The Ethics of God’s New People

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Our High Calling• God’s new community is to reflect the

character of God to the world

– Mimetai—mimic God

– Mt. 5:43-48—be perfect “as your Father”

Our High Calling

• Our Act of Sacrifice

– Paradidomai—

– Give over (contrast with 4:19)

The Growing Contrast• vv. 17-24—the big principle distinction– There is a normative pagan life and normative

Christian life– In particulars we are to be distinct from the

world– Our purpose is higher than the pragmatic or in

relation to what works

The Point of Light• This is, again, related to ideas in the Sermon

on the Mount• We are to be the light of the world; the salt

of the earth• We are evidence to the world that it is

upside down and warped. Our solid community is to bring that type of conviction