3 intentional actions required for our growth into Christlikeness that enables unity
Though on the surface these three actions that Paul mentions here seem simple, these actions require you to understand the following…
1. Your recognition of two different ways of life/identities and two different heart motivations
2. Your need to make intentional decisions regarding your manner of life
3. Your need for prayerful, persistent ongoing Holy Spirit – empowered efforts to repent
4. Your need for a spiritual community to help you
I. Turn from the Futile Way of Life Driven by Deceitful Desires (v. 22)
Ephesians 4:22 - …that, in reference to your former manner of life you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit.
“dead in your trespasses and sins in which you walked” - Ephesians 2:1-2
“formerly lived in the lust of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh” - Ephesians 2:3
“given themselves over to sensuality” - Ephesians 4:17
Two characteristics of our former, natural way of life…
A. “Being corrupted” - A way of conduct that ruins and destroys
B. “Lusts of deceit” - A way of conduct motivated by pleasures perceived to be more delightful than God
II. Turn to the Blessed Way of Life Driven by True Beauty (v. 24)
Ephesians 4:24 - …and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Two characteristics of the believer’s new life
A. “in the likeness of God” – restoring humanity to God’s original purpose
B. “in righteousness and holiness of the truth” – truly beneficial and unique conduct for mankind
Ephesians 4:20-21 - But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus.
III. Receive and Rehearse God’s Vivid Truth to Captivate Your Mind (v. 23)
Ephesians 4:23 - …and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
“Christians overcome the world by seeing the beauty and excellence of Christ. They overcome the world by seeing something more attractive than the world: Christ.” (Thomas Chalmers)
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