A New Creation 3: Living the New Life – EGP Blog post from June 13, 2009

This is part three of the series on “The Renewal of a New Creation.” If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the last post in the series: “Go, Sin No More.”

I. Out with the old, in with the new

Ephesians 4:17–32 ()

[17] With the Lord’s authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodlyⓘ do, for they are hopelessly confused. [18] Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. [19] They don’t care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed. [20] But that isn’t what you were taught when you learned about Christ. [21] Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, [22] throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. [23] Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. [24] You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness—righteous, holy, and true. [25] So put away all falsehood and “tell your neighbor the truth”ⓘ because we belong to each other. [26] And “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.”ⓘ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. [28] If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need. [29] Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. [30] And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. [32] Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:17 Greek Gentiles.
Ephesians 4:25 Zech 8:16.
Ephesians 4:26 Ps 4:4.

II. Characteristics of the new life

Colossians 3:12–17 ()

[12] Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. [13] You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. [14] And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. [15] And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. [16] Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. [17] And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Questions

  1. How easily do you control what you say?
  2. When have you benefited from thinking before speaking?
  3. In what ways are you willing to try to be more positive and less critical in what you say this week?
  4. How does your thought life affect your behavior?
  5. What in your life needs to be “put off” and what should you “put on” in its place?
  6. What inspires you about your opportunity to live a new life in Christ?
  7. In what way can you experience living the new life?