Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction:

The Body of Christ (4:1–16)

Paul begins the ethical/practical section of his letter by focusing on the church.

He calls on the church to walk according to their calling (4:1), which is characterized by unity.

He has previously explained that God has brought Jewish believers and gentile believers together into one body (2:19–22), so now he is calling on the Ephesians to actually live as one body (4:2–6).

This does not necessitate conformity in practice.

Rather, in 4:7–16 he explains that God has uniquely gifted members in order for all the believers to grow in their faith.

12 zI appeal to you therefore, brothers,1 by the mercies of God, ato present your bodies bas a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.2 2 cDo not be conformed to this world,3 but be transformed by dthe renewal of your mind, that by testing you may ediscern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.4

Gifts of Grace

Romans 8:29

because those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he should be the firstborn among many brothers.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may approve what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.

Philippians 3:10

so that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death,

Philippians 3:21

who will transform our humble body to be conformed to his glorious body, in accordance with the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

1 Peter 1:14

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former desires you used to conform to in your ignorance, 

What areas of your life you need to not be conformed, but transformed by the renewing of your mind?