15. The Blessed Christian Life (1)

Posted on Posted in Sermon Notes Tagged with , ,

Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians

Knowing Your Privilege in Christ

 “The Blessed Christian Life”

Ephesians 5:1-6 (KJV) 


1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 

OUTLINE

  • Followers of God (v1-4)

a.    In Love (v2)

b.    Not in Immorality and Greed (v3-4a)

  • But with Thanksgiving (v4b)

INTRODUCTION

The Christian life is a blessed life. God has renewed His image in us. And we have the ability to model our lives after Him. What is the portrait of godliness in man? The Apostle Paul shows us that picture. The blessed life is received by being followers of God.

The word “follower” literally means “to mimic”, one who follows another’s example imitator, follower. The object of imitation is God. Not in His incommunicable attributes (He is infinite, eternal and unchangeable while we are finite, limited in time, and changing) but in His communicable attributes which is specially highlighted for us. There is also a contrast made here to help us to see what God is not!

The action of the verb demands continuous action. We are to follow God as a lifestyle. 

Realize that you are precious in the sight of God as dear children. You are the apple of His eye, well-protected and guarded. Notice that the imagery of God’s care is portrayed as the eagle protects its young.

Deuteronomy 32:9-11 For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

Psalm 17:6-9 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.

Zechariah 2:8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

  • Followers of God (v1-4)
    • In Love (v2)
    • Not in Immorality and Greed (v3-4a)
    • But with Thanksgiving (v4b)


1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

This idea of following God is well shown to us by our Lord Jesus Christ.