2009-06-14
Ephesians - Putting On and Putting Off
Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction
We cannot accomplish God's purposes on this earth without being a part of community.
Humility - 'Who are you going to please?' (doing thing's 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.

B. Overview: Ephesians 4: 17 - 24
No longer live as the Gentiles
Living in the dark and indulging in impurity and lusting for more
But, you were taught the truth that is in Jesus (Colossians 1: 27 Christ in you)
Taught you to put off the old nature/man which is being corrupted, and to...
Put on the new which is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness

C. Put Off Your Old Self

Adam nature, old nature, old man, sin nature, the flesh.
Condenses 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

Opportunities for growth are when things are not like you want them to be.
Be very careful about indulging another's complaining and their refusal to put off Romans 13: 14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh...

May exhibit as repetitive complaining internally or externally.
Indulge yourself and others here and you are aiding and abetting the enemy.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The Life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God." (Gal 2: 20)

Warning: Repentance and perseverance required.
John 8: 12
1 John 1: 5 - 10
Persevere in recognizing and repenting of specific sin, but also of the flesh being in control.
Philippians 2: 12 - 13
Know your enemy: sin, Satan, the flesh/old nature.
Know your own personal weaknesses, characteristics and habits
Know your friend: the grace of God

A refusal here very often stops growth, effectiveness and intimacy with Christ.

D. Put On the New Self

Romans 6: 1 - 11
Identification is not just to resist sin (John 15: 5)

2 Corinthians 3: 18
Relationship - behold and reflect.

Are you worried, stressed, powerless?
Ephesians 4: 22 - 24
Galatians 2: 20