"Walking in Love!"
Notes
Transcript
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
The natural response of children is to want to be like their parents!
In fact, we inherit our NATURE from parents (both good and bad).
When we are BORN AGAIN, we now have a new nature, a new life, and a new Heavenly Father, and the Apostle Paul calls us to remember our child-like desire to be like our dad, only now it is God that we are to imitate!
The Greek word used is, “μιμηταὶ” from which we get the English, ‘mimic.’
This word is used extensively in Scripture:
Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
If, as the old saying goes, “Imitation is the highest form of flattery,” I would suggest, “Imitation of God is the pathway to a holy life!”
IN Ephesians 5, there are FOUR ways in which we become “…imitators of God!”
We are to WALK IN LOVE (5:1-7); we are to WALK IN LIGHT (5:8-14); we are to WALK IN WISDOM (5:15-17); and we are to WALK IN THE SPIRIT (5:18-21)!
And the PLACE where the imitation of God will manifest itself first, and foremost, is in your FAMILY (5:22-6:4)!
Second, it will impact where you WORK (6:5-9)!
THIS MORNING’S message will focus on the first area of imitation: “Walking/Living in Love!” - (Eph 5:1-7)
Read text - Pray...
I. The PLEA - (5:2) “…live a life of love”
I. The PLEA - (5:2) “…live a life of love”
NAS95 - “…walk in love” - from περιπατεῖτε - ‘walk around, abide.’ The NIV accurately translates, “…live a life of love!”
Q: “How do I know I am living in love?”
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
The true test of love is NOT do I love those who love me, but can I love those who do not love me? Can I love those who are unlovely? Can I love those who have wronged me?
The greatest evidence of love is undeserved forgiveness!
If we are called to imitate God, then let’s consider what God did:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
The greatest proof of God’s love is His forgiveness!
If you need further proof that love is connected to our forgiveness, turn to (Luke 7:36-47)
Because Simon had no real sense of the sin in his own life, and therefore sensed no need for forgiveness, he was unforgiving of others!
Our ability to love (and forgive) depends on our sense of how much God has loved and forgiven us!
II. The PATTERN - (5:2b) “…just as Christ loved us”
II. The PATTERN - (5:2b) “…just as Christ loved us”
Two characteristics of Christ’s offering:
A. It was SELF-SACRIFICING - “…and gave himself up for us”
A. It was SELF-SACRIFICING - “…and gave himself up for us”
True love is always measured by how much it gives!
B. It was GOD-HONORING - “…as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
B. It was GOD-HONORING - “…as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Q: Why did Christ die for me?
A: Because of love and obedience to His Father!
but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. “Come now; let us leave.
(Romans 5:6-10)
When you and I love one another we PROVE that we are children of God!
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
III. The PERVERSION/DISTORTION - (5:3-4)
III. The PERVERSION/DISTORTION - (5:3-4)
Whatever God establishes, Satan will counterfeit!
In contrast to godly, unselfish, forgiving love, the world’s love is lustful and self-indulgent!
Expressing itself in two areas:
A. DEEDS/ACTIONS - (v.3)
A. DEEDS/ACTIONS - (v.3)
“But among you there must not even be a hint of...”
1. “…sexual immorality” - from “Πορνεία” - ‘pornography’ - refers to ALL sexual sins.
2. “…any kind of impurity” - “ἀκαθαρσία” - referring to anything unclean or filthy.
3. “…or of greed” - contrary to love, which is self-giving!
The REASON: “…because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
B. In WORDS - (v.4)
B. In WORDS - (v.4)
1. “Nor should there be any obscenity...” - filthiness, degrading, or disgraceful talk.
2. “…foolish talk” - from “μωρολογία” compound word: “moros” (which means dull or stupid) and “lego” (to speak).
3. “…coarse joking” - talk that is more pointed and determined. Quickly turns something that is said or done—no matter how innocent, into something that is obscene or suggestive (TV sitcoms thrive on this behavior)!
GOD’S STANDARD IS CLEAR! - All these expressions “…which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
IV. The PUNISHMENT/CONSEQUENCES - (5:5-6)
IV. The PUNISHMENT/CONSEQUENCES - (5:5-6)
God does not TOLERATE SIN, and perverted love leads to PUNISHMENT!
(v.5) - Those whose life pattern is one of habitual immorality, impurity, or greed are NOT a part of God’s kingdom!
No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
Your lifestyle proves whose child you are!
(Titus 2:11-15) - Grace that SAVES teaches us to SAY “NO!”
(5:6) - presents to us a SOBER WARNING!
Beware of those who would teach a “cheap grace!” - (1 Cor 6:9-11)
CONCLUSION - (5:7)
CONCLUSION - (5:7)
Therefore do not be partners with them.
If God is truly your Father, it will manifest in a WALK of LOVE!
(1 John 3:16-24)