Ephesians 4:17-19 …So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.  NIV
 
Introductory remarks:  Good instructions have both ‘Do’s’ and ‘Don’t Do’s’.  It was pointed out to me several years ago that it’s just as important to have a ‘not-to-do’ list as it is to have a ‘to-do’ list, because when we clearly understand what we should be avoiding, it helps us focus on where we should be spending our time.  Paul, a master teacher and apostle who was in tune with the Holy Spirit, gives – always gives – both the what-not-to-do’s and the what-to-do’s in his teaching.  Today we move into a poignant section of his teaching to the Ephesians, with notable instruction on what to avoid, accompanied by some explanation of why to avoid it, as well as pointing us toward what we are to invest our time in.  My title today is intended to illustrate the importance of running away from not-to-do’s and toward the Spiritual to-do’s.  Come explore with me for a little while . . .
 
Run don’t walk . . . away from . . .
 
1.  Futile thinking processes.  V. 17
 
2.  Darkened understanding.  V. 18
 
3.  Resident ignorance.  V. 18
 
4.  Blinded heart.  V. 18
 
5.  Calloused emotions.  V. 19
 
6.  Sensual pursuits.  V. 19
 
7.  Impure practice.  V. 19
 
8.  Greedy appetite.  V. 19
 
 For further study, application and discussion:  What have you heard the Holy Spirit saying to you today and what are you going to do about it?