The Fragrance of Jesus

12th Sermon in the Series: Who is the Church? A Study of Ephesians
Rev. John Lin - 01 January 2012

Ephesians 4:25-32; 5:1-7
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foodhold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

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

3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual imorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For 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. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes to those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.

BASIS OF A TRANSFORMED LIFE - Rules of conduct
--"Therefore" means God acts, so we can respond
--God makes people new
--Real transformation within--not being more moral without
--Inward change leads to Outward change
--Power to live this way is being made "new" by Christ's sacrifice

COMMUNITY FOR A TRANSFORMED LIFE
--Speaking truthfully can help build community
--Words and speech create the reality
--Integrity between speech and practice---DO WHAT YOU SAY

POWER FOR A TRANSFORMED LIFE
--Verses 4:32 and 5:2
--4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
--5:2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
--God brings structure to chaos