Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | Ephesians 4:17–32 (2)

Introduction:

· The story of Eustace Clarence Scrubb

I WANT US TO SEE HOW THE GOSPEL GIVES US A NEW WAY OF THINKING, THAT LEADS US TO A NEW WAY OF LIVING.

I) The Gospel Gives us A New Way of “Thinking”

A. Before Christ: “Sin Darkens our Minds” (vv. 17-19)

i. Those apart from Christ are “futile in Mind” (vs. 17b)

1. A “futile” mind: Can create, innovate…but fails to see the purpose of life

2. EXAMPLE: we persuade ourselves of what will bring happiness and fulfillment, but we remain stuck in despair

ii. Those apart from Christ are “alienated from the life of God” (vs. 18b)

1. The second aspect is relational: We are created for the joy of God’s favor

2. But sin alienates us from the very source of life

iii. Those apart from Christ are “hardened in heart” (vs. 18c)

1. Hardened hearts = losing a sense of shame – displeasure at what is wrong

2. EXAMPLE: Feeling “alive” about sin – and justifying it

B. The Gospel means that we “Learn Christ” (vv. 20-24)

i. To Learn Christ means to be brought into a relationship of discipleship

1. Learning isn’t mere knowledge, but experiential and relational

2. EXAMPLE: John Calvin and his “teachable spirit”

ii. To learn Christ means “changing our clothing” (vs. 21-24)

1. Mortification: taking off the “clothing” of our old life (VS. 22)

2. Vivification is the process of putting on new clothing (VV. 23-24)

iii. The Good News of New Life

1. A Calling to new life: (seeing who we once wereànow, different!)

2. A Promise for the struggling tempt-ee: (overeating; greed; lust; gossip)

3. EXAMPLE: A puppy nipping at your heels instead of a guard dog…

THE GOSPEL GIVES US A NEW WAY OF THINKING! BUT THAT’S NOT ALL; PAUL SHOWS US SOME PARTICULARS OF HOW THE GOSPEL GIVES US A NEW WAY OF LIVING.

II) The Gospel Gives us a New Way of Living (vv. 25-32)

A. The Gospel Gives us a New Way of Speaking (vv. 25, 29-30)

i. We speak truth instead of falsehood (vs. 25)

1. “Subjective” truth + Social media = falsehood that destroys community

2. If we represent Jesus, “the truth” this has no place for us

3. APPLICATION: Online posting vs. truthful community

ii. We speak grace instead of corruption (vv. 29-30)

1. We might speak foul language…but it might even be “truth”

2. Can you bring words of grace that fit the occasions?

B. The Gospel Gives us a New way of Working (vs. 28)

i. The Problem of Theft

1. Explicit theft was more frequent then… (Even in the Church)

2. But: Fudging numbers? Laziness? Entitlement?

ii. The Gospel Gives New Meaning to Work

1. Luther saw “work” as a way of being Christ to our neighbor

2. APPLICATION: Those who stole from our car: what’s the solution?

C. The Gospel gives us a new way of “being” (vv. 26-27, 31-32)

i. The Foothold Anger can gain: (vs. 26-27)

1. Anger can be potent and destructive: Saying what we can’t take back; hurting your children, destroying your marriage

2. Satan will seek to exploit anger: anger is hodling radioactive substance

3. So: Do we vent? Contain? (see vv. 31)

ii. Be angry…but don’t sin:

1. Anger is a legitimate emotion, and we are commanded to be angry

2. But: Don’t sin, don’t allow the devil a foothold

3. Seek Reconciliation: Not staying up until 11:45 …

4. Exercise Forgiveness:

Transition:

Conclusion