The Father’s Love The Family Name Ephesians 5:1-2 “This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Acts 9:15-16 We bear or carry the name of Jesus.

The Father’s Love The Family Name Ephesians 5:1-2 “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1 "In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:4-5 We bear or carry the name of Jesus.

Ephesians 5:1-20 “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

The Distinguishing Trait We are unconditionally loved as children of God.We are unconditionally loved as children of God.

“God is not impressed or more predisposed to bless you because you’ve come so far in your spirituality. He’s proud of you because you are His child. He loves you because you are His child. His heart for you is because of your position in His family, not because you follow the rules well and don’t sin as much as you used to. God does not bless us for being good little boys and girls. God blesses us because God blesses. When you receive a blessing from Him, just accept it and know that it’s because you are His child.” “God is not impressed or more predisposed to bless you because you’ve come so far in your spirituality. He’s proud of you because you are His child. He loves you because you are His child. His heart for you is because of your position in His family, not because you follow the rules well and don’t sin as much as you used to. God does not bless us for being good little boys and girls. God blesses us because God blesses. When you receive a blessing from Him, just accept it and know that it’s because you are His child.” Darin Hufford, The Misunderstood God, page 126.

“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 from THE MESSAGE)

The Distinguishing Trait We are unconditionally loved as children of God.We are unconditionally loved as children of God. Imitating Jesus is loving like Jesus.Imitating Jesus is loving like Jesus. His love is sacrificial.His love is sacrificial.

“Don't allow love to turn into lust, setting off a downhill slide into sexual promiscuity, filthy practices, or bullying greed.” “Don't allow love to turn into lust, setting off a downhill slide into sexual promiscuity, filthy practices, or bullying greed.” Ephesians 5:3 (from THE MESSAGE).

The Distinguishing Trait We are unconditionally loved as children of God.We are unconditionally loved as children of God. Imitating Jesus is loving like Jesus.Imitating Jesus is loving like Jesus. His love is sacrificial.His love is sacrificial.

Childish to Childlike “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” 1 Corinthians 14:20

Ephesians 5: But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Ephesians 5: Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

Ephesians 5: (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

Ephesians 5: But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." and Christ will shine on you." 15 Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise,

Ephesians 5: making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5: Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Childish to Childlike Living with purity in a dirty world.Living with purity in a dirty world. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:8-11

Childish to Childlike Living with purity in a dirty world.Living with purity in a dirty world. Pursuing truth in a world of lies.Pursuing truth in a world of lies. “Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, Christians have better uses for language than that. Don't talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn't fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect.” “Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, Christians have better uses for language than that. Don't talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn't fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect.” Ephesians 5:4 (from THE MESSAGE)

Childish to Childlike Living with purity in a dirty world.Living with purity in a dirty world. Pursuing truth in a world of lies.Pursuing truth in a world of lies. “Don’t let yourselves get taken in by religious smooth talk. God gets furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but want nothing to do with him. Don’t even hang around people like that.” “Don’t let yourselves get taken in by religious smooth talk. God gets furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but want nothing to do with him. Don’t even hang around people like that.” Ephesians 5:6-7 (from THE MESSAGE).

Childish to Childlike Living with purity in a dirty world.Living with purity in a dirty world. Pursuing truth in a world of lies.Pursuing truth in a world of lies. Let wisdom guide our daily lives. Let wisdom guide our daily lives. “Find out what pleases God.” Ephesians 5:10.

The Path to Maturity “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.” Hebrews 12:7-8

The Path to Maturity Accept discipline as evidence of love.Accept discipline as evidence of love. See God’s plan in hardship.See God’s plan in hardship. “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18

The Path to Maturity Accept discipline as evidence of love.Accept discipline as evidence of love. See God’s plan in hardship.See God’s plan in hardship. “Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him.” Ephesians 5:18 (from THE MESSAGE)

Keep in step with the Holy Spirit.