Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Iowa RP Family Camp 2019 - Talk 4

Joel Wood · August 2, 2019

Scripture passage not listed

sharonrpc.org/sermons/iowa-rp-family-camp-2019-1521192002082

Summary

Ephesians 4:17-24 commands Christians no longer to walk in the futile, darkened, hardened, and impure pattern of unbelieving Gentiles.
Lasting change requires more than being told to stop sin; Paul grounds the command in Christ's call, gifts, work, and body.
Believers have not merely learned doctrines but learned Christ, hearing him in the preached Word as the Spirit applies the gospel inwardly.
The old self with its deceitful desires must be put off, the mind renewed by the Holy Spirit, and the new self put on in righteousness and holiness.
The ordinary means of grace—not a search for spiritual excitement—are God's regular instruments for renewing understanding and conduct.
Because God has made the dead alive and will lose none of his elect, Christians are enabled and motivated to live in the righteousness of Christ.

Where does the futility or sensuality of the surrounding culture still shape the way I walk?
Am I trying to change through bare commands and self-strength instead of beginning with Christ and his grace?
Have I only heard Christian words outwardly, or am I receiving Christ as the Spirit applies truth to the heart?
Which deceitful desire must be identified and put off rather than merely suppressed for a time?
What truthful, righteous practice belongs to the new self I am called to put on?
Am I using preaching, Scripture, sacraments, and prayer as God's regular means of renewal?

Old self: The corrupt pattern belonging to the former life, shaped by deceitful desires and alienation from God.
Renewal of the mind: The Holy Spirit's continuing work through truth, reshaping understanding so believers live according to Christ.
New self: The new life created after God's likeness in true righteousness and holiness and consciously put on by believers.
Learning Christ: Receiving the person and truth of Jesus through the outward Word made inwardly effective by the Holy Spirit.