Introduction: 1. The Christian has a new walk with the Lord. 2. While today we often want to see how far we can go the walk for the Christian is not how far but how you conduct that walk. 3. Ephesians 5:1-14 I. Walk in love (verses 1, 2). A. Paul makes a plea-imitate the Lord’s love (Eph. 5:22-33). B. The purpose for our love: 1. We are God’s beloved child (2 Pet. 1:4; 1 Jn. 3:1). We are to crucify the old man and make every attempt to have God’s nature (1 Pet. 1:16). 2. We are purchased with a great price. a) We know (Jn. 15:13), b) Look what happened (Rom. 5:10; Titus 2:14; Col. 1:20). Christ’s love (Rom. 15:3; 2 Cor. 8:9). II. Walk in purity (verses 3-7). A. Put away: 1. Fornication-illicit sexual activity between two individuals that are not married. This would include sex outside of marriage, affairs, premarital sex, homosexuality, etc. 2. Uncleanness impure (1 Cor. 13-20). 3. Covetousness-eager to have more, greed (Heb 13:5). 4. Filthiness-shame, disgrace, obscene. 5. Foolish talking-silly, dull, vile. 6. Jesting-lewd, suggestive. B. We are… 1. Saints-holy set apart. Given to the Lord. Cleansed (Heb 9:14) we are to maintain a clean life (1 Thes. 4:7; 1Pet. 1:15; 2 Pet. 3:11). 2. Citizens of the kingdom-we are to submit to the government of heaven (Col. 1:13, 14; Heb. 5:8, 9). C. These activities 1. Are not suitable for the Christian (1 Cor. 3:17; Eph. 5:26, 27. 2. Bring the wrath of God (Heb 10:31; 1 Thes. 1:10). 3. They are rather to be received with thanksgiving. D. Who am I hurting? III. Walk in God’s light (verses 8-14). A. Characteristics of our walk: 1. Goodness-moral excellence (1 Thes. 5:15). 2. Righteousness-relationship with God (Rom. 4:5; 6:13; 1 Tim. 6:11). 3. Truth-dictates of God. B. Command-don’t fellowship sin. 1. Don’t participate in or with (1 Cor. 5:9-11; 2 Thes. 3:6, 14). 2. Courage to stand (Daniel, Esther, 1 Cor. 16:13). 3. Reprove (Jn. 3:20; Mt. 18:15-17). 4. Wake up Satan is real (Isa. 60:1).
Entered on 10/26/2008
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