Transcript document

Moral Development
Ephesians 4:17-32
An Immoral World
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Face it everyday
Must lay it aside (James 1:21-27)
Not conformed to it (Romans 12:2)
In the world but not of the world
(1 Corinthians 5:10)
Damaging To The Church
• Some “raised in the church” fall to
sexual sins, alcohol, drugs, etc.
• Older members, elders, and preachers
fall away
Keep Our Heart Pure
• Source of intellect, will, and emotion
– Seen in our deeds (Proverbs 23:7)
– Must be guarded (Proverbs 4:23)
– Fountainhead of evil
(Matthew 12:33-35; 15:18-20)
– Capture thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5)
Keep Our Heart Pure
• Hate evil
– Like God
(Proverbs 6:16-19; Romans 12:9)
– Necessary in order to love the Lord
(Psalms 97:10)
– Hate every false way (Psalm 119:104)
Keep Our Heart Pure
• Cling to good
– What is right (1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22)
– Think on proper things (Philippians 4:8)
– Careful evaluation of activities
Keep Our Character Holy
• Pattern of behavior and conduct
– A reflection of the heart
– Based on God’s holiness (1 Peter 1:15, 16)
– Judgment based on character
(2 Corinthians 5:10)
Keep Our Character Holy
• Instructions in holiness
– Deny: “abrogate, forsake, renounce”
(Job 1;1; Titus 2:11-14)
– Ungodliness: “impiety, disregard, defiance
of God’s person” (Romans 1:18-32)
– Worldly lusts: “strong desire for things
sinful (James 1:13-15)
– Questionable things? (Romans 14:23)
Keep Our Character Holy
• Positively live …
– Soberly: idea of self control (Titus 2:2-6)
– Righteously: “just without prejudice” in
keeping what is right (Matthew 6:33)
– Godly: “piety…well pleasing to Him”
(1 Timothy 4:7, 8; 2 Timothy 3:12)
– Grow (Hebrews 5:12; 2 Peter 1:5-11)
Keep Our Reputation Clean
• Different from character
– Character: God’s knowledge of us
(Proverbs 22:1)
– Reputation: Other’s knowledge of us
(1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7)
– To be salt and light (Matthew 5:14-16)
Keep Our Reputation Clean
• Make sure others see us properly
– See good works, not sin (1 Peter 2:11, 12)
– Strangers here (Hebrews 11:13-16)
– Citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20, 21)
– “Fight the good fight” (1 Timothy 1:18-20)
Keep Our Reputation Clean
• Honorable conduct
– No evil for evil (Romans 12:17)
– No occasion to look for evil (Titus 2:8)
– Help others grow (Ephesians 4:29)
Conclusion
• Some are unconcerned about morality
• Resist the Devil (James 4:7, 8; 5:8)