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The New Creation

September 25, 2016 Speaker: Fred Greco Series: Ephesians

Topic: AM Service Passage: Ephesians 4:17–24

Sometimes, especially in times of discomfort and hard circumstances, we can wonder whether it really makes a difference what we believe. For followers of Jesus, it can be hard to count the cost when we see so many around us living what appears to be good and happy lives. Being a Christian has to be more than blindly following a set of expectations – whether those expectations come from our parents, fellow churchgoers, or even ourselves. Being a Christian must mean that we are different because that is what Jesus tells us will happen. The Bible is full of promises of life changes and blessings, but sometimes we are too busy to notice the difference that Jesus makes. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4 that we are a new creation in Christ – not just different, but renewed and blessed. He shows us what life is like for those who have rejected Christ: it is a stubborn, dark, and reckless life. Father and father the downward spiral goes, and the only hope of stopping it is to turn and embrace Christ. It is in Jesus that we find true hope and meaning, and life that puts off hate and sin and puts on love and righteousness. Our hope is in Jesus who makes us “The New Creation” (Ephesians 4:17-24).

I. The Way of the World
A. Hard Hearted
B. Dark Minded
C. Reckless Living

II. The Difference Jesus Makes
A. Learning Christ
B. Hearing Christ

III. The Way of Christ
A. Put Off
B. Be Renewed
C. Put On

Questions for consideration: (1) Why is it so impossible for those outside of Christ to reform their behavior? What does that tell us about the behavior of Christians? (2) What are the most important things we can learn about Christ? Where do we hear the voice of Christ? (3) What habits or actions do you need to put off? In what ways can you put on the new self?

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