Discover the revolutionary essence of Christianity, which transforms every aspect of life rather than just providing a boost. Explore the intricacies of sin and genuine faith, and the harmful effects of inner idolatry. Learn how Christians can transition from darkness to light, showcasing the importance of love and grace. Delve into the harmony of God's law and love, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in fostering spiritual joy and gratitude. Understand the profound impact of repentance and identity shaped by Christ.
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Quick takeaways
Living as a Christian involves understanding the depth of sin and walking in obedience, reflecting a transformed identity in Christ.
Embracing wisdom in decision-making and being filled with the Spirit fosters joy and resilience, enhancing one's faith journey.
Deep dives
Understanding Sin in the Christian Life
Living as a Christian requires a profound understanding of sin, which Paul describes as both external disobedience to God's law and internal idolatry. Sin is not merely about actions, but also involves the motivations within the human heart, suggesting that even righteous behavior can stem from wrong motives. Examples like sexual immorality and greed highlight the comprehensive nature of God's law, which holds all disobedience to be significant, regardless of how it manifests. Acknowledging the pervasiveness of sin enables Christians to live in a way that aligns with their new identity in Christ, pushing them towards obedience and away from the deceptiveness of sin.
The Wisdom of Christian Living
Paul emphasizes the necessity of wisdom in Christian living, urging believers to navigate life carefully and make the most of every opportunity. Wisdom extends beyond simply adhering to moral rules; it involves discernment in situations where there is no clear right or wrong. For instance, choosing between two job opportunities may not offer moral guidance but requires insight into personal motives and implications. Understanding God’s will and being mindful of one’s choices fosters a lifestyle that reflects both moral integrity and informed decision-making.
The Role of Joy and the Holy Spirit
A joyful, Spirit-filled life is central to the Christian experience, contrasting with the emptiness often pursued through substance abuse. Being filled with the Spirit leads to a profound awareness of Christ’s resources and blessings, which naturally fosters a life of gratitude and worship. This joy, described as a vibrant internal music, motivates believers to embrace obedience and makes them more resilient against temptation. Consequently, a life dominated by the Spirit propels Christians to live out their faith joyfully and positively impact those around them.
The Transformative Power of the Gospel
In understanding the transformative nature of the Gospel, Christians are reminded that their identity has changed; they are now 'light in the Lord.' This new identity requires a balance between recognizing the severity of sin and embracing the grace offered through Christ's redemption. Acknowledging that no sin is too insignificant to warrant condemnation, nor too great to preclude forgiveness, instills hope and purpose in believers' lives. Living with this awareness encourages a reflective faith that seeks to share the Gospel's beauty with a world in darkness.
Christianity is not just a vitamin supplement. It doesn’t just come into your life and give you a little boost to live a better form of the life you’re living. It’s a sweeping revolution that affects every part of you.
In Ephesians 5, we have a long passage on what it means to live the Christian life. And it’s not that we live in a certain way and, therefore, become Christians. It’s that we become Christians and, therefore, live in a certain way—because we’re saved not by what we do but by what Christ has done.
In this passage, there are three important keys to understanding what it means to live the Christian life. It entails 1) knowing sin and walking in obedience, 2) knowing the time and walking in wisdom, and 3) knowing the Lord and walking in joy.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on January 8, 2012. Series: A Study of Ephesians: Who is the Church? Scripture: Ephesians 5:5–21.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
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