2009-06-28
Putting On and Putting Off
Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction
Ephesians 4:22-5:21 - Overview put off/put on
We cannot accomplish God's purposes on this earth without being part of community
Humility - Who are you going to please? (Doing things God's way.)
One of the secrets of intimacy with Jesus: ministry (Romans 8:5)
Allow God to prepare you for ministry. Be willing to be shepherded
Taking on the cause of Christ as your core purpose in life.

Keep in context -- not just for self-improvement.
The context is ministry
As soon as you are at the center, your desires are insatiable and you are discontent.
God's wisdom and man's wisdom.

B. Put Off Your Old Self
Adam nature, old nature, old man, sin nature, the flesh
Condensed theology of spiritual growth -- of being conformed to the image of Christ
The sometimes ferocious battle involved in putting off and putting on

Romans 6
Romans 12: 1 - 2
Galatians 2: 20
Galatians 5: 22 - 25
Romans 3: 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh.
Know your enemies: sin, Satan, the flesh/old nature
Know your own personal weaknesses, characteristics and habits
Know your friend: the grace of God.

C. Deep Obedience

Ephesians 4: 15
There is a deeper level of obedience in the continued growth of becoming obedient.

What does the character of Christ look like in a believer?
There is always a heart issue behind the sin or stronghold.
Ephesians 4: 25 - 26 Therefore, each of you must...

D. Blind Spots and Honesty

We must allow the Word to pierce our hearth - both the spoken and taught Word.

James 1: 22
"Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves."
You may have refused to deal with some deep and problematic issues.
We are going to use these lists to get specific areas that will open the door to growth.
Ephesians 5: 15 - 17 Not being foolish in dealing with this issue.

Prime the pump with Proverbs:
Proverbs 1:2,7,23,25,30
Proverbs 3:11
Proverbs 5: 12
Proverbs 6: 23
Proverbs 10: 17
Proverbs 12: 1
Proverbs 13:18,24
Proverbs 15:5,10,12,31,32
Proverbs 17: 10
Proverbs 19: 25
Proverbs 22: 15
Proverbs 23: 13
Proverbs 25: 12
Proverbs 27: 5
Proverbs 29: 15
Proverbs 30: 6

E. Conclusion

Find out what pleases God, and identify the things that give the devil a foothold in our lives.