Ephesians 4:7- 5:7
Introduction:
This morning is part three and the final of this mini-series I’ve entitled, “What’s Important Right Now?”
With so many responsibilities and opportunities, what it really important right now?
I covered 4:1-6 last week which called us to “
keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
,” so let me pick up with this same thought about unity by understanding grace gifts.
Walk in Unity by:
“Each of us was given grace” – a gift, gifting’s, gifts
Paul’s teaching here echoes what he wrote in Romans 12.
Romans 12:1-8
Transition:
As we endeavor to understand and allow God’s sovereign choices to execute among us, the movement is a natural progression of maturity and growth.
“that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head– Christ–
16
from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
(NKJ)
Application
: Not so much, “quit being a baby” but understand and grow naturally in your progression of faith.
Transition
: From Gifs to Growth to Pursuit.
III.
Embrace / Pursue New –
4:17-24
What can we glean from these verses?
Lists of ‘unwise,’ ‘immature’ behavior / attitude
Transition
: So we are to be united, through the gifts/gifting of God, we grow and mature as a result and then we pursue the new man that we might, “Smell Right!”
Let me conclude this sermon and this series by saying to you that what is really important right now is that we smell right!
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
2
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
(NKJ)
5:1-7
Conclusion:
We are busy and we have set our priorities around those responsibilities and opportunities but what is most important right now are the keeping of the faith, the keeping of the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace, knowing who is who and what is what in the kingdom.
Wealth & Justice
James 5:1-6 Introduction: James 5:1–6 is a strong prophetic warning about wealth, injustice, and God’s coming judgment. James speaks particularly to wealthy people who gained riches by oppressing others and living selfishly. Below is a clear breakdown of the passage. “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.”…
Here Comes the Judge
James 4:11–17 Introduction: I am old enough to remember a funk song popularized in1968 by comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham through his comedy sketches and a funk song of the same name, often cited as an early influence on hip hop. Key details: ———————————————————-Predominant Theme of Section: Pride Puts Us in God’s Place James 4:11–17 — Humility Before…
Setting The Example
1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (NKJV) Introduction: Leadership Usually comes Without someone knowing that they are leading. Paul writes this letter to Timothy, a young pastor leading the church at Ephesus. Timothy…
Get a Little Closer
Getting Closer to God (James 4:1–10) 1. Recognize What Pulls You Away (vv. 1–3) James says the real problem isn’t external — it’s internal. “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” Key idea: Unchecked desires create distance from God. When our hearts are ruled by…
Godly Wisdom
James 3:13-18 James 3:13–18 is all about what real wisdom looks like—and how you can tell if it’s from God or not. Here’s the big picture 👇 James starts by saying wisdom isn’t proved by sounding smart or winning arguments. It’s proved by a good life, specifically by humility and gentle behavior. If someone claims…
Godly Wisdom
James 3:13-18 James 3:13–18 is all about what real wisdom looks like—and how you can tell if it’s from God or not. Here’s the big picture 👇 James starts by saying wisdom isn’t proved by sounding smart or winning arguments. It’s proved by a good life—specifically by humility and gentle behavior. If someone claims to…
The Tongue
James 3 Introduction: Oh, the tongue! The tongue is a bodily organ humans use to form words. Thus, James applies the tongue as a metaphor for speech. He informs Bible readers that “no one can tame the tongue” (James 3:8, NLT). This statement is part of James’ teaching on the challenging problem of controlling our…
All God’s Favorites
James 2:1-14 Introduction: Today, James takes us to a touchy subject. Let’s visit the topic of favouritism and prejudice. Question: So, is there any difference between favouritism and prejudice? Favouritism is partiality or bias. To show favouritism is to give unfair . preference to one person over others with equal claims. It is similar to…
The Double-Minded
James 1:5-8 Introduction: I’d like to speak to you today aboutFaith, Expectations & Stability. Read text: James 5:1-8 Wisdom in the Proverbs: Proverbs 1:7 ‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NKJ) NKJ Proverbs 2:6 ‘For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and…