1) This study is based on the final 12 verses read from Eph. 5.
i) In verse 25 we find the word “church.” This word means the assembly (the people).
ii) The church of the Bible has a head (verse 23) – God says the church is headed by Christ.
2) God is very serious about this point – verse 25 says Jesus gave His life for the church.
a) In this church Christ died for Jesus has some plans. Verse 26 – READ
b) God wants a “sanctified” people (church).
3) We cannot be a child of God and live like people in the world.
a) At the end of verse 26 we are told that Christ has “washed” the members of His church.
4) The cleansing process culminates in baptism – baptism washes away sin. 2 Cor. 5:17
5) Verse 27 – READ
6) God wants people who lead a life consistent with His word.
a) Thus, Paul describes this as no “spot” or “wrinkle” in Eph. 5:27.
WE WANT TO ENGAGE IN A STUDY OF IMMORALITY.
1) Titus 2:12 says we are to live “soberly, righteously, and godly” in this present world.
2) Throughout the Bible God’s people are called on to be distinct from the world and be holy.
3) 2 Cor. 6:17 says, “Come ye out from among them.”
4) Our society has evil at every turn.
a) Pornography, divorce, abortion, changing marriage, std’s, aids, unwed mothers.
5) Drive by shootings; no respect for the the police.
6) Euthanasia, Satanism , prostitution, indifference to wrong.
7) Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate.
8) It is time to remind folks there is a God and He has said some things. He has said many things.
9) God calls on people to live a sanctified life.
a) David once asked a question in Ps. 11:3 – quote.
b) If we are a child of God Rom. 12:2 says “be not conformed to the world.”
10) God put the church in the world, but says the church is not to be “of” the world (Jn. 17:15).
11) Jesus said we are to be a “light” to the world (Mt. 5:13-16).
12) Peter (1 Pet. 2:9) said we are to “show forth the excellencies “of God.
a) If we are not willing to live in this manner, the world will draw us into its midst.
b) 1 Cor. 5:6 says “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
13) There is the Personal Test: will doing this make me a better or worse Christian?
14) The Social Test: will an action influence others to be better or worse Christians?
15) The Practical Test: will the results of my actions be desirable?
16) The Universal Test: if everyone should do this, would it enhance or degrade society?
17) The Scriptural Test: does the Bible endorse it or is it forbidden?
18) The Stewardship Test: will this activity waste a talent God has given to me?
19) The Family Test: will something bring discredit & dishonor to my family, and will it embarrass them?
20) The Publicity Test: would I be willing for friends, fellow Christians, the elders, and the preacher to know about it?
21) The Common Sense Test: does it agree with plain, everyday, ordinary common sense?
22) The Fairness Test: is it honest, and it is practicing the “Golden Rule”?
23) The Problem Test: is it potentially harmful to me and / or others?
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