Sermon Notes for Small Group Discussion

Living Like Jesus in a Messy World — Ephesians 5:1-14

Calvary Baptist Church – Smithville, TX
Sunday Sermon Recap | Pastor Phillip Cole | Week 11 of Ephesians Series

Have you ever looked at your life and wished it reflected more of Christ? That your actions, words, and relationships looked less like the world and more like the love, light, and truth of Jesus? That’s exactly what the Apostle Paul urges in Ephesians 5, and it’s the message that resonated deeply at Calvary Baptist Church this past Sunday.

If you’re looking for a Bible-believing, gospel-preaching church in Smithville, TX, where truth meets grace and no one has to pretend to be perfect—you belong here.

Imitate God. Walk in Love. Live in the Light.

This week, Pastor Phillip unpacked three powerful commands from Paul:

1. Be imitators of God.

2. Walk in love.

3. Live as children of light.

Paul doesn’t just throw out these commands—he gives us a template to follow: Jesus Himself. Like a child tracing a drawing, we are invited to trace the character of our Heavenly Father. Yes, it’ll be messy and imperfect at times, but the more we follow His outline, the more we’ll reflect His image.

“You are not working to become God’s child—you imitate Him because you already are.”

What Love Really Looks Like

We live in a world that’s confused about love. Many believe love is a feeling, or worse, just affirmation. But the Bible paints a different picture. Real love—agape love—is not based on emotion or convenience. It’s sacrificial, faithful, and selfless. It’s the love Christ showed us on the cross.

“Love isn’t sentimentalism. It’s a choice to give, to forgive, and to serve—even when it costs.”

At Calvary, we’re learning together how to walk in this kind of love—love that gives itself up for others, just like Christ did for us.

Called to Be Light in a Dark World

Paul doesn’t stop at love. He reminds us that we are no longer part of the darkness—we are light in the Lord. That means we live differently than the world around us. We turn away from sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and shame—not to earn God’s love, but because we’ve already received it.

“God’s children are not perfect—but they are different.”

And when we bring our struggles into the light, something powerful happens: God doesn’t shame us—He heals us. And our stories become a light for others.

Why This Message Matters for You

Maybe you’re carrying something hidden. Maybe you’ve been pretending, performing, or pushing down guilt and shame. But here’s the good news:

Jesus doesn’t meet us with condemnation—He meets us with freedom.

At Calvary Baptist Church in Smithville, you don’t have to have it all together. We’re not a place for perfect people—we’re a hospital for the hurting, a home for the weary, and a light in the darkness.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’ve never been to church or haven’t been in years, we’d love for you to join us this Sunday. You’ll find authentic worship, biblical preaching, and a family of believers who are chasing after Jesus together.

📍 Location: Calvary Baptist Church, Smithville, TX
🕘 Sunday Worship: 10:45 AM
📅 Current Series: Ephesians: Rooted in Grace, Walking in Truth
🌐 Learn More & Plan Your Visit: [Insert church website link]

Reflection Questions for the Week:

• In what areas of your life are you imitating God? Where are you still tracing the old outline?

• How can you practice agape love this week—with your family, your coworkers, your enemies?

• What darkness in your life needs to be brought into the light? Who can you talk to about it?

🕊️ “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” — Ephesians 5:14

You are not alone. You are not beyond grace. Come walk in the light with us.

Come as you are and discover a place where you belong. We look forward to meeting you and growing together in faith. Join us this Sunday at one of our services: 8:30AM, 9:45AM, or 11:00AM. We are located at 607 N W Loop 230, Smithville, TX 78957. See you soon!