Bible Text: Ephesians 4 | Preacher: Rev. Dr. Lou Saldiveri | Series: Sunday Morning Worship | — Pastor Lou’s Notes —
Intro: I would like to as a simple question to today that, in reality, requires a lot of careful thought. How would you define success? The reason this requires very careful thought is that our culture tends to define it as an accumulation of wealth, power, and fame. Now, if your honest work provides wealth and influence, there is nothing wrong with that as long as you and I realize that we are called to thank God and use that wealth to honor Him.

God defines a real successful life using, not the cultural standards, but His standards. It is God’s desire to help us to continue and grow in faith and maturity so that we, as Christ followers, can live well and finish well glorifying God in all we say and do. Statistically, there is a very high percentage of Christ followers stop maturing and living well. Consequently, don’t finish life well. One of the purposes of Spiritual gifts is to help us along in our journey towards emotional and spiritual maturity.

So, as we come to this passage in Ephesians 4, Paul starts by telling us what it means to live well.

1.
We Are to Live a Life Worthy of Our Calling v. 1-5

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The calling is from God through Jesus Christ

1.
We need to have a good attitude
2.
We need to put in effort
3.
We need to be united
4.
We need to live life in the Holy Spirit

1.
Paul talks about the fruit of the spirit
2.
We Receive Grace to Help Us Mature

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The Holy Spirit equips people to help us in the journey
2.
Jesus guides us by His Word
3.
Will we submit to the Holy Spirit and the Word?

Closing: Today, my prayer is the for you and me, the Holy Spirit would help us to continue to live well and finish well in a way that brings glory to God.