is The Hallmark Of Great Christians (1a - received of us)

            B.         It Is The Pleasure Of Almighty God (1b - to please God)
You can’t please people, but you can please God! What please God? Walking the hi-way of holiness.

  C.        It Is The Plain Teaching Of The Bible (v.2)

            D.        It Is The Revealed Will Of God (v.3-5)
Sanctification affects us 2 ways:

                        1.         Positionally

                        2.         Practically

Fornication. = porneia, por-ni'-ah; harlotry (including adultery and incest)
Abstain. = to hold oneself off, i.e. refrain
The born-again Christian has been enlightened by the gospel and we are not to live our lives like ignorant pagans who do not know God!

II.         WALK IN REVERENCE (V.6)
Grows out of holiness. If I’m walking in holiness with God that affects the way I treat other people. To “go beyond” is to overstep the bounds. To “defraud” is to step over or take what is not yours. We had better respect God; Avenger = carrying justice out, i.e. a punisher.

III.       WALK IN OBEDIENCE (VV.7-8)
In 2 areas:

   A.        To His Call (v.7)

            B.         Not To Reject (v.8)

The mark of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is demonstrated by his walk of holiness. No matter how loud we shout, how high we can jump, the issue is how straight do we walk!

Conclusion:       What health is to the heart, holiness is to the heart. God is not as impressed with what’s on the outside as He is on what’s in the heart.