Walking in Love

Explanation: The book of Ephesians is an exposition of the love of God centered on His blessing mankind through the Incarnation. The sacrificial atonement of Jesus was and is for the praise of His glory. Each and every person who has surrendered to the gospel message adds to the praise and glory of the Most High.

Paul relates these magnificent truths in the first section of Ephesians and informs his readers of the great mystery that has been revealed through the finished work of Christ: the joining of hostile forces into a spiritual unity that is another expression of the glory of God.

Because of these things, because of God’s marvelous, wondrous love shown to us, therefore we are to Walk in Love. This love is the agape, sacrificial love of Christ that we benefit from.

Argument: We can actually live life in a sacrificial manner because we have been empowered by God. tells us that God has blessed us (past tense) with every spiritual blessing. God has not only raised us from our spiritual deadness, He has seated us with him in the heavens (), and the Holy Spirit is within us (). We have what is needed to live a life of sacrificial love

Argument: We can actually live life in a sacrificial manner because we have been empowered by God. tells us that God has blessed us (past tense) with every spiritual blessing. God has not only raised us from our spiritual deadness, He has seated us with him in the heavens (), and the power of the Holy Spirit is within us (). We have what is needed to live a life of sacrificial love

Application: We need to stop making excuses. We are called to embrace who we are in Christ. We can live unselfish lives; we can live for the good of others.

We Walk in Love when we avoid entanglements of the flesh ()

Explanation: The type of love that believers have is contrasted with the lust of the world. Believers are called to shun all expressions of love that come short of the Love of Christ. In reality, much of what is considered “love” by the world is nothing but lust. The Apostle is very clear as to those things that should not have place amongst the Bride of Christ. Verse 4 is set forth as an imperative: it is not a suggestion, but a command for us to keep these immoral activities from our lives.

Argument: The area of sexual immorality has severe consequences. We don’t like to admit it, but the perversions of heterosexuality cause way more damage to the church than the sin of homosexuality. Just consider the varied ways in which sexual immorality negatively impacts the church

Many church-goers don’t give a second thought to making inappropriate sexual jokes or crude comments. Often this is done in an effort to “fit in” to be “normal.” We don’t want others to think we are fanatical

Church members watch TV shows that should be out of bonds for those who profess to following Jesus. Discussion of Game of Thrones

Pornography is highly accessible in our technological age, and it is also highly addictive and destructive. Pornography degrades women and treats them as objects instead of persons made in the image of God.

Fornication is the biblical term for sexual immorality for those not in a covenant marriage relationship. The term may be old fashioned and seldom heard, but the activity of fornication is very much in style. Whatever the term, living together before marriage, engaging in sexual activity

While genuine believers can and do fall into sexual sin, it is imperative that one consider the consequences of habitual, unbroken sin. The one who has lust and perversion as the pattern for living has no place in the kingdom of God.

Application: If we are going to walk in Love we are called to make clear choices in the area of sexual integrity. We are called to evaluate our choices in the light of Scripture, not popular opinion or trends. Hypocritical living is a bad witness and people are watching. It is part of sin that we think nobody notices.

We Walk in Love when we cast our idols down and worship God supremely ()

Explanation: Not all of us struggle with sexual sin, but entanglements of the flesh are just one area in which we can stray. While the Apostle only gives one line to covetousness in this passage, it warrants a closer look. He also states that the covetous person is actually an idolater - one who is worshiping someone or something other than God. This is also an unacceptable manner of life, and it prevents entry into the kingdom of God. This is a serious charge indeed!

Argument: As 21st century Americans, we consider ourselves too sophisticated to bow down to carved idol or graven images. This does not mean we are above idolatry. To the contrary, John Calvin once said, “the human mind is a perpetual forge of idols” Humanity was created to worship, and if we do not worship the One True God, we will worship something. The Great Commandment () is to be our goal and desire.

Application: Who or what are you living for? Whose dreams are you pursuing?

What is it in your life, if you lost it, you would not consider your life worth living? That is your idol