Some Things Just Don't Belong Series

Some Things Just Don’t Belong

Ephesians 5:1-5

Ephesians 5:1 (NLT)

Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Follow the Leader

 Following requires focus

• Upon the activity of God

• John 5:19

John 5:19 (NLT)

Jesus replied, "I assure you, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.

Follow the Leader

 Following requires focus

• Upon the activity of God

• John 5:19

 Children follow the lead of their parents

• We as God’s children should follow His lead

• Our “imitation” brings glory to God

Ephesians 5:2 (NLT)

Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.

The Example of Love

 Jesus was the perfect example of love

• Unbiased

• Willingly sacrificial

 We are called to walk in the same manner

 Our love for others is an offering to God

Ephesians 5:3 (NLT)

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.

Inappropriate Behavior

 Some things do not belong in the life of the Christian

• Sexual immorality

• Impurity

• Greed

• Fruit of the old sinful nature

• Destroy the testimony of their life

Ephesians 5:4 (NLT)

Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.

Watch Your Mouth

 Your speech is an indicator of your heart

• Garbage in…garbage out

• Crude speech offends and repulses

 Let your speech glorify God

• Giving thanks in all things

• God honoring speech encourages and invites

Ephesians 5:5 (NLT)

You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world.

Consequences of Selfish Living

 Left out of the inheritance

• Worshipping self and self-fulfillment

• God has no lordship in their life

 Selfish living has no place in the new life

• It is divisive

• It causes a breakdown in unity

• It creates “disease” in the body

**Powerpoint available on request