Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Being Reflections of God

Ephesians 5:1-21, Holman Christian Standard Bible

Therefore be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. 2And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. 4And course any foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. 5For know and recognize this: no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God.

6Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient. 7Therefore, do not become their partners. 8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—9for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth—10discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead, expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what is done in secret. 13Everything exposed by the light is made clear, 14for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is sad: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you.

15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit

Points of pontification:
  • What things about you don't reflect God's character?
  • If imitating God is an overwhelming thought, what can be done to make it less intimidating?
  • God doesn't ask us to be sexually pure because he wants to keep us from enjoying life, but rather because he wants us to enjoy it.
  • When one becomes obsessed (and go after them greedily) with their vices, the vice has become an idol.
  • When you accept the salvation Christ offers, you are sealed by the spirit (Ephesians 1:13) but we are also told to be filled with him. This indicates a repetitive action.
  • While people, depending on their backgrounds, have differing opinions about Christians and alcohol, one thing is clear: scripture advocates sobriety. When filled (or drunk) with wine you're left out of control; when filled with the spirit leaves you in control. Alcohol is not the only thing that can intoxicate us.

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