Formative in the sense that in addition to being deeply offensive to God, they form deep roots in the character, promoting other sins and shaping the whole person, whereas new opposite virtues (performed by the Lord's help) lead to lifelong blessing and usefulness.

First, an analysis of the sad state of the unsaved heart. Then two levels of transformation: (1) conversion, where putting off the old and putting on the new life is God's work, and (2) details of sanctification, where believers are empowered to act by God.

The Bible's most famous verse mentions the astonishing scope and depth of Christ's love in sending a member of the Godhead into our corrupted world. In what sense could God love this world? And what was it that Christ did to save lost people?

The apostle lays down the vital role of the entire congregation functioning together in evangelism and sanctification. The chief agent of this is 'the truth'. Here we seek to appreciate more fully the privileges and power of the faith entrusted to us.

'What is your life?' asks James, 'it is even a vapour'. Here is material, physical life without God, its instability and brevity, its insubstantial character and its lack of merit and value for eternity. How very different it could be with the intervention of Christ the Lord.

Unity defined, not as membership of an organisation, but as a bond between those in union with Christ and bearing His likeness. Then, the opposition believers will know and the answer of holy living. Lastly: service and loyalty to the body, the local church.