Christ Chapel Bible Church Pulpit MinistryBen FuquaJuly 22, 2018

EPHESIANS 5:1-20Imitators of God

I. Our ultimate goal is to walk in ____________________ of our God. (vv. 1-2)

II. But there is a _________ laid along the journey to imitating God. (vv. 3-8)

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

This deep and dangerous trap …

• affects everyone

• spoils everything

• grows relentlessly

III. What is the antidote to this trap? (vv. 17-19)

ESCAPE THE TRAP: _______________ SIN AT ITS ROOT. (vv. 9-14)

Confess to others.

Receive the confessions of others with grace.

AVOID THE TRAP: WALK _____________ TO AVOID SIN. (vv. 15-18)

Put off arrogance.

Guard your steps proactively.

SOLVE THE TRAP: FIND FREEDOM THROUGH ___________________________ . (vv. 4, 19-20)

God's grace and power are your protection.

God's grace and power are your healing.

1. How did the pastor's teaching on being an imitator of God encourage your walk with Him? What areas of your everyday life do you need to reframe in terms of imitating God?

2. Name some recent examples you've noticed of how our world is preoccupied with sexual themes.

3. Read Ephesians 5:1-20. As you read through the entire passage, why do you think Paul mentions the sin of sexual immorality first (and repeats it) in verses 3 and 5?

4. What happens to the appeal of sin when it is exposed to the light? How can you use that fact to your advantage in dealing with sin?

5. Describe ways in which God's grace and power can both heal and protect.

HEAL PROTECT

GRACE

POWER

SERMON BLANKS: imitation, trap, Expose, wisely, thankfulnessCOMING UP AT CHRIST CHAPELHere’s a glimpse at what you need to know for thisweek. Like to plan ahead a little more? Pick up a copyof The Source at a stand around campus or near theexits, or visit www.ccbcfamily.org/events. They’reyour source for everything going on at Christ Chapel.

HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR SERVING SWEET SPOT? S.H.A.P.E. CAN HELP! S.H.A.P.E. is a class that helps you uncover the abilities, interests and experiences God has shaped you with so you can impact the world. Should you be jumping into Children’s Ministry or leading worship at Beautiful Feet? Joining the Parking Posse or volunteering at The Net? Find out at the next S.H.A.P.E. class, which starts Sunday, Aug. 5 at 9:15 a.m. Register at www.ccbcfamily.org/shape.READY TO PUT DOWN ROOTS AT CHRIST CHAPEL? If you’ve been worshipping at Christ Chapel for a while but haven’t connected any further, we want you to know there’s so much more to experience. Connecting Point is a great place to start—you’ll meet more people who are putting down roots at Christ Chapel and the experience will introduce you to all the ways we’re here to help you grow in your faith. Learn more and sign up for the next session, which begins Sunday, Aug. 5 at 10:45 a.m., at www.ccbcfamily.org/connectingpoint.YOU’RE INVITED TO ONE LAST SUMMER CELEBRATION ON SUNDAY, AUG. 5. Check out the new 5 O’Clock service and then stick around for more community at the final Family Backyard of the season. There will be a science show and plenty of crazy cool experiments for the kids, plus snacks and treats for you! Find out more at www.ccbcfamily.org/events.JOIN US TOMORROW FOR MONDAYS WITH THE MASTER. Each Monday we gather to pray for the needs of our church family and the world at 12:30 p.m. in Link Classroom North. Open to all ages, we’d love to see you there. Contact Jessica at JessicaK@christchapelbc.org for more information.DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT STORM—STRENGTHEN YOUR MARRIAGE AT RE|ENGAGE. Whether your marriage is broken, you are struggling to get along or you simply want to grow closer together, re|engage is an experience made for you. Come try it any Sunday at 5 p.m. in Link Classroom North. Kids Care is available for ages 0 to 11 by RSVP at www.ccbcfamily.org/KidsRSVP one week in advance. For more info, visit www.ccbcfamily.org/reengage.READY FOR A SEASON OF GROWTH? APPLY FOR THRIVE. When faced with life’s difficulties, most of us respond by changing our behavior or circumstances instead of addressing the actual root causes of our struggles. Thrive is a Christ-centered discipleship program that takes people to the root of sin and suffering and teaches how to embrace the freedom found only in Christ. It’s a 13-week experience that begins this August. Learn more and apply at www.ccbcfamily.org/thrive.

SERMON DEVOTIONAL STUDY

CHRIST OVER ALL

God is good, and so are His boundary lines.

“The church is often called a killjoy for protesting against sexual license. But the real killing of joy comes with the grabbing of pleasure. As with credit card usage. the price tag is hidden at the start, but the physical and emotional debt incurred will take a long time to pay off.” –N. T. WRIGHT

Children often feel boundaries are ‘mean’ when they are immature. When they grow up, they realize the boundaries kept them safe. God gives us freedom to choose to live within His boundaries or outside of them, and to live outside of God’s boundaries means to accept the consequences. Yet it’s vital to remember God’s goodness to us even when we sin. No sin is beyond the reach of the blood of Jesus. If we confess, He will not only forgive, but will cleanse us from “all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). In addition to the forgiveness (which is in itself glorious), God restores. Scripture also tells us that, when we come to Christ, we are new creations (2 Cor 5:17). Finally we know that, as Christians, we’re being renewed by the Holy Spirit each day we walk with Jesus. Colossians 3:10 tells us that our new self is being renewed day by day after the image of its Creator. There is no sin without hope!Modified from article by Got Questions Ministries

Close with thanksgiving to God for the good gifts He has given to you. Tell Him how you have benefited from His wisdom.