Based on Ephesians 4:22–5:2
1. Scriptures to Read and Ponder
• Main Passage: Ephesians 4:22–5:2
• Supporting Scriptures:
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.”
• Philippians 1:27 – “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.”
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
• John 14:9 – Jesus: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2. Sermon Recap
Introduction: The Importance of Being Properly Dressed
• The sermon began with a personal story of attending a church convention dressed informally, only to realize that everyone else was in suits and formal attire.
• This humorous yet insightful experience illustrated how what we wear represents who we are and what we are prepared for.
• The Bible uses clothing as a metaphor for our character, lifestyle, and spiritual identity in Christ.
I. The Old Life: The Way of the Gentiles
• Ephesians 4:17-20 – Paul describes the old way of life before Christ:
• Darkened in understanding (νοῦς nous – reasoning, intellect).
• Alienated from the life of God – Separated due to ignorance and hardened hearts.
• Calloused and insensitive – Like hands hardened from repeated exposure, sin desensitizes the heart.
• Driven by lust, greed, and impurity – The world’s way is self-serving and destructive.
II. Putting Off the Old Self (Ephesians 4:22-24)
• Paul commands believers to take off the old self like dirty, worn-out clothes.
• The Greek word ἀποτίθημι (apotithēmi) means to strip off, to lay aside.
• This is not just reformation but transformation:
• Jesus didn’t come to make life better; He came to make all things new (Revelation 21:5).
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – In Christ, we are a new creation.
III. Clothed with the New Self (Ephesians 4:24)
• The new self is:
1. A New Humanity (ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos) – A new version of ourselves.
2. Created by God – Not self-improvement but a divine creation.
3. In the Likeness of God – Our new identity reflects Christ’s righteousness and holiness.
IV. The Pivot Point: The Renewal of the Mind (Ephesians 4:23, Romans 12:2)
• Transformation begins in the mind:
• The world follows patterns (like a crochet pattern).
• If we follow the world’s pattern, we will look like the world.
• But if we renew our minds, we will be transformed into Christ’s image.
V. How to Renew Your Mind
1. Daily Immersion in God’s Word
• John 17:17 – “Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth.”
• Reading and meditating on Scripture cleanses our thoughts.
2. Prayer and Communion with the Holy Spirit
• Prayer is not just about requests—it’s about allowing God to reshape us.
• Example: Praying 2 Timothy 1:7 –
• “Lord, You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
3. Christian Community
• Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
• Spiritual growth happens together, through encouragement, accountability, and teaching.
Conclusion: Out with the Old, In with the New!
• You can’t walk in your new identity if you’re still clinging to your old mindset!
• The call of Christ is not just to believe but to be transformed.
• God wants you properly dressed for the Kingdom—clothed in righteousness, holiness, and Christ-likeness.
3. Memorable Quotes
• “Jesus didn’t say, ‘I make all things better.’ He said, ‘I make all things NEW.’”
• “The pattern of this world is the chain holding you back.”
• “Your spiritual growth will never exceed your mindset.”
• “You can’t walk in your new identity if you’re still clinging to your old mindset!”
4. Questions for Discussion
1. What does it mean to “take off the old self” in practical terms?
2. Paul insists that we “must no longer live as the Gentiles do” (Ephesians 4:17). In what ways can we ensure our lifestyle reflects Christ and not the world?
3. How does the metaphor of clothing help us understand our transformation in Christ?
4. What patterns of thinking do you struggle to break free from? How can you renew your mind in this area?
5. Which of the three ways to renew your mind (God’s Word, Prayer, Community) do you need to focus on this week?
5. Further Reading
• Colossians 3:1-14 – A deeper look at putting off the old self and putting on the new self.
• Romans 6:1-14 – Understanding our new identity in Christ and dying to sin.
• Dallas Willard – Renovation of the Heart (Book) – A practical exploration of spiritual transformation.
• John Stott – The Message of Ephesians (Book) – A commentary on living as a new creation in Christ.
6. Prayer Points
1. Thanksgiving for Transformation
• Thank God that in Christ, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• Thank Him that He is clothing us in righteousness and holiness.
2. Renewal of the Mind
• Pray for daily renewal through God’s Word, prayer, and community.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to break old patterns of thinking and replace them with truth.
3. Strength to Walk in the New Self
• Pray for strength to live as Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20).
• Ask for boldness to walk worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27).
4. Victory Over the Old Life
• Pray for breakthrough over sinful habits and thought patterns.
• Declare Romans 6:14 – “Sin shall not have dominion over you.”
5. Grace for Others on the Journey
• Pray for grace and patience with fellow believers who are in the process of transformation.
• Pray for the LWC church family to be a community of renewal and encouragement.
Final Encouragement
🌿 “You are no longer who you used to be! God has made you NEW. Now walk in it!” 🌿
🔹 Let’s put off the old, renew our minds, and walk fully in our new identity in Christ!