SERIES: HEAVEN ON EARTH (5 OF 6)

NOTE: This sermon is part 9 and 10 of a 13 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.

PREVIEWS:

Part 9: Loving Living
Series: Heaven On Earth
Stuart Briscoe
Ephesians 5:1-14

God's view of love and its place in society are inescapable (Matthew 22:36-40). Christ's emphasis for the Church amplifies this (John 15:17). But still there is much confusion.

I. Love's Perfection.

A. Seen in the forgiveness of the Father. 4:32
1. "Charizomai"-gracious gift of pardon.

2. "In Christ."

B. Seen in the sacrifice of the Son. 5:2
Note: More than an example, gesture.
1. Himself.

2. To God.

3. For us.

4. Sweet savor. Leviticus 1

II. Love's Perversion.

A. Perverted conduct. v. 3
Note: Sex is beautiful when legitimate. Love is expressed and sublimated in sex. Love - legality = lust.
1. Immorality.

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Part 10: The Fullness of the Spirit: Part II
Series: Heaven On Earth
Stuart Briscoe
Ephesians 5:15-29

To be filled with the Spirit means to be CAPTIVATED by the indwelling Spirit. This in turn leads to you being MOTIVATED by the Spirit, which should result in you being ACTIVATED by the Spirit. When a person is filled with wine, his feet, mind and tongue are activated. It's the same with the Spirit-filled person.

I. The Activation of the Feet. vv. 15-16

A. Walk deliberately.
Note: Circumspectly, lit. accurately. Luke 1:3; Matthew 2:8

B. Walk discerningly.
Note: "wise", Gk. "Sophia"-"insight into true nature of things" (Lightfoot).

C. Walk decisively.
Note: "Redeeming the time," making most of opportunity.

D. Walk distinctively.
Note: Recognize, reject, repudiate evil.

II. The Activation of the Mind. v. 17

A. The will of God is to be understood.
1. By the Word of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:18

2. By the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-13