I. Introduction
A. Origami
B. Transformed
1. In our passage today, Paul writes about the new life that Christians have in Christ.
2. He shows us what it looks like to walk in a manner worthy of our calling.
3. The passage today makes it clear that our transformation is not a one-time occurrence; it is a lifetime endeavor.
II. Equipped for Transformation
A. Take Out the (vs 17-19)
1. Last week, we talked about pruning the distractions that destroy our spiritual growth.
2. Paul continues that thought by telling us that we cannot move forward until we deal with the things that are stumbling blocks for us.
3. We must remove the that trip us in our spiritual walk.
a. Futility of
i. Futility can also be translated emptiness or hollowness.
ii. Don’t let trash fill up your life; take it to the dump
iii. Things like bitterness, hatred, hurt, etc., stink. Don’t let them hand around.
b. in understanding
i. This would be in contrast to Christians who had “the eyes of their hearts enlightened.”
ii. Ephesians 1:18
c. from the life of God.
i. Those who had decided not to follow God had excluded or separated themselves from God.
ii. They had become those who were “far off.” (Ephesians 2:13)
d. Ignorance from the hardness of .
i. Those who had rejected the gospel were not willing to listen to good counsel.
ii. As a result, their hearts had become hardened.
e. Callous to
i. These people had lost all sense of shame.
ii. They decided to give themselves over to the world.
4. If you don’t take out the trash, your spiritual life starts to stink. To be transformed, we have to rid ourselves of things that separate us from God. But we don’t just leave that space empty.
B. Remodel the (v 20-24)
1. It requires time and energy to remodel our minds; it doesn’t happen overnight.
2. It requires deconstructing our old ways and a new one.
3. Paul tells us that we have to “lay aside” the old self.
a. When someone chooses to follow Christ, they crucify the old man in baptism (Romans 6:6), but that’s not the end of the transformation.
b. Changing a behavior that a person has been engaged in for decades won’t be broken overnight.
c. Illustration: Neural plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity or brain plasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life in response to experiences, learning, and environmental stimulation. It involves the brain reorganizing its structure, function, and connections. Simply put, it takes time for the brain to break neural pathways that are formed when we engage in bad behavior. It takes time and hard work to develop new pathways, but it is possible.
d. Paul speaks of this in Romans 12:1-2, as he writes, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
e. In verse 23, the Greek denotes a continuous action in terms of the renewal process.
4. Illustration: Remodeling- Anyone here who has done any amount of remodeling work in their home or on a car knows that a good renovation takes a significant amount of time, energy, and resources. It’s not easy, and it’s not a short-term commitment.
5. The new self Paul writes about is a creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is a contrast to the former life that was only corrupt. That former life was something that was spoiled or ruined. The new life is full of possibilities and growth.
6. Remodeling like a pro!
a. Surround yourself with people who love the truth and love you.
b. Scripture intake- Good source information yields good results.
c. Prayer time- Talk to the One who created you and knows you better than yourself. (Talk to product support.)
d. Meditation- Stillness with Scripture reveals wisdom.
e. Mirror- Spend time talking to yourself in the mirror about your walk with Him.
8. If we want to transform, we not only have to take off the old; we must pursue the new.
C. Pursue (vs 25-32)
1. Paul provides practical examples of what the life looks like.
a. Speaking (v25)
b. Being angry without sinning (v 26)
i. Psalm 4:4 “…ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.”
ii. Be careful not to allow the devil an opportunity to use your anger to sin.
c. Work and share (v 28)- Change the mindset of working to advance only yourself and seek to use it as an opportunity to bless others.
d. No corrupting talk (v 29)- Lift people up, don’t tear them down.
e. Don’t the Holy Spirit (v 30)- Failing to listen to God grieves Him.
f. Rid yourself of bitterness and wrath (v 31)- Many of these things eat at us (clamor = shouting).
g. Be kind, tenderhearted, and (v 32)- Many of the things listed in verse 31 are healed by forgiveness.
2. The transformed life has the power not only to change you, but also to influence change in the world around you.
III. Conclusion
A. The New Life
B. Invitation