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| Imitators of God
Ephesians 5:1-20
I. Live a life of love
God is Love - 1 John 4:7-11
-Paul gives two reasons why the christian ought to walk in love:
- We are God's beloved child- God spaks of us the same way he spoke of Jesus. "This is my beloved son".
- We were purchased with a great price.
II. Live as children of light - 1 John 1:5-7
- Light reveals our hearts-
- Light reveals God -
- Light exposes what is wrong -
III Live - not as unwise but as wise
God is truth - 1 John 5:6
- Life is short - Time is a precious commodity
- The days are evil - so many temporary pleasures are out there to enjoy
- God has a plan for our lives - Nothing is more important than to discuss the will of God.
Application : Therefore let us be imitators of God walking in love, in light, and as wise. In this way we can lead others to Christ and know God's will.
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| The Purity of the Church
A call for spiritual transformation
1. Old Self
- Hardened - Their very being(heart was callous and stony
- Ignorant - Refers to the void of all saving knowledge and the result of loving darkness
- darkened in their understanding - power of reasoning had been effected by sin.
- Separated - dead in trespasses and sin.
II. New self
- Know Him - by experience and through the traditions surrounding Him
- you heard(of) Him through the voice and life of their Christian teachers, they had actually heard the christ's voice.
- Were taught in Hi, = The Atmosphere was entirely Christian
II. Off with the Old and On with the New
The meaning is that we are to look, act, reflect the new life, beliefs and behavior should be consistent
Romans 6:6-8 , 11-14
Application: Becoming a Christian involves a radical change, namely conversion. It involves the turning away from our former self, our fallen nature and the assuming and cultivation of a new self or new nature.
Lets start over shall we?
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| Declare God's Message of Mercy To the Nations
Psalm 96.
The Missionaries passion//heart is for the glory of God.
Psalm 96 - Bring glory to God
Missions start with the experience of God which results in passion
natural revelation - Through the greatness of nature (the heavens declare the handwork of God)
special revelation - Through God's word the Bible.
When you're filled with passion - you have to tell someone else!
See God's mercy - see God's glory
(At end of line) tell other people and they tell others etc.
Insert stream drinking analogy. (drank)
Heart of mercy for the nations.
I have trouble getting started to concentrate. I need to have a routine for work.
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| Revolution, Lets change things up. Like another season of an anime. Only by God's strength and will.
If you want different results do different things.
Devotions day and night.
Finish work ASAP.
Do ministry work
apply to jobs.
Lost my pamphlet =/
Ephesians 4:1-16
Unity: The church should be unified in goal and vision
Diversity: The church is diverse, everyone fits in their own specific role.
Maturity: Do not be tossed to and fro by the changing of the wind, but be consistent in God regardless of circumstances.
Implications for me: Get people to see my vision? Learn what others think about the vision
Be nicer to everyone to make sure all the roles are fulfilled.
Be more consistent in spiritual growth.
Time for football and work.
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| Paul's privilege.
Ephesians 3:1-14
1. Prisoner of Jesus Christ
Persecutor turned Prisoner. (Ordinary would view prisoner of Nero.)
Internally Paul's heart is captured by Jesus Christ.
Don't worry about personal consequences.
Didn't allow circumstances to crowd out his calling.
For the sake of the gentiles.
2. Servant of the Gospel
Servant/diakonos - never became proud, stayed humble. Even though Paul was teh awesomes.
How do you identify yourself?
Paul identified himself by his relationship to Christ and his devotion to the gospel.
3. Intercessor for the Saints
Posture of a prisoner/ servant.
Pray for others to be strengthed in their inner being(do I pray for ACF?). To be rooted and established in loves that they might know Christ's love in all these aspects.
Application:
1. Am I captivated by Jesus love? Or am I affected by my circumstances
2. Am I a servant of the gospel?
3. Does my burden/concern be so deep that it drives me to my knees? (In prayer).
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