Ephesians 4: 17 -
The Christian is not to imitate the life of the unsaved people around him. The born again is completely different!!! They think differently feom unsaved people...mind, understanding, ignorance, "learned Christ." Salvation begeins with repentance, which is a change of mind. The whole outlook of a person changes when he trust Christ, including his values, goals and interpretation of life. A lost man's thinking is "vanity". It leads to no substantial purpose. Does not understand the world around him, nor can he understand himself. His thinking is darkened. He thinks he is enlightened because he rejects the Bible and believes the latest philosophies, when in reality he is in darkness...Romans 1:22.
Satan has blinded the minds of the unsaved...II Cor. 4:3-6 because he does not want them to see Truth. They cannot see, minds are darkened so they cannot think straight about spiritual matters. Hardness of heart enslaves him. The Christian has experienced a miracle of being raised from the dead. His life is not futile, but purposeful. His mind is filled with the light of God's Word, and his heart with the fullness of God's life. Body is given as an instrument of righteousness.
NOT (v. 20)to learn about Christ but to learn Christ!!! You can learn Him because of your personal relationship and in having fellowship with Him.
DIRECTIONS GIVEN: Strip Put off...discard your old unrenewed self...your previous manner of life. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind--have a fresh mental and spiritual attitude. (v.24) put on the new nature!
V. 22-24 are a summary of Romans 5 - 8 ... Paul's explanation of the believer's identity - a Christian has not simply changed his mind...we have totally changed our citizenship!!!!...a new creation in Christ II Cor. 5:17.
TAKE OFF THE GRAVE CLOTHES AND BUT ON THE GRACE CLOTHES! Through Christ, once and for all, we have been given a new position IN HIM. Appropriate what He has given you. Phsically you are what you eat, but spiritually, you are what you think! Pro.23:7. It is important to be in the Word, praying and fellowshipping with Christ. You will act like what you think!!!
[I will bring copies of the Line Diagram to class this next week! It is a beautiful visual of the absolute DIFFERENCE of death to life!]
No comments:
Post a Comment