April 23, 2023
Sermon Series: Spirit-Filled Living Is Essential For Christians
Book of Ephesians
Sermon # 8: BELIEVERS ARE TO WALK FOLLOWING GOD
Part 2
Ephesians 5:3-7
In our last study, we considered verses 1-2. In those verses we were told to be “followers of God, as dear children.” That means that we are to imitate God just as a child imitates a parent. We are to love as He loves; walk as He walks; talk as He talks; live as He lives; we are to mimic the Father in all things. That is a difficult command to follow, but it is what we are to strive for in our day to day lives.
Believers are to walk following God! In the verses we will consider today, we are also given a command. In verse 7, the command is “Be ye not therefore partakers with them.” Just as we are to imitate the God in every possible way, we are to avoid imitating the actions, attitudes, and ways of the world. Today’s lesson will speak to us about what we should not be doing as we live in this world.
It's easy to fall into the same rut in which the world runs. It’s easy to go with the flow and do as the lost world around us does. It’s easy to adopt this attitude, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Today many Christians adopt the world’s standards. We adopt their fashions, their speech, their entertainment, and nearly everything else they do. We know in God’s Word, He tells us that we are to be different from them in every way.
If we are going to emulate anyone, let it be God Almighty! We don’t have to look no farther than the Lord God Almighty.
In part 2 of this lesson, as we emulate God, we have some commands to follow. Notice the challenges laid out in this text.
IV. THERE ARE ACTIONS WE MUST AVOID v. 3-4
The believer follows God, by being clean-bodied, that is, morally pure. If a
believer is to follow and imitate God, that believer has to be morally pure;
the believer has to keep the body clean. He or she cannot let it become
dirty and spotted.
In these too verses, at least six sins are named. These sins are to be
avoided by the people of God.
· Fornication – Refers to all type of sexual sin.
· Uncleanness – This word speaks of “corruption and rottenness.”
· Covetousness – This word refers to “greed and lust.” It is a desire to possess that which belongs to another. Verse 5 clearly says that the “covetous man”…is an idolator.” This person is guilty of following after other gods.
· Filthiness – Using the mouth in obscene, shameful, foul, polluted, base, immoral conduct and conversation.
· Foolish Talking – It speaks of “silly speech.” It actually refers to talk that we associate with someone who is mentally deficient. Empty, senseless, wasted, no purpose talk.
· Jesting – It refers to those who twist everything into something, or into some kind of sexual suggestion.
We are to avoid those things.
If we are to be followers of God, there are commands we are to follow.
Notice the challenges laid out in the text.
4. There are actions we must avoid v. 3-4
V. THERE IS AN ATTITUDE WE MUST ADOPT v. 4b
Rather than engaging in those activities and attitudes that characterize the world, the Bible offers us a favorable alternative. Instead of being crude, rude and vile in speech and actions, the Bible says, “voice your thankfulness to God.”
Believers are to be engaged in conversation that builds people up and offers thanks and praise to God.
When Jesus saved us by His grace, He transformed us, by His power, through the new birth, into a new creature, 2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:23.
For that change, and the salvation He has freely given to us, we should be grateful to Him. The word “thanks” carries the idea of “being thankful.” So, instead of engaging in sins that demean others, destroy ourselves, and dishonor God, we should possess a heart that overflows with praise the Lord for all that He has done for us through grace.
If we are to be followers of God, there are commands we are to follow.
Notice the challenges laid out in the text.
4. There are actions we must avoid v. 3-4
5. There is an attitude we must adopt v. 4b
VI. THERE ARE AFFIRMATIONS WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE v. 3-6
Affirmations are facts or truths. They are declarations or good reasons.
God offers us several good reasons why we should, and must avoid these
sins.
V. 3 – These sins are unbecoming to the saints – The word “becometh”
means “to be suitable to, or proper.” In other words, these sins are
not suitable to, or proper.
V. 4 – These sins are not convenient – The word “convenient” literally
means “not equal to our standing.” When we practice these sins, we
are living below our high calling in Jesus Christ.
V. 5 – These sins reveal a wicked heart – This verse make sit clear that
Anyone who practices a lifestyle characterize by these sins is not
saved np matter what they profess.
V. 6 – These sins bring wrath of God – If we want the blessings of God to be
on our lives, then we must live holy, clean lives to His glory. If we
don’t, we will certainly face His chastisement.
If we are to be followers of God, there are commands we are to follow.
Notice the challenges laid out in the text.
4. There are actions we must avoid v. 3-4
5. There is an attitude we must adopt v. 4-5
6. There are affirmations we must acknowledge v. 3-6
VII. THERE IS AN AUTHORITY WE MUST ACCEPT v. 7
This passage closes with a clear command from the Lord. We are
Commanded not to take part in the sins discussed in this text.
Beware of the trap of being a co-conspirator with those who rebel against
God. Remember that “birds of a feather flock together.” Or using a more
Biblical reference:
“Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Cor. 15:33,
NKJV).
If we are followers of God, there are commands that we are to follow. Part 2
Notice the challenges laid out in the text.
4. There are actions we must avoid v. 3-4
5. There is an attitude we must adopt v. 4-5
6. There are affirmations we must acknowledge v. 3-6
7. There is an authority we must accept v. 7
Responsive Reading: Ephesians 5:1-7
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