- Message Title: Be Like God
- Message Text: Ephesians 5:1-7
This week Paul really shifts gears between Ephesians 5:2 and 5:3.
Ephesians 5:1–7 (NKJV)
1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
From walking in love to “don’t fornicate.” But this is God’s wisdom. Paul has spent much time and energy teaching us who we are in Christ.
However …
To live up to who we are in Christ we must know where we are in the world. If they were still involved in sexual immorality, impure living and greed, then they needed strong teaching to tell them that the clothing of the old man would just not do for God’s new creation.
For those who have believed in Jesus Son of God for the forgiveness of sins and have received his gift of eternal life, God promises amazing things. He brings us from total separation standing in judgment to an intimacy with the Most High God of the universe that is beyond our ability to understand or explain. We go from the flames of God’s eternal judgment to the flames of God’s eternal love and holiness.
Now we can say, “It doesn’t get any better than this!”
So we praise him!
This week’s message is more of our general theme. This is who you are. The words are written in our Bibles. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit. Now believe God and live up to our calling.
Here are the handouts for this week.
- PDF Be like God Ephesians 5-1-7 092213 HANDOUT ONE
- PDF Be like God Ephesians 5-1-7 092213 HANDOUT TWO
dave