1. Life in His Story Part 9

2. Ephesians 5:1-14 (NIV) 1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 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.

3. Ephesians 5:1-14 (NIV) 3 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. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

4. Ephesians 5:1-14 (NIV) 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. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

5. Ephesians 5:1-14 (NIV) 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

6. Ephesians 5:1-14 (NIV) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

7. Ephesians 5:1-14 (NIV) 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 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."

8. 2 Peter 2:11-17 (NIV) 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

9. 2 Peter 2:11-17 (NIV) 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

10. 2 Peter 2:11-17 (NIV) 15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

11. 1. Doing the next right thing.

12. 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV) 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

13. 2. A quick checklist.

14. 1 Peter 2:17 (NIV) 17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

15. a. Is it respectful?

16. b. Is it loving?

17. c. Is it Godly?

18. d. Is it legal?

19. 3. Keep on trusting God.

20. 1 Peter 2:21-23 (NIV) 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

21. Vineyard Community Church 100 County Road Big Pine Key, FL 33043 Now meeting in Big Pine Key & Ocala For information, times of services and locations, please visit our website at www.keysvineyard.com or call 305-872-3404

22. Life in His Story Part 10 Join us next week for