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Elements City Church

Ephesians series - wk6 (Eph. 5:1-21)

The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians not to counter any heresy or issues in the church, but to encourage and STRENGTHEN the followers of Jesus. He spent years investing in these people and sending others to do the same. He loves them. He's writing this letter to STRENGTHEN them deeper into their new identity in Christ and living out the calling of the Church in their day. It's still true today for us.

Locations & Times

1825 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA

Sunday 5:00 PM

Thanks for joining us tonight

Whether you're in the house or joining us online from your house - we are praying that tonight will be an encouragement to your soul and that you know you're loved. May God whisper to you and help you in taking your next step with Him.

http://elem.cc

As we turn to chapter 5 in Ephesians - wrap up our series in Ephesians - we’re going to look at 3 key ways we are to live as followers of Jesus. Now, we’re not even looking into chapter 6 - spiritual warfare aspects Paul talks about - but we did a series on that a couple years ago, you can go back to online or in our app: “Battle Ground”

Ephesians 5:1-2

Live to IMITATE God.

Authentic Imitation is WAY MORE THAN just mimicking mannerisms…

TRUTH:
A life of godly imitation is more than: “mannerism management” -- it must flow from inner heart transformation by Jesus. It flows outward from an inward transformation.

Live a life of love.

*Human love tends to love the lovely, the loving, and lovable.
==Divine love: loves the unloving, the unlovable, the unlovely.
There's the difference.

Live in LIGHT (v.8b). ‘Walk as children of light’

Paul had already described unbelievers as “darkened in their understanding” due to ignorance, hard-heartedness, and lack of sensitivity (4:18–19). This darkness is part of every believer’s past; all Christians were once darkness. But when they heard the gospel message and received salvation through Jesus Christ, they became light in the Lord. Christians are not merely “enlightened” to God’s truth; they are also filled with light.

Live Wisely.

Ephesians 5:15-17
“Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

A happy person is the person who says, "God's will is just what I want."
As you submit yourself too God's will and he works on you, you begin to discover his will becomes what you want.

Our lives are to be leveraged to make an impact upon others and draw them toward the Savior who has changed our lives. WE ARE SENT INTO THE WORLD FOR GOD AND HIS GOOD

We’re to use our conversations and actions to draw attention TOWARD GOD, not distract away from him via our conduct…and confuse unbelievers.

When our lifestyles don’t match the convictions we claim; we create confusion

Conclusion:
Live a life of godly (real) imitation - live a life of love
Live in the light - walk in the light of God (don’t turn back to the activities of darkness)
Live wisely in the moment you’re in. Live pursuing God’s best, His will for your life!

Thanks for partnering with us...

Elements family: thank you for being a part of enabling us to BE the Church in our city especially in this moment. Your gifts help fuel the mission and our capacity to share His love with as many as we can. You help us bring the HOPE and LIGHT of Jesus to our city! You can give here, online or via our app.

http://elem.cc/give

Have a blessed week everyone. We're right back here next Sunday at 5pm. on-site or online as we begin our CHRISTMAS SERIES.
We love you friends.

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http://elementscitychurch.org/connectioncard