Key Scriptures: Ephesians 5:1-20
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
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. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Lesson One: We imitate God because we are God’s children.
• We do not imitate God to gain position—we imitate God because of our position
Ephesians 5:1, Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Ephesians 1:4-5, For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.
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Lesson Two: We walk in the way of love.
• Our lives are meant to be characterized by love
Ephesians 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
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Lesson Three: We walk in love—by modeling Christ’s sacrificial love.
• Our ability to love sacrificially comes from receiving Christ’s love
Ephesians 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
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Lesson Four: Our lives should be marked by gratitude.
• Gratitude is meant to be the posture of the Christian life
Ephesians 5:3-4, 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. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
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Ways to cultivate an UNGRATEFUL heart
Compare yourself to others
Keep track of all of your sacrifice
Embrace a spirit of entitlement
Grow complacent in your walk with Jesus
Covet the things you want, but don’t have
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How to live as wise
Wisdom is gained through spending time with the Lord
Proverbs 9:10, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy one is understanding.
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Ask God for wisdom
James chapter 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
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Surround yourself with wise people
Proverbs 13:20, Walk with the wise and you will become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
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Practical takeaways
Practice gratitude…every day for the next month—write something down that you’re grateful for.
Seek wisdom and walk wisely…every day for the next month—add a proverb to your Bible reading.
Live with a sense of urgency…take action on the things of God that he has given you TODAY to accomplish.