Ephesians Week 6

 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...

Enthusiasm..Good things come to good people who refuse to quit doing good things...


Enthusiasm isn’t anything that I ever have a problem with having…. Some would say that I tend to be overly enthusiastic about many things.  I can often focus on something sooooo much… that I dwell on it until I achieve it.  Sometimes this is very helpful…other times…not so much.

So what is enthusiasm?    Enthusiasm is  a very interesting word. It is actually formed from two Greek words: en = in, theos = god.   Therefore  enthusiasm literally means "God in". For the   believer, this is a very important life message. Whatever we do, if we feel that God is in the effort, how great an effort is then possible! Is this Scriptural?    

 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…"- enthusiasm (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

By what means do you generate enthusiasm?   First, since Christians are "indwelt by God", the first source of energy for a task is knowing that God wants you to do it, or knowing that God is in it!   Ask is the calling God has given me?

Second, if you are convinced your cause is just, enthusiasm springs to be an assistance. "Right makes might".  If you are convinced that what you're doing is needed, enthusiasm becomes your partner.    

 : "The difference between success and failure, as often as not, depends on what you do when you feel like quitting."

 If you can keep enthusiasm for your task, your job, your marriage current and strong, you won't quit and GOOD THINGS COME TO GOOD PEOPLE WHO REFUSE TO QUIT DOING GOOD THINGS. Jesus is used as our example: Hebrews 12:2:

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, Who for the joy (enthusiasm) that was set before him (i.e. "bringing many sons to glory" Heb. 3:10) endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Christ won! HE FINISHED THE JOB! Why? He knew God was in what He was doing and He did it with --ENTHUSIASM!      For success, then, --get enthusiasm!

How? 1) Know God is in what you're doing. 2) Be convinced your cause is just. 3) Be convinced of the need of what you're doing. 4) Know that what you're doing is helpful to others. If you are convinced of these things, your heart will respond with enthusiasm, and with ENTHUSIASM, you'll get the job done!

Now, just for fun… here is Kristen Bell with GREAT enthusiasm to see a sloth.   Start the video at 1:15 if you don’t have the 4 minutes to watch the entire thing… HILARIOUS!  Enjoy! 

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