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 in the Lord. Live as children of light   9  (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)   10  a
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Be Relentless!

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Relentless- adjective
1.
that does not relent; unyieldingly severe, strict, or harsh; unrelenting: (unstoppable, determined)

That's our calling.  We are to relentlessly fight for those who can't fight for themselves. We are to relentlessly pursue  good and hate evil.  We are to relentlessly love the people God places in our lives. We are to relentlessly pursue righteousness for His namesake.  We are to relentlessly assist those in need even when our own need is great.

Lately, life has been especially trying and I would explain ...if it were just my story, but it also involves loved ones around me.   But, it FEELS like giving up would be easier.    That isn't our calling or our example.

Paul, who wrote most of the New testament, was relentless ..... 2 Corinthians 11 shows Paul's relentlessness
Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones,three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 
This week feels like I have been beaten, shipped wrecked, and stoned.... but what do I do about it!
Look at Acts 14... Paul once again...
19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. 

Do you get that?  They stoned him.... "DEAD"... drug his body out.... and the next day, he got up and continued His calling on his life.   Now that is relentless!    Go!  You take your victory back! 

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