In The Fellowship Of Saints 2

Dakota Community Church

Ephesians 61

February 16, 2014

In the Fellowship of Saints - 2

We are given six behaviours we are to discontinue - because they destroy unity.

We are given six replacement behaviours which will foster and protect unity.

Instead of lying; speak truth

Instead of outbursts of wrath; righteous anger

Instead of stealing; working and contributing

Instead of gossip and slander; encouraging, grace filled words

Instead of bitter cruelty; loving kindness

Instead of sinful indulgence; thanksgiving

Ephesians 5:3-21

3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

A.) Inappropriate Conduct Among Saints

sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness (5:3)

no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking (5:4)

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness (5:11)

walk, not as unwise (5:15)

do not be foolish ((5:17)

do not get drunk, for that is debauchery (5:18)

This Week:

B.) Appropriate Conduct Among Saints

let there be thanksgiving (5:4)

Walk as children of light (5:8)

(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) (5:9)

try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord (5:10)

expose them (5:11)

carefully walk, as wise (5:15)

make the best use of the time (5:16)

understand what the will of the Lord is (5:17)

be filled with the Spirit (5:18)

address one another in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart (5:19)

giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (5:20)

submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (5:21)

I.) It is appropriate for Christian gatherings to involve thanksgiving, and worship

let there be thanksgiving (5:4)

address one another in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart (5:19)

giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (5:20)

If we gather and our fellowship is filled with thanksgiving and worship, who will be the central figure of those gatherings?

Does that mean “Home on the Range” church? (Where seldom is heard a discouraging word)

No it means authentic relationship, mourning, repenting, laughing, rejoicing; whatever is appropriate and Holy Spirit lead.

Keep in mind that the chief end of man is to “Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

We are Christian hedonists, pleasure seekers who have discovered that true pleasure is only found in Christ!

Turn to the Book of Colossians Chapter 3 and see how Paul addresses these same issues there:

Colossians 3:1-17

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.