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Walk in purity - be like dad Daniel Patz, Lead Pastor Grace Church, Sunday Worship Ephesians 5:1-2 November 8th, 2009
Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. (2) And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Main Point of this Passage: (this passage concludes this section and points ahead) BE LIKE DAD – “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, (4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love (5) he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, (6) to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 3 Points Regarding the Proposition – “Be Like Dad” In what way? By what means? For what reason? 1. Be Like Dad – In What Way? “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” BY WALKING IN CHRIST-LIKE SACRIFICIAL LOVE TOWARDS OTHERS Living by Grace – or Gospel-centered Follow our Big Brother’s example. WHAT IS LOVE? Willing Self-Sacrifice for the Redemptive Good of Others Philippians 2:1-5 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, (2) complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (3) Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (4) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (5) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, Galatians 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (14) For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 2. Be Like Dad – By What Means? “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” BY THE FREE GRACE OF GOD IN CHRIST – MAKING US CHILDREN Look to our Big Brother’s work. Galatians 1:3-4 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, (4) who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; (15) and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 1 John 4:9-11 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. (10) In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (11) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 3. Be Like Dad – For What Reason? (Motivation) “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” THE PLEASURE OF GOD JUST LIKE CHRIST DID FOR US Look to our Big Brother’s motivation. Philippians 4:18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 2 Corinthians 5:9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
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