Ephesians 4:17-32 - New Life New Look (Part 8)

Ephesians 4:17-32 

New Life New Look

(1) Characteristics of a dead heart: V: 17-19

Symptoms of Hardness of Heart:

• Darkened in their understanding, 
• alienated from the life of God 
• because of the ignorance that is in them

(2) Characteristics of  a New Life 

• To put off your old self
• Which belongs to your former manner of life 
• And is corrupt through deceitful desires,
• And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 
• And to put on the new self, 
• Created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness

(3) Characteristics of a New Look

• Speaking the truth
• Does not get angry and does not sin
• Thief will not steal, but will give to those who are in need Application:

What is my responsibility If God creates a new heart in me?

• I have to put off the old self and I have to put on the new self

Audio:

Ephesians 4:1-16 - Living in a Manner Worthy Of our Call (Part 7)

"Living in a Manner Worthy Of our Call"
Ephesians 4:1-16

I. There is a necessary disposition for a believer's worthy walk. (4:1-3)
       A. God's work in Christ is gracious, mysterious and beyond our imagination, "therefore" by the power at work within us, we seek to live our lives worthy of our call.
       B. Paul identifies himself as a "prisoner of the Lord."
       C. Believers in Christ are "implored" to the walk worthily of our calling.
       D. Paul names five characteristics of the believer's worthy walk.
              1. Humility
              2. Gentleness
              3. Patience
              4. Showing tolerance for one another in love
              5. Diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit

II. The church is implored to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit. (4:4-6)
       A. The world seems desperate to redefine the church.
       B. Paul shares seven elements of unity in the Spirit for the church.
              1. One Body
              2. One Spirit
              3. One Hope
              4. One Lord
              5. One. Faith
              6. One Baptism
              7. One God and Father

III. Maturity is growing up to the fullness of Christ. (4:7:-16)
       A. There is diversity in our unity. (4:7-10)
       B. The purpose of the diversity of spiritual gifts is for the building up of the body of Christ.
            (4:11-12)
       C. How long? Until we grow up into Christ. (4:13-16)

PRACTICAL CONCLUSIONS:

Audio:

Revive Special Series 2014 - Politics and Christian Faith (Part 1)

Politics and Christian Faith Outline

1-2 opening songs?

Lesson (2 or 3 elders can split this section up)

Part 1: What is the proper view of government/politics?

-       Government and politics are a necessary result of the Fall;

-       Rom. 13:1 - Each ruler is part of God’s plan

-       Example: John 19:10-11 - authority was given to Pilate from above

-       America is not Israel - democracy vs. theocracy

-       America has been around for less than 300 years! Republicans & Democrats (& Libertarians) for less than that!

-       Our hope should be in Christ’s Kingdom, not government or a political party

-       Heb. 11:16, 13:14 - seeking a heavenly country.

-       Phil. 3:20 - Citizenship is in heaven

-       John 18:36-37 - Jesus’ Kingdom not of this world

Part 2: How should/can Christians be involved in government/politics?

-       We should care for the communities in which we live (Jer. 29).

-       We should display God’s character

-       Fruit of the Spirit

-       God’s attributes: justice, compassion, holiness

-       We should submit to government - even not great governments.

-       Acts 5:27-32 - Obedience to God first

-       Rom. 13:1-7, 1 Pet. 2:13-17

-       Mark 12:13-17 - Paying Taxes

-       We should vote. (Jer. 29)

-       We should shine as lights through careers, volunteerism, activism as God leads.

-       Gen. 1:26-31 - Created in God’s image

-       We display God’s image through pursuing God’s values. Justice. Care for poor. Care for environment.

-       Examples - Esther. Boenhoeffer. Wilberforce.

Part 3: How do we handle political disagreement?

-       See Parts 1 & 2!

-       Our goals are God’s goals. Not party goals.

-       Leave room for conscience in non-biblical issues (Rom. 14).

-       Be dogmatic mainly about Scripture’s morals & theology - not about it’s political application.

-       Pursue unity in Christ first. (Ephesians 2 & 3)

-       A Christian republican has more unity with a Christian Democrat than with a non-Christian Republican.

-       Prayer. For country, leaders, etc. (1 Tim. 2:1-4)

Discussion Questions (Have 3-4 Group Leaders)

-       What are good reasons why a Christian might not vote?

-       How can a Christian shine for Jesus in something as divisive as politics?

-       Should Christians all belong to the same political party? Why or why not?

-       If we must submit to government, is there ever a time when a revolution is appropriate? Why or why not?

-       What should we do if the government is corrupt?

-       What is the role of conscience in regards to specific political issues?

-       Are there any notable biblical issues that are linchpins in deciding how to vote?

Q&A Panel

-       2-3 elders plus 1-2 congregation members?

Audio:

Ephesians 3:14-21 - Knowing God (Part 6)

From Death to Life (Part 6)
Knowing God
Ephesians 3:14-21

1. Strengthened in our Inner Being, (v.16-17)
a. According to the riches of God’s glory, not our own
b. Strength that goes beneath the surface
c. Supplied by the Holy Spirit

2. Able to comprehend God in a deeper way, (v.18)
a. Both a Private and Public experience
b. The Love of Christ that surpasses knowledge

3. Filled with the Fullness of God, (v.19 - 21)
a. Christ is the Fullness of God
b. Sinners receive the fullest of Christ’s riches
c. God who is able to more than we can ever imagine

Audio:

Ephesians 3:1-13 - The Motivated Ministry (Part 5)

From Death to Life, Part 5
The Motivated Ministry
Ephesians 3:1-13
October 5, 2014

THREE THINGS PAUL KNEW THAT KEPT HIM MOTIVATED AND JOYFUL IN CHURCH LIFE AND MINISTRY
1. He knew who called him (3:1-7).
- Called by Jesus
- Called By Grace
- Called By Revelation
2. He knew what he was called to do (3:6-9).
- Preach Christ to Gentiles
- Display the mystery of the church in his ministry
3. He knew the ultimate purpose for his call (3:10).

Audio: