(Audio/Video/Text)
Title: The How To
Intro:
Today we reach the third and final installment in the series that we’ve been discussion the last few weeks on.
Ephesians 4:20-24 Review
Part One: v. 20-21
- We can be “taught” by Christ in a variety of ways
- Paul emphasizes the importance of the idea that the truth is ONLY found IN CHRIST.
- Truth is the only remedy for the 8 conditions of a non-believer that Paul outlines previously in 4:17-19
Part Two: v.22
- Paul commands us to “cast off” (Apotithemi) the Old Man
- This is something God gives enables to do, but WE must do the work of sanctification. In other words, “What we are (saved) is God’s gift to us. What we make of our selves (sanctification) is our gift to God.”
Today: Part Three: v.23-24
The main question we will seek to answer is: How does sanctification actually work?
(read/pray)
Ephesians 4:20-24
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
The Better Prayer:
Let’s begin here…for years I have been saying this from the pulpit, I’m genuinely curious if anyone here will get this…can anyone finish this well-worn statement of mine.
Too often we pray the wrong thing. We will pray “Lord, make me do what you want me to do!”
This is the wrong prayer. If we just add two little words, the prayer becomes so much more powerful.
Does anyone remember what those two little words are?
(take answers)
Here is the better prayer: “Lord, make me WANT TO do what you want do what you want me to do.”
Now, think back to last weeks sermon when we talked about the nature of sanctification, and answer this question:
Why is this second prayer a more Biblically accurate prayer, and therefore, more honoring to God?
(take answers)
- It places the responsibility of growth on our discipline and desire.
- It avoids “blaming” God for our lack of growth.
- It (should) lead us to accountability and expectation.
- Others?
How do we do this?
There are precisely TWO steps that Paul lists to be able to accomplish this, and I am more than convinced that the order of these two steps is crucial.
Step One: Be renewed in the Spirit of your Mind
(alternate English translations?)
Step Two: Put on the New Man
(alternate English translations?)
Why do you think I am compelled and convinced that you MUST have a renewed mind and spirit BEFORE you can even hope to “Put On” the new man?
(take answers)
- Without a renewed mind and spirit, you won’t know what the new man looks like. (How many people do you know that honestly believe they act like Christians, but you clearly can see that they have no idea what Scripture says a Christian actually is/does/behaves like?)
- Without a renewed mind and spirit, you won’t know how the new man “fits”. (Think of this like a suit jacket. Mark, let’s say this afternoon you go to Men’s Whare house in Mansfield because Mindy tells you, “You need a new black sport jacket. Mark, tell us the the process you will go through the moment you walk in the door at Men’s whare house and are greeted by a sales person.)
(In practical terms: How often have you run across a person that doesn’t have a feel for how being a believer “fits” the personality, gifts, and strengths that God built them with? They are trying to be the believer they THINK others want them to be, instead of discovering the believer God has made them. And that can manifest itself in many ways.
Any other ways in which you’d argue it’s crucial that we must renew our mind and spirit BEFORE we can even hope to put on the new man?
The $25,000 Question: How Do We Renew Our Mind and Spirit?
- Prayer: 1 Thes. 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
- Study: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
- Meditation: Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
- Fellowship: 1 Thes. 5:11 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
- Accountability: Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
(Close/Prayer/Q&A)