EPHESIANS
Living Godly In An Ungodly World (March 22, 2020)
Series Big Idea: "The Church is created and sustained by God"
Sermon Big Idea: "Is it possible to live a "G-rated" life in an "R-rated" world?"
Key Scripture (Ephesians 4:17-32)
Is it possible to live a “G-rated” life in a “R-rated” society? Listen to Paul's words. Again, in verse 17, he calls us to walk or live. The gentiles came from a pagan background. They brought with them into the Christian life a lot of baggage. Don't we all? They needed instructions on how to live the new life. Paul lists four areas all of us need to heed.
Our Character (17-21)
If we are saved, there should be a difference:
In our walk (17) Vanity = madness, pride, conceit. Don’t imitate your present evil environment. Their walk was dominated by their thinking. (Romans 12:1-2)
In our wisdom (18) A picture of tragic hopelessness. They walked in vanity because their understanding was darkened, they were alienated (cut off) and blind (hardened, calloused).
In our work (19-21) They kept alive their desires for evil. They weren’t bothered by conscience. “Lasciviousness” = shameless conduct. They thought nothing of immoral, indecent behavior.
Our Conduct (22-28)
There are things to do:
Put off (22) Change your mental outlook and manner of life. Cease the old way of life. Daily conversion must follow initial conversion. But remember, the old nature usually dies slowly. Note v.23. The thinking must be changed. Put off “lying” (25). Put off “anger” (26). Put off stealing (28).
Put on (24) Note “truthfulness”, “forgiveness”, “honesty”.
Our Conversation (29)
“Corrupt speech” = rotten, defiling, an improper use of the tongue. A recent article in our newspapers conveyed how our society is becoming more and more profane in language.
Our Communion (30-32)
With the Spirit (30) “Grieve.” We grieve Him by not listening, following or submitting. Stop causing Him pain and distress.
With the saints (31-32) These two verses alone would be enough to preach on for quite a while. Do a good word study on each of these words.
Conclusion:
None of us are perfect but we can work on our lives with the power of Holy Spirit as our guide through His Word.
Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideals for this message, are inspired by:
Holman Christian Standard Bible
English Standard Version Bible
King James Version Bible
Christian Standard Bible
The Bible Knowledge Commentary by John F. Walvoord/Roy B. Zuck
The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge by Jerome H. Smith
Water, Mark, ed. Encyclopedia of Bible Facts. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2004. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.
NIV, Archaeological Study Bible, eBook: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture
Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Duane Garrett, and Walter C. Kaiser Jr.
NIV, First-Century Study Bible, eBook: Explore Scripture in Its Jewish and Early Christian Context
Zondervan, Kent Dobson, and Ed Dobson
Anders, Max. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians. Edited by Max Anders. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1999. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
Hughes, Robert B. and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1990. WORDsearch CROSS e-book. Revised edition of New Bible Companion.
Snodgrass, Klyne. Ephesians: From biblical text...to contemporary life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
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