1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
I remember as a child being taught the God does want us to turn the other cheek, but he never intended us to be a doormat. Yet here we are to walk in love as Christ and he gave up His life for us. I think American culture has crept into the church and diluted the message. Christ is our example and he never demanded his rights.
3 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 person is an idolater —has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Pretty clear here. Think of brownies. I mixed all the ingredients together, but added a tablespoon of contents from the cat box would you eat my brownies? Yet we make the same justification when comes to sex. Most of it is good. There's just a little bad stuff. How about those off color jokes that "aren't that bad" because they're really funny.
6 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.
Do you know a phoney? Stay away from them.
8 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) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Vs 12 says it is shame to mention what the disobedient do in secret. Our society revels in it. We were once part of it, but we are to have no part in it any longer.
15 Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
If one is not careful they will miss the opportunities that God places before them. The Christian life is one we live ON PURPOSE and WITH PURPOSE. If we're rapped up in our self we will miss what God has for us.
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, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When we get together as brothers and sisters in Christ, do we bring praise to God or do we get drunk? Are we grateful or do we just complain about what we don't have?
God Bless.
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