1. Signs of Life Ephesians 5:1-6

2. We are going to see two signs of genuine repentance, so that we will not be self- deceived regarding the veracity of our conversion

3. 1 st Sign: Repentant People Walk in Love (5:1-2)

4. Two evidences of genuine love It displays God’s character (5:1) –“be becoming imitators” –“as beloved children” –Gracious / forgiving (Cf. 4:31-32) It demonstrates Christ’s love (5:2) Two requirements –Obedience (5:2a) “walk in love” –Imitation (5:2b) “just as” Personal – “loved you” Profound – “gave Himself up for us” Pleasing – “offering and sacrifice to God, a fragrant aroma”

5. 2 nd sign: Repentant People Walk away from Evil (5:3-6)

6. Two areas to walk away from evil Conduct (5:3) –“immorality, or any impurity, or greed must not even be named among you” –Unfit for saints Tantamount to idolatry (cf. 5:5; Col. 3:5) Conversation (5:4) –And “filthiness, foolish talk (morologia), or vulgar talk” [let it not be named among you] - picks up on the same vb. Only use of these three words in the NT – Unfit for saints also –“BUT rather thanksgiving” - eucharistia Contrast sheds light on what the sinful speech may include

7. Two reasons to avoid deception Idolaters have no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God (v. 5) –Lit. “you know, knowing” – knowing w/certainty –Idolaters = immoral, impure, covetous (greedy) Cf. 2 Cor. 12:21; Gal 5:19 Evildoers receive the wrath of God (v. 6) –“Sons of disobedience” – cf. 2:2 *** “Let no one deceive you w/foolish words” - - not even yourself

8. Don’t delude yourself Genuine repentance involves the emotion, intellect, and will If there is not change of your affections or will after intellectually acknowledging Christ’s death on your behalf – you may be deluded The gospel is appropriated by trusting faith – if your will and emotions remain unchanged – perhaps you have misunderstood what true repentance is