
Series Theme Passage: Ephesians 5:1
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Message Text: Ephesians 4:17-24
17 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. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way.21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Right living begins with right
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. —Romans 12:2
Wrong thinking causes man to wander in darkness, alienated/
We are to put
Right thinking (having the mind of Christ) affects
“It took God only one day to get Israel out of Egypt, but it took 40 years to get Egypt out of Israel.”
Sanctify them by the truth. Your Word is truth. —John 17:17
The most transformational practice available to us is the disciplined intake of Scripture. —Donald Whitney, “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life”
If we are to have the mind of Christ… we must dedicate
“Here then, is the real problem of our negligence. We fail in our duty to study God’s word not so much because it is difficult to understand, not so much because it is dull and boring, but because it is work. Our problem is not a lack of intelligence or a lack of passion. Our problem is that we are lazy.” —R.C. Sproul
If your growth in Godliness were measured by the quality of your Bible intake, what would be the result? —Donald Whitney
REVIEW:
According to the Pastor Will and Ephesians 4:17-24, why does right living begin with right thinking?
→ Think about what Paul says regarding the “futility” and “darkened understanding” of the Gentiles.
What does it mean to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self” as mentioned in Ephesians 4:22-24?
→ Consider what Pastor Will said about the transformation that comes through Christ.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in renewing our minds and helping us live like Christ?
→ Consider what happens after receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Why is the discipline Intake of Scripture essential to having a renewed mind?
→ Think about the quote from Donald Whitney and the definition sanctification.
What are some practical ways we can position ourselves for God to work in our lives, according to the sermon?
→ Think about Bible reading, study, memorization, and application.
Pastor Will ended the message with a challenge: “If you’re too busy for God, then you’re too busy.” How does this statement relate to our priorities and spiritual growth?