Ephesians – part 15: “One Passion” Ephesians 5:1-20

Bottom Line:

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Be strong and courageous” - Joshua 1 “Be courageous”- 1 Chronicles 28:8-10 Courage is what marked followers of God from the beginning!

Bottom Line: To make much of Jesus I must live with the courage that comes from the Spirit of God in me!

Courage for personal purity – vv.3-5 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

Courage for personal purity – vv.3-5 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Courage for personal purity – vv.3-5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person— such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Courage for personal purity – vv.3-5 “The natural flow of life is down.” – Dan Webster, Life Coach

Courage for personal purity – vv.3-5 Mexico City - A quake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale shook Mexico City Friday 6.1-magnitude earthquake hits New Zealand's Kermadec Islands The magnitude-4.7 earthquake occurred on Sunday evening with the epicenter about 15 miles from LA

What are some movements that might hurt? From sexual purity toward sexual immorality –there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, –or of any kind of impurity, From contentment toward wanting more and particularly wanting more of what does not belong to you –or of greed,

What are some movements that might hurt? From communication that strengthens character to communication that plants evil thoughts in the mind. –Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Courage for personal purity – vv.3-5 Courage will enable you to be who you are… because these are improper for God's holy people.

Courage for personal purity – vv.3-5 We don’t live to get – we live to give! For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person— such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Courage for Biblical community – vv Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Courage for Biblical community – vv Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Courage for Biblical community – vv For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Courage for Biblical community – vv Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. God is offended by behavior that does not image Him.

Courage for Biblical community – vv For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

Courage for Biblical community – vv We have a responsibility to others who are committing deeds of darkness. –Therefore do not be partners with them. –Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Courage for Biblical community – vv We don’t live for self-preservation but for the benefit of others.

Courage for missional living Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Courage for missional living Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Courage for missional living Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Courage for missional living Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. To live the life of a courageous follower of God we must live under the influence of His Spirit.

Courage for missional living Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity… be filled with the Spirit.

Exodus 31:1-5 (NIV) Then the LORD said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.

Big Question: Do you have the courage to get alone with God?

Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 Courage Education Courage

Big Question: Do you have the courage to get alone with God?