Christ in a Distracted World
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Scriptures: Ephesians 4, 5
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Summary: In the third sermon of our series, If/Then, Scott takes us through the second half of Ephesians. Scott shows that by using symbols and images from Greco-Roman culture, Paul encouraged his readers to “learn Christ,” through counter-cultural ways of living. Scott looks at Paul’s do’s and don’ts, especially around speech and sexuality, arguing that Paul is most concerned with dignity, mutuality, and refusing exploitative power. Scott ends by echoing Paul’s invitation to “wake up,” to live as people of light who reflect Christ’s healing presence, and to help wake the world into something more just and peaceable.
A masterclass: Scott frames this part of Paul’s letter as a sort of Masterclass because it contains many practical instruction for living a life called by Jesus. The Christian virtues of humility, gentleness, and patience outlined by Paul are thrown in relief against the dominant contemporary Roman values of status, aggression, and self-importance.
How we learn: Scott shows how our faith is an ongoing process of formation. We "learn Christ” through practice. The spiritual disciplines of our calling encourages us toward everyday acts of personal healing, spiritual growth, and interpersonal trust.
Do’s and don’ts: Scott looks at Paul’s moral instructions as guidance aimed at honouring others dignity and resisting harm rather than enforcing rigid rules. He argues that the ethics that Paul outlines in Ephesians, especially around speech and sexuality, are about mutuality, care, and refusing exploitative uses of power.
Waking up: Using Paul’s imagery of the light that Christ brings, Scott encourages us toward an ongoing awakening to personal healing, communal responsibility, and participation in God’s work of justice and renewal in the world.
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Community is shaped by the conversations we share. These questions and reflections are a tool to help you meaningfully engage with the themes of this week's teaching.
Connect: Scott’s sermon engages with some of the virtues that Paul lists to make his case for living a life in light of Christ: humility in your relationships, gentleness with your words and deeds, and patience with others.
Q: When have you seen these values on display in a way that felt compelling or life-giving?Share: Share your thoughts about ”learning Christ,” and Paul’s metaphor of taking off old clothes and donning new clean clothes as a way to understand your faith learning journey. Consider Scotts words about Paul’s metaphor,
“What I love about this imagery is how it characterizes a life of faith as, in effect, learning Christ.
How, since the very earliest communities of Christians, to embrace the way of Jesus was to set off into life anew. And to keep on doing this.
Yes, this means that we have to do the work of putting away old, harmful patterns — we have to set aside previous, toxic perspectives — we have to learn to leave behind hurtful labels and limits imposed by others.
And, it still means this,
[…] Each and every form of newness can become a deeply spiritual practice.
Because this is how we learn Christ.”Q: How do you understand this idea of “learning Christ”?
Reflect: Reflect on how Paul tackles a number of social expectations in Ephesians. This part of his letter addresses, unwholesome talk, sexual impurity/greed, and seeing each neighbours as equals rather than others to be used. Read Scott’s words on this section,
“In Christ, Ephesian believers were to look at each other as equals with dignity.
They were to use care with those around them in the world, which was a drastic exception to the cultural rule.
They were to put aside old forms of exploitative sexual practice, to guard and honour each other’s bodies.
They were to understand—as we can too—that what we do with our bodies, what we do with the bodies of others, this reveals a lot about our theology.Paul wasn’t saying, ‘Don’t pursue pleasure. Don’t be sexual beings.’
He’s offering a clear reminder that if we choose to model Jesus’ sacrificial and self-effacing way, then this applies to our most intimate moments.
It’s a reminder that we should treat each other’s bodies as objects of divine delight and love.
It’s an encouragement to keep pursuing relationships of joy and satisfaction predicated on mutuality.”Q: What thoughts do you have about this quote?
Engage: Engage with the idea of an “waking up” so “Christ’s light can shine on you”. Scott ends his sermon by imagining some of the ways we might “wake up” to the light of Christ around us each day.
Q: If this “awakening” to the light of Christ is ongoing, not a one-time conversion moment; how does that challenge common assumptions about being “saved,” or spiritually finished?Take away: What is your takeaway from the message or today’s conversation?
Benediction based on the sermon
Wherever power and greed drive our relationships
might we learn to wake up and be honest with ourselves,
not shying way from the humble spirit of God,
nor our God-given curiosity for others,
nor our ability to learn our religion anew.
But instead, might we put on the glowing garments of Christ,
illuminated by truth, dignity, and love for our siblings and neighbours.
For the sake of our God who showed us the way and always offers us grace.
Amen. -
CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 19
MUSIC Curated by Curt Muller
All Sons& Daughters - Great Are You Lord
Mission House - Your Eyes See Me
Mission House - Good God
Royal Anthems - Turn Your Eyes
A PRAYER FOR OPEN EYES
Written by Scott WallFrom the places you’ve been -
From the heartache you’ve known -
From the versions of yourself you’ve left behind -
you’ve been led here.Where we pray, Loving God, give us eyes to see you - minds to know you - and hearts to ever seek you.
Here, on the rocky path you navigate right now - Here, through your turmoil and despair - Here, with a gratitude for all the simple ways that Grace appears - you are present here.
Where we pray, Loving God, give us eyes to see you - minds to know you - and hearts to ever seek you.
Moving beyond all you want to control - Moving toward all you long and wish for - Moving into new growth and perspective - you’ll move on from here, into all that lies ahead.
Which is why we pray, Loving God, give us eyes to see you - minds to know you - and hearts to ever seek you.
Amen.
SERIES BUMPER
If/Then
