Memory Verse: That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish”– Eph. 5:27.
Bible Passage: Eph. 5:17-30.
Introduction:
The Church, that is the congregation of all born-again believers, is referred tp as the Bride of Jesus Christ in Eph. 5:25-27. Almost invariably, when a man chooses a bride, he chooses someone who is closest to him in manners, attributes, aspirations, ways of doing things and the like, because only birds of the same feathers flock together (Amos 3:3). The Lord Jesus Christ is holy, spotless and without blemish, hence His Bride must be without spots or wrinkles too.
OUTLINES
THE ESSENCE AND PROCESS OF BEING SPOTLESS
AREAS OF SPOTLESSNESS
THE ESSENCE AND PROCESS OF BEING SPOTLESS
It is a reasonable question if a Christian asks, “Why I must be spotless?” Or why must I be pure in all things that there cannot be found in me a single spot, fault or blemish? Here are just a few of the reasons. First, a Christian is a child of God (John 1:12), and the child must be like his father. In fact, the Lord Jesus Christ said that every child of God must be like his father. In fact, the Lord Jesus Christ said every child of God must be as perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:48). Secondly, the Christian is part of the Bride of Chris. From which it follows that the Christian is part and parcel of the holy, spotless, Christ (Eph. 5:29-30). Since Christ is spotlessly holy. It follows that no part of Him can be any less than himself. Thirdly, the wedding between Christ and His bride is going to take place in Heaven. And nothing unholy shall be allowed into Heaven (Is. 35:8). Therefore, if you wish to be part of the bride at the wedding of the lamb, you must be without spots or wrinkles (Eph. 5:27).
The steps toward a life of spotless holiness begin with the new birth in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). This is then followed by purging yourself of all sinful habits and excesses (Job. 11:14-15; 2 Timothy 2:21). After which you must steer clear of all worldly situations that can stain you or get you thinking along wrong tracks (James 1:27; 1 John 2:15-17). Then, of course, you must live daily for God, taking one day at a time and living it as if it will be the last (Romans 12:1-2; 2Cor. 13:5). Since all determinations are useless without the help of God, you must constantly call on Jesus for help (John 15:5; Phil. 4:13).
AREAS OF SPOTLESSNESS
The next reasonable question is in what areas should the bride Christ be spotless?” The answer, of course, in all things’ However, we will specifically look at three areas: In words, thought and in deeds.
Spotless in words: Christians are expected to ‘bridle their tongues’ by putting a check or carefully selecting their words in order to avoid offences (James 3:2; Col. 4:6). In order to be spotless in words, a Christian must abstain from gossiping, backbiting, lying, rumour mongering and any other speech that defiles (1 Peter 4:15; Rev. 21:27; Mark 7:20).
Spotless in thoughts: Before someone can be spotless in words, he has to be spotless in thoughts (Ps. 19:14). This is because whatever comes out of your mouth is an overflow of what is in your heart (Matt. 12:34-35; Prov. 23:7). Consequently, we are advised to watch very closely what we think about and meditate upon. In fact, there is a list of things that must occupy the thoughts of a Christian. These are the things that are true, just; honest, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8).
Spotless in deeds: We must not only be spotless in words and thoughts but also in deeds. In fact, our deeds are to be as pure as light. We are to shine at home, in the office, marketplace and everywhere so that the world will know who is really our Father (Matt. 5:14-16). True holiness cannot be hidden; it will always shine forth.
CONCLUSION: It is not enough for Christians to be holy. They must be spotlessly so. Anyone who hopes to be part of the bride of Christ must stay spotless.
QUESTIONS
Why should a Christian be spotless?
In what areas should a Christian be spotless?
ASSIGNMENT: Identify five (5) ways through which polluted society can become spotless (2×5=10 Marks).
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