Ephesians 4:17-32

Introduction

Welcome:

Open your bibles

Missions Team (Serve around city, Block Parties, and joining us today)

This was exciting and something we hope to do more of in the future

Recap invite to “Gospel Conversations” on Wednesday

Series Recap

Ephesians 4:1 ESV

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,

First 3 Chapters the indicative (What is true)

Last 3 chapters the imperative (in light of this truth… how now do you live)

Paul is transitioning us into topics of what it looks like to follow Christ

To do this (This morning) he uses 3 Infinitives (Schools out kids… but we are still having english class this morning):

Put off

To be Renewed

to Put on

Colossians 3:9–10 ESV

Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Romans 13:12 ESV

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Galatians 3:27 ESV

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

How best can I Illustrate This :

Letter Jacket

Graduation Gown

Army Uniform, Hospital Uniform, Your Construction Hard hat.

Big Idea: Christian, Walk in your new Identity. Put off the things of this world and Put on the things of Jesus.

Read and Pray

Walking in the World (A Life without Jesus) V. 17-20

As a result of…

Futility in the mind v.17

Your Mind drives all that you do.

“Their” (Your version of your best interest)

This is why we cant expect people outside of Christ to live rightly… Christ is of zero importance to their actions.

2. (Why do they do this) Hardened Heart v.18

A Heart that has not been Redeemed by God

Because you are alienated by God (as Passage says)

Have you allowed Jesus to Redeem your Heart?

We do what we love. This why we sin- Bryan Chappel

Without a transformation of the heart… you will desire to be obedient to God.

Luke 6:45 ESV

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Transition…..

When your heart has not been transformed… here is what your life looks like.

You walked in this way…

3. Given over to sensuality v. 19

Acted based off what the Senses want….

Physical desires, What sounds good, looks good, at any moment that is what you chase…

4. Greed v 19

A Selfish Desire for something.

You are only out for you…

“In Every Way”

Transition:

Now…. Who is Paul writing to??? Christians

Vs 20-24 is so important in this passage because it is not a guilt trip… rather Paul is trying to remind them of What God has done for them…

This is not what you Learned “In Christ”. V. 20-24

(Zoom)

You heard about him

You were taught in him

You put these things down

You were “renewed in your mind”

You put on Christ

You were made righteous and Holy

^^^ If you have not had this today is your day!

Transition:

Speak to Non Christians (You can put on Jesus Today)

Speak to Christians (This is who he is talking too) (They to struggled to look like Christians)

Transition: Now we are going to see Paul begin to give instruction… but we must understand this is rooted in 3 chapters of heres who you were.

Walking In Christ: (The life that is emblematic of Jesus’ Transforming Power) V. 25-32

Speak Truth v 25

Truth now motivates you…

Put away falsehood

2. Put off anger towards others v 26

Do not sin with anger

Put away anger towards others…

Pick up Righteous anger for things that matter.

3. Do not let the thief (devil) destroy v 28

You can prevent it…

Why give into the things that do not produce spiritual fruit.

3. Put off Corrupt talk V29

4. Do not grieve the HS V30

We are to fellowship with the Holy Spirit

Grieving a brother

To Grieve the Holy Spirit is to be unfaithful… Not live in the way God is leading you.

the Picture of Rebelling against the will of God.

Graham story…

5. Put off Bitterness , wrath, (unrighteous) anger, clamor, slander, or malice v31

There is no room for it.

9. Put on forgiveness v32

Put on forgiveness

Forgiveness is a clear overflow of God working himself out in your life…

when we understand what God has done for you… We should be so motivated to forgive

Conclusions: As God in Christ forgave you v 32.