Page 56 - Biblical Ethics Course

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19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities,
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strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things
like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not
inherit the kingdom of God.
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22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
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against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its
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passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

Ephesians

This letter is likely circular letter meant to be shared among the churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey),
Ephesus chief among them. Paul provides an extended meditation on God’s glory to enrich believers in their
knowledge of God’s grace. The lavish grace that believers have received should propel them to live in obedience
to the one who called them.

Ephesians 4:17–32 (NASB95)
17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the
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futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the
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ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given
themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as
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truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being
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corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put
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on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one
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another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an
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opportunity. He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what
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is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.

29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according
to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by
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whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and
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slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each
other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Ephesians 5:1–21 (NASB95)
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1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave
Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

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3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and
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there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For
this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an
inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these
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things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

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