Living as Saints: A Call to Holiness
Summary
In Ephesians 5:3-5, Paul provides a clear directive for Christians to live a life of holiness, avoiding behaviors that are contrary to their faith. This passage is not merely a set of rules but a call to embody the principles of Christianity in every aspect of life. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that Christians must not only understand the principles of their faith but also apply them in detail to their daily lives. This involves a conscious effort to avoid behaviors such as fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, and jesting. These behaviors are not fitting for those who are called to be saints, set apart for God's purpose.
Paul's message is not about reforming the world but about instructing Christians on how to live in a way that reflects their faith. The Christian life is not about adhering to a set of rules but about living in a way that is consistent with the identity of being a saint. This involves a transformation of the heart and mind, leading to a life that is characterized by gratitude and thanksgiving to God. Christians are called to be thoughtful in their speech and actions, ensuring that everything they do is a reflection of their faith and a testimony to the grace of God.
The Apostle also warns against the dangers of covetousness, equating it with idolatry. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives becomes an idol, and Christians are called to worship God alone. This requires a conscious effort to avoid anything that might lead us away from our devotion to God. Instead, Christians are encouraged to live a life of thanksgiving, using their resources to glorify God and support His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- Christians are called to live a life of holiness, avoiding behaviors that are contrary to their faith. This involves a conscious effort to apply the principles of Christianity in every aspect of life, ensuring that our actions reflect our identity as saints. [01:52]
- The Christian life is not about adhering to a set of rules but about embodying the principles of our faith in a way that is consistent with our identity as saints. This requires a transformation of the heart and mind, leading to a life characterized by gratitude and thanksgiving to God. [03:44]
- Paul warns against the dangers of covetousness, equating it with idolatry. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives becomes an idol, and Christians are called to worship God alone. This requires a conscious effort to avoid anything that might lead us away from our devotion to God. [08:08]
- Christians are encouraged to live a life of thanksgiving, using their resources to glorify God and support His kingdom. This involves a conscious effort to avoid behaviors that are contrary to our faith and to live in a way that reflects our identity as saints. [26:37]
- The Apostle emphasizes the importance of thoughtful speech and actions, ensuring that everything we do is a reflection of our faith and a testimony to the grace of God. This involves avoiding foolish talking and jesting, and instead, living a life that is characterized by gratitude and thanksgiving. [31:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Introduction to Ephesians 5:3-5
[01:13] - The Importance of Grasping Principles
[02:28] - Applying Principles to Christian Life
[03:44] - The Ultimate Object of Christianity
[04:19] - The Apostle's Formula
[05:38] - Addressing Christians, Not the World
[06:48] - Avoiding Fornication and Uncleanness
[07:51] - The Danger of Covetousness
[09:19] - Foolish Talking and Jesting
[11:53] - The Harm of Clever and Witty Talk
[14:21] - The Christian's New Kingdom
[18:36] - Avoiding Temptation
[22:04] - The Challenge of Modern Temptations
[26:23] - Living a Life of Thanksgiving
[31:15] - Thoughtful and Graceful Speech
[36:42] - The Danger of Covetousness and Idolatry
[41:14] - Understanding Our Identity as Saints
[46:05] - Conclusion and Call to Holiness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:3-5
Observation Questions:
1. What specific behaviors does Paul instruct Christians to avoid in Ephesians 5:3-5? How are these behaviors described in the sermon? [06:48]
2. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate object of Christianity as mentioned by Paul? [03:44]
3. How does the Apostle Paul equate covetousness with idolatry, and why is this significant? [44:18]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of speech in a Christian's life? [31:31]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the concept of living a life of holiness as described in Ephesians 5:3-5? What does this mean for Christians today? [05:21]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christians can transform their hearts and minds to live a life characterized by gratitude and thanksgiving? [28:26]
3. How does the sermon explain the importance of avoiding behaviors that are contrary to Christian faith, and what are the potential consequences of not doing so? [19:08]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between covetousness and idolatry, and how can Christians guard against this in their lives? [44:18]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily life. Are there any behaviors or habits that you feel are contrary to your faith? What steps can you take to address them? [06:48]
2. The sermon emphasizes living a life of gratitude and thanksgiving. How can you incorporate more gratitude into your daily routine? [28:26]
3. Consider your speech and interactions with others. Are there ways you can ensure your words reflect your faith and are a testimony to God's grace? [31:31]
4. The sermon warns against covetousness and idolatry. Is there anything in your life that might be taking the place of God? How can you refocus your devotion? [44:18]
5. How can you use your resources to glorify God and support His kingdom, as encouraged in the sermon? [37:51]
6. Think about the influence of media and entertainment in your life. Are there changes you can make to ensure they align with your Christian values? [22:04]
7. The sermon suggests that Christians should be thoughtful in their speech and actions. What practical steps can you take to be more mindful in your daily interactions? [31:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Living a Life of Holiness
Christians are called to live a life of holiness, which means making a conscious effort to avoid behaviors that contradict their faith. This involves applying the principles of Christianity in every aspect of life, ensuring that actions reflect the identity of being saints. Holiness is not about following a strict set of rules but about embodying the values of Christianity in daily life. This requires a transformation of the heart and mind, leading to a life characterized by gratitude and thanksgiving to God. By avoiding behaviors such as fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, Christians can live in a way that is consistent with their calling as saints. [01:52]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What specific behavior or habit in your life do you feel is inconsistent with your identity as a saint? How can you begin to change this today to better reflect your faith?
Day 2: Transformation of Heart and Mind
The Christian life is about embodying the principles of faith in a way that aligns with the identity of being saints. This requires a transformation of the heart and mind, leading to a life characterized by gratitude and thanksgiving to God. It is not about adhering to a set of rules but about living in a way that is consistent with the ultimate object of Christianity. This transformation involves a conscious effort to align one's thoughts, words, and actions with the teachings of Christ, ensuring that everything done is a reflection of faith and a testimony to the grace of God. [03:44]
Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively renew your mind and heart to align more closely with the teachings of Christ? What practical steps can you take today to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving?
Day 3: Avoiding Idolatry through Covetousness
Paul warns against the dangers of covetousness, equating it with idolatry. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives becomes an idol, and Christians are called to worship God alone. This requires a conscious effort to avoid anything that might lead us away from our devotion to God. By recognizing the subtle ways in which covetousness can infiltrate our lives, we can take steps to ensure that our focus remains on God. Christians are encouraged to live a life of thanksgiving, using their resources to glorify God and support His kingdom. [08:08]
1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
Reflection: What is one thing in your life that you might be placing above God? How can you begin to shift your focus back to God and away from this potential idol?
Day 4: Living a Life of Thanksgiving
Christians are encouraged to live a life of thanksgiving, using their resources to glorify God and support His kingdom. This involves a conscious effort to avoid behaviors that are contrary to faith and to live in a way that reflects the identity of being saints. By focusing on gratitude and thanksgiving, Christians can ensure that their actions are a reflection of their faith and a testimony to the grace of God. This requires thoughtful speech and actions, avoiding foolish talking and jesting, and instead living a life that is characterized by gratitude and thanksgiving. [26:37]
Hebrews 13:15-16 (ESV): "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Reflection: How can you use your resources today to glorify God and support His kingdom? What is one specific way you can express gratitude and thanksgiving in your daily life?
Day 5: Thoughtful Speech and Actions
The Apostle emphasizes the importance of thoughtful speech and actions, ensuring that everything done is a reflection of faith and a testimony to the grace of God. This involves avoiding foolish talking and jesting, and instead, living a life that is characterized by gratitude and thanksgiving. By being mindful of the words spoken and the actions taken, Christians can ensure that their lives are a reflection of their faith and a testimony to the grace of God. This requires a conscious effort to align one's speech and actions with the teachings of Christ, ensuring that everything done is a reflection of faith. [31:31]
James 1:26 (ESV): "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent conversations. How can you ensure that your speech is thoughtful and reflects your faith? What changes can you make today to align your words more closely with the teachings of Christ?
Quotes
The Christian must never be content merely with grasping principles; he must grasp principles and he must start with principles. So much of the trouble, it seems to me, in the church today is due to the fact that people don't grasp principles. They miss the wood because of the trees. [00:01:48]
Every part of our life is to be governed by our Christian principles and by our Christian faith. Everything, you notice how the Apostle comes down to details, and he covers the whole of life. We must never lose sight of the fact that the ultimate object of Christianity is that we should be holy. [00:02:28]
The Apostle here was not trying to reform the world; he was writing to Christians. These words are addressed to members of the church at Ephesus and other churches. This is not general moral advice to the world outside; these words are addressed to Christians. [00:05:38]
Covetousness means, of course, love of money. Love of money partly for itself and partly because of what it can do for us, the things we can buy with money, the things we can procure with money, the things we can do if we've got money. The love of all that money represents and can achieve. [00:07:51]
The Christian's talk must never be empty; it mustn't be senseless, must never be frivolous. The Christian man should never be a frivolous person, and he should never speak in a frivolous and a light, vapid, empty manner. It's so typical of the other life, but it's got nothing to do with this life. [00:11:53]
The whole art, the whole strategy of Christian living is to watch temptation at the beginning. If you let temptation get the slightest foothold in you, you're more or less finished. It's the preliminary onslaught that you are to meet. That's why he says let it not be so much as named amongst you. [00:22:04]
The Christian is one who is to express joy and happiness in his life. He's a man who's got a profound sense of gratitude to God and to the Lord Jesus Christ within him. He's a man who wants to be giving thanks. So we must get rid of all notions of dullness. [00:26:37]
The Christian speech must always be thoughtful. The Christian is a man who started thinking. So much of the other life is thoughtless, like a bubble, but the Christian speech is thoughtful. People should always feel somewhat better from having spoken to us; they should have gathered something. [00:31:31]
The Christian never calls attention to himself; he doesn't monopolize the conversation. The better the Christian, the better he is as a listener. But you watch that sort of person in a circle, man or woman, always trying to keep the whole conversation, wanting to be the object of interest. [00:33:42]
The Christian is never a man who tries to be funny. That's the thing that must go right out. He never does it simply in order to impress or to call attention to himself or to cut a figure or to be the center of interest in a conversation. [00:36:42]
Covetousness is idolatry, and there is no more terrible or horrible sin than idolatry. It means that you make a god of something, and you worship that god. Anything that you and I tend to set up as the big thing, the central thing in our lives, is an idol. [00:41:14]
We are saints, set apart for God, meant to live to him and his glory, to worship and to praise him alone. Let us ever remember that, and remembering it, let us realize that certain things are incompatible with it and that we are to renounce them forever. [00:46:05]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 24, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?