Followers Of God

FOLLOWERS OF GOD (EPHESIANS 5)

Basketball fans know LeBron’s biggest wish this year? To play in the NBA on the same team as his son Bronny, which the senior is doing after the Lakers drafted the son at the last draft. Into eight games, the Lakers won four and lost four, with the son getting less than ten points in eight games. The rumor now is that Bronny would be sent to play with the reserves in the G League.

The first and famous baseball father-son duo to play together was Ken Griffey, Sr – the winner of two World Series- and Ken Griffey, Jr, a Hall of Famer. They were teammates for 51 games in 1990 before the father was injured. The father said, “Being a father, I guess it’s a dream come true. This is the pinnacle – this is the thing in my career that I’m very proud of – very proud of. You can talk about the ’76 batting race I was in and all that. But to me this is number one.”

https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/inside-pitch/father-son-in-lineup

So far, Ephesians chapter 1 is Blessing (God), 2 is Bridge (Gentiles), 3 is Bearer (Paul), 4 is Bond (Church), and 5 is Break with others (6 is Battle with Satan). Ephesians 5 is renowned for its three “BE” in the imperative mood (vv 1, 7, 17), more “BE” imperatives than any chapter in the Bible. You might say Paul had become more forceful, firm and forthright in his admonition to the church by chapter 5. The introduction to Ephesians 5 is the first occasion believers are addressed as “dear/beloved children” in the Bible.

Why is it important to remember our role and resolve as God’s beloved children (v 1)? What do we as God’s beloved children or dearly loved (v 1) children believe, what do we do and how do we act?

Be Regal and Resolute

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 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. 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. 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) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 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."

This is an addiction ranking chart:

1. Alcohol

2. Tobacco

3. Drug

4. Food addiction

5. Gambling addiction

6. Internet addiction

7. Sex addiction

8. Shopping addiction

9. Video game addiction

10. Porn addiction

https://valleyspringrecovery.com/addiction/common/

It’s been said that it takes between three weeks to two months to get rid of a video game addiction. More serious addictions require three months, two years to five years for recovery.

There are 10 imperatives and five reasons (“gar” from verse 5) in the first section.

IMPERATIVES Not, never, not one

V 1 “BE” imitators God (children) Sacred Identity (Identity)

V 2 LIVE/WALK in love as Christ loved Christ Sacrificial Love

V 3 must “not” + HINT

+ FOR (v 5) must not (v 3 mede = but not) + NAMED

“not” (v 4 ouk) convenient

FOR (v 5 gar ) + “not” (v 5 ouk) + inheritance Christ and God (v 5) Sound Living

(Inheritance)

V 6 let “no” one + DECEIVE + FOR (v 6) “no one” (medeis) + deceive

FOR + wrath comes God Straight Talk + “children of disobedience” (v 6 in Greek)

(Indignation)

V 7 “not” + BE partners + FOR (v 8) + LIVE/WALK “not” (v 7, me) + partners

FOR (v 8, gar) + LIVE/WALK Lord (v 8) + Lord (v 10)

Darkness VS light Sober Judgment + Safe Distance (WALK)

“children of light” (v 8)