Ephesians 5:1-7

Resound
July 31, 2011

Chris Williamson

Ephesians 5:1-7

The Bible is a mirror for us. VS 1 We’re supposed to mirror Christ as His children. Just like children in our lives imitate and mirror us, we need to mirror Christ. (A saint in the Bible is a Christian) Imitate in Greek is mimic. Therefore = look back to what was immediately written before that. In this case look back to VS 32. We need to love one another even in forgiveness. Therefore = looking back, it gives the word context. Don’t try and take it out of context, the only way you can really understand it is to read it in it’s context. How do you imitate Christ? You have to learn more about Him and how He lived, thus you must be in the word and study Him and His life. VS 3-4 are the consequences that come if you don’t imitate Christ (VS 1-2). Greed, filthiness, silly talk, immorality is what the Devil wants you to fall for. (There are no wasted words in the Bible, it’s all there for a reason) Filthiness in Greek text means dirty vulgar language. Silly Talk is foolishness, wasted words (something said to make fun but is not funny), not wholesome. In the Greek it’s stupid foolish talking. Coarse Jesting is harsh joking, talking about something with a sexual implication to try and make it funny. There is a serious consequence for not imitating God VS 5

Romans 8:38-39 you can never lose your salvation. Here Paul is referring to a lifestyle of choice, someone who walks like VS 3-4 and is not affected or convicted -2 Corinthians 5:17- -Titus 2:12-

Goodness in Goodness out. Paul’s final warning VS 6: Sons of disobedience, those who live that lifestyle by choice.

Philippians 2:1-11

Resound
July 24, 2010

Bryne Palmer

Philippians 2:1-11

“The Others”

Our culture says to think about yourself, God says to think of others.

1.       Everyone Else VS 1-4

What Paul probably means is “since then” instead of “if.” These are obvious questions. He’s in jail and he’s already happy but he tells them how to make him happier. VS 2, not meaning to be like clones, he’s pointing out that we all came from the same background; sin, and now we have the same goal; God. View others as more important that yourself. This is what we’re called to. Don’t only think about yourself, don’t hoard stuff. Look out for others interests not your own.

2.       Every Attitude VS 5-8

He’s not telling us to do this on our own he tells us who our example already is (Jesus) and to strive to be like Him, plus he’ll be there with us.

7 things Jesus did to humble Himself:

1.       From Heaven to Earth

He came down from His place of glory to this desolate earth.

2.       He Emptied Himself

He was still fully God but He chose to play by our rules. –John 17:5- He emptied Himself of His glory. “…whether playing with a thunderstorm or playing with a lion, Lucy could never decide.” – C.S. Lewis “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”

3.       He Came To Serve

He was a carpenter’s son; he probably built or fixed things for others.

4.       He Was Made in the Likeness of Man

-Isaiah 6:1-7- that’s where He came from, who He is. –Psalm 24- -Job 38-39-

5.       He Humbled Himself

Being humbled and humbling yourself are two different things.

6.       Obedient to Death

-Philippians 2:8- He allowed (decided) something that had zero authority over Him to overtake Him. We don’t have a choice in death but Jesus did.

7.       Obedient to Death on a Cross

-Philippians 2:8- A cross was not a glorious thing, for us nowadays it would be the equivalent of the electric chair (though probably way more painful). He did it for the others, He came and met us. We should do the same, let’s go out and meet others where they’re at.

“If I could be the servant of all, there’d be no further place to fall” – mewithoutyou

3.       Every Knee VS 9 – 11

God exalted Him (Jesus), gave Him the name of all names, will make every knee bow (Jesus = Savior), everyone will bow and confess that He is Lord. Even those in Hell, they’ll confess He’s Lord but it will be agonizing for them because they missed they golden opportunity. Are you going to take the opportunity to confess the truth (Jesus is Lord) now and eventually be with Him or be forced to tell the truth in Hell.