Ephesians Session 10 | The Transformed Life in Christ Big Ideas: · Recognition of our former self vs. our new life in Christ. · Transformation vs. Conformation · Self-Examination of my life in Christ Recognition of our former self vs. our new life in Christ. Ephesians 4:17-24 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 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. Transformation vs. Conformation 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Conform-to act in accordance or harmony [with something]; to comply; to act in accordance with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices, etc., of society or a group; to be or become similar in form. Psoriasis story Some dangers of conformation: · We are in proximity with Christ but miss the entire thing. (Judas, religious leaders) · We teach behavior modification and sin management. (works around our sin rather than exposing and irradicating it.) We create religious institutions that promote common unity, benefit, and allegiance but not Christ. (Sunday school teacher example) · We unknowingly create self-righteous and prideful behaviors. · We unknowingly create condemnation in those who cannot keep up with the conforming. Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Transform-change in form, appearance, nature, or character. (caterpillar/butterfly) Ezekiel 36:26-27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Jeremiah 2:12-13 Has a nation changed its gods, which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory for what does not profit. 12Be astonished, O heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid; Be very desolate,” says the Lord. 13“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water. 2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! Self-Examination of my life in Christ Take Aways: · What are some areas in your life where you are aware of your need for Christ’s transformation? · How have external attempts to change your feelings or modify your behavior failed? · Are you ready to begin the process of true and lasting change through an abiding relationship and obedient discipleship? Why or why not?