Ephesians 4:25-5:2
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 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.
- The affect of inward change impacts how we ought to live on the outside.
- The old self is on a downward spiral to moral corruption.
- The new self is on an upward journey to spiritual wholeness.
I. New Goal
A. The Standard for Holiness
The righteous God sets the standard for righteous living.
Isaiah 5:16
Do’s and don’ts arise out of God’s character.
Holiness is thinking as God thinks, willing as God wills.
B. The work of God through the sanctifying process.
Holy living does not happen by chance. It is generated or resourced by God.
We must continue to live in the shadow of the cross upon which we crucified ourselves (Gal 2:20; Rom 6:4).
Become in practice what God has made you.
C. The Means to Reach the Standard
“Be holy for I am holy” (Lev. 19:2; 1 Pet 1:16). Thessalonians 5:23-24; Genesis 17:1
Holiness is the antithesis of self-centeredness. Our holiness is always expressed in real life.
Speech
Anger
Honest work
Purity of speech
Not grieving the Holy Spirit
Positive things to have: Kindness, Tenderhearted, Forgiving . Our model: what God in Christ has done to us.
Bottom line:
Be imitators of God. How? Living a life of life. Holiness is love.
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