Main Idea || God’s new family counters the culture by adopting boundaries & behaviors that protect them and promote His reputation. Since you’re a dear child of God, you counter the culture by imitating Him in everything you do. Ephesians 5:1-20 (NLT) 1Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 8-9 8For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. love. — Self sacrificing love replaces self-indulging lust. 2Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. attitude. — Thankful words replace talking ugly & taking more. 4Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. decisions. — Careful wisdom replaces careless foolishness. 10Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.11Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose the” 3 Wise Do & Don’ts 15So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.16Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,19singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.20And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION: 1. Instead of being known primarily for what they are against, Christians should be known for what they are for. How does it make you feel when you see or encounter Chrsitians who imitate God well by their self-sacrificing love, thankful attitude or wise decisions? 2. Which of these three areas might need more of your focus to help you shine more brightly and reflect God’s image more clearly? self-sacrificing love — thankful attitude — wise decisions 3. Can you relate to having either of these two experiences? …being full of and influenced by the Spirit OR alcohol (or something else)? 4. During Sunday worship services, what circumstances seem to help your singing overflow out of your love for Jesus?