Living in the Light

Living in the Light

Part 1

Ephesians 4:17-32

With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. But that isn't what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God - truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And don't sin by letting anger control you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. 

Intro:

Matthew 5:14-16   You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

• Live No Longer Like the World
  • • Ephesians 4:17-19   With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 
    • 1 John 1:5-6   This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 
    • 1 John 2:15   Do not love this world nor the things it offers you for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 
• Live By Throwing Off the Old Nature
  • • Ephesians 4:20-22   But that isn't what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 
    • Colossians 3:5-6   So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.
• Live By Seeking the Spirit of God
  • • Ephesians 4:23   Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 
    • Ephesians 4:30   And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 
    • Galatians 5:16   So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 
• Live By the New Nature
  • • Ephesians 4:24   Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy. 
    • 2 Corinthians 5:17   This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
    • Colossians 3:10   Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 

Conclusion:

Matthew 5:14   You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.