Ephesians Week 6

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 Ephesians 5   5  1  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children   2  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3  But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.   4  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.   5  For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [ a ]   6  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.   7  Therefore do not be partners with them. 8  For you were once darkness, but now you are light i...
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Are you owned by what you can't afford?

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Why do people who say they KNOW who they are in Christ choose to enslaving themselves to status symbols such as new cellphones, new cars, giant TVs, lavish vacations, etc?    (Remember for Galatians 4 says) ... It just leads to not being able to pay your bills on time...or you have to overwork yourself to pay the bills.     My husband and I learned this lesson 14 years ago... Until that point, we didn’t have a budget.    We went out to eat several times a week... bought with credit. bought ... more than we could afford..... Now, we buy only what we actually need. When our car dies, we buy an older car with a few miles...not new. When we have a “date night”, we go to a place we can afford.     We made a budget and we stick to it. I don’t have a phone that goes on the Internet... I color my own hair every other month... I buy things on sale! Do these things  make me sad?     No, it makes me free! I don’t feel that I have been cheated or that there are things that I want. The things that really matter can’t be bought. My family, my friends...time together..these are  the things that REALLY matter...     The things that do MATTER.. you don’t purchase...you can't purchase. I hope all of America learns this lesson and enjoys the peace that comes from it!
What does the Bible say? Romans 13:8
8Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one's fellowmen, meeting all its requirements]."Owe no man anything" (Rom. 13:8) It doesn't mean "Don't borrow anything" — it means "Don't refuse to pay your bills."
How about "The borrower is slave to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7)?

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs 22:7 This verse is reporting an economic fact! Debt reduces freedom, because you are obligated to work to pay the debt, regardless of what else you might be tempted to do...

What else does the Bible say?
The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives; Psalm 37:21

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

Sometimes spending more than you make means you are NOT trusting in what God has for you...that you are coveting your neighbor's stuff....   Where should our trust be?

Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
 
Praying you find freedom......

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