As he encourages us to live godly lives, Paul takes us to the temple (vv. 1–7) and reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
Humans have five basic senses:
- Touch = Healing touch
- Sight = The blind to see
- hearing = Having heard the Word
- Smell = Fragrant offering
- Taste = Taste and see the Lord is good
Ephesians 5:1-7 NIV
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.
If we walk in love, our lives will be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) fragrant to the Lord (John 12:1–8).
Romans 12:1-2 NIV. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Mary gave her possessions and herself…
John 12:1-3 NIV Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
On the Contrary, Sin is ugly and a stench in God’s nostrils
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. 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.
- To be a partner is to be in this thing together…
- Jesus hates the Sin but loves the Sinner