Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-24

Intro

In today’s message from Ephesians four, the apostle Paul says to Christians – stop running around in your old sneakers! They’re terrible – they’re dirty, smelly, and they no longer fit you! You no longer have to wear them. Put on your new sparkling-white high-tops. Your new life in Christ!

Series

We are continuing our sermon series in Ephesians. The Apostle Paul wrote to encourage and teach the believers in the city of Ephesus. This city was larger than Buffalo and had sports arenas, gymnasiums, theaters, a library, debate centers, and lots of temples to many different religions. People there spoke several languages and because it was a seaport, there was a melting pot of different cultures and ideas. It’s not very different from our present day. We can learn a lot from this letter as we dig deeper into its mysteries.

Old Life

Futility of Mind
– meaningless, empty

Alienated from God
– separated by our sin, our ignorance & hard hearts

Deceitful Desires
– Want what makes us feel good
– Blind to sin’s consequences and lies from devil
– Greedy for more!

New Life

You’re really a Christian, right?

Truth of Salvation
– 1 Cor 15:3 the Gospel
– John 14:6 Jesus is the source of Truth

Put off old self
– Confess our sins and turn away
– John 3 born again spiritually

Renewed in spirit of your mind
– Rom 12:1-2 continuous process
– Change our minds

Put on new self
– Gal 3:27; 2 Chron 6:41; Rev 19:7-8
– New identity in Christ – clothed in His righteousness

Created in the likeness of God
– Phil 3:9; Phil 1:10-11

Take Aways

Will you give up your Old Life and start a New Life today?

Believers what changes do you need to make? What old ways of thinking and living need to go?

Do you need to know Jesus better?
– Reading God’s Word
– Joining a study
– Memorizing Scripture
– Prayer