A Daunting Task
Therefore, in other words, based on everything in the first four chapters, here is what he says, be imitators of God as [beloved children]
There's certain things about God that you and I will never be able to imitate, his ability to be [all places]
When it comes to imitating God, here's the simple thing we got to look at the life of [Jesus].
- What does it mean to you personally that you are called to be an imitator of God 'as beloved children'—not to earn God's love, but because you already have it?
- In what specific area of your life (parenting, work, relationships) do you sense God inviting you to ask the question, 'What would Jesus do?'
He says, walk in [love] as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
This idea of walking means, man, this should be the consistent [rhythm] of your life.
If you have been changed by this love, the only appropriate response is what? For you to take that love to overflow with that love and live out that radical, selfless, tender, [sacrificial] love with the people that God's put in your life.
- Reflect on a recent moment when you experienced the love of Jesus. How can that encounter overflow into how you love someone difficult in your life?
- Who in your world needs to see Jesus' radical, selfless love lived out through you this week? What practical step can you take?
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be [named] among you as is proper among the saints.
God creates sex to be a physical oneness, right? Two becoming one that is matched by oneness in every other area of [life].
When you have sex outside of marriage, is this what we're doing? We're saying, you know what? I'm going to take physical oneness from somebody, but I'm not going to give them all of the [rest] of me.
It reveals honestly, it's not a love for another person, but it reveals a love for what they can do for [you].
- Why do you think God's design for sex within covenant marriage is actually the most loving design? How does His design protect and honor both people?
- Are there areas where you've been asking 'how far is too far?' instead of pursuing wholehearted holiness? What would it look like to run toward Jesus instead of flirting with the line?
For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure or who's covetous, that is an idolatry, has what? No [inheritance] in the kingdom of Christ and God.
He says, do not be [deceived].
[Unrepentant] sin always leads to the judgment of God.
Today is an opportunity for you to run to [Jesus].
- Is there an area in your life where you've been deceived—believing you can continue in sin without consequence? What truth do you need to embrace today?
- Paul says the Father's arms are open wide. What keeps you from running to Jesus today with your sin, your struggle, or your shame?
For at one time you were darkness. That was your life before Christ. But now you are [light] in the Lord.
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead [expose] them.
This word expose means this, to live your life in such a way that it [begs] the question.
In the midst of a dark world we are to reflect the light of [Jesus] in such a way that when the world sees it, it knows that there is a Savior.
- How would you describe the difference between 'exposing' darkness by condemning it loudly versus 'exposing' it by reflecting Jesus' light so radically that people notice something different about you?
- If someone could only know Jesus by watching your life this week, what picture of God would they see? What one area could you allow His light to shine more brightly?