Craig Smith • 4:17-5:3 • February 19, 2023

The old self without Christ…

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. 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. 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. (Eph. 4:17-19)

The new self in Christ…

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. (Eph. 4:20-21)

The battle between the two…

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. (Romans 7:15)

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; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph. 4:22-24)

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versus

Reveal Answer

– “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” (Eph. 4:25)

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Reveal Answer

versus

Reveal Answer

– “In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Eph. 4:26-27)

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Reveal Answer

versus

Reveal Answer

– “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” (Eph. 4:28)

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Reveal Answer

words versus

Reveal Answer

words – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Eph. 4:29-30)

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Reveal Answer

versus

Reveal Answer

– “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph. 4:31-32)

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Reveal Answer

versus

Reveal Answer

– “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” (Eph. 5:3)

The strategy for victory…

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18)