Living as New Creations: Embracing Our Transformation in Christ

 

Summary

In Ephesians 4:17-19, Paul urges believers to live distinctly from the Gentiles, emphasizing the profound transformation that comes with being a Christian. This transformation is not merely a decision to be more moral or to join a church; it is a complete rebirth, a new creation. As Christians, we are called to remember this change and live in a way that reflects our new identity. Paul stresses the importance of understanding that our conduct should be rooted in the theological and doctrinal truths of our faith.

Paul's message is delivered with solemn authority, emphasizing that his words are not merely personal opinions but divinely inspired truths. He testifies in the Lord, underscoring the divine authority behind his instructions. The Apostle begins with a negative command: not to walk as the Gentiles do, highlighting the importance of understanding what we must not be before we can fully grasp what we should be. This negative command is crucial because it sets the foundation for a life that is truly transformed by the Gospel.

The Gentiles' way of life is described as walking in the "vanity of their mind," a phrase that captures the emptiness and futility of a life without Christ. This vanity is not just intellectual but encompasses the entire soul—thoughts, will, emotions, and conscience. Paul provides a profound analysis of the unregenerate life, showing that without God, life is aimless and lacks true direction. This description is not just a historical account of ancient pagan society but a timeless truth that applies to modern life as well.

The Apostle's analysis reveals that morality cannot exist without godliness. The decline in moral standards in society is a result of neglecting this principle. The Gospel offers the only true solution to this problem, as it addresses the heart of humanity. Regeneration through Christ is the only way to bring about genuine change. The Apostle's message is a call to recognize the emptiness of a life without Christ and to embrace the new life that comes through faith.

Key Takeaways:

- Regeneration is a profound transformation that makes us entirely new creations in Christ. It is not merely a decision to be more moral but a complete rebirth that changes our nature and identity. This transformation should be at the forefront of our minds, guiding our conduct and separating us from our past lives. [02:37]

- Paul's authority in his message is not personal but divinely inspired. He testifies in the Lord, emphasizing that his instructions are rooted in divine truth. This authority underscores the importance of adhering to the teachings of the apostles, as they are foundational to the Christian faith. [05:08]

- Understanding what we must not be is crucial for living a transformed life. The negative command to not walk as the Gentiles do sets the foundation for a life that reflects our new identity in Christ. This understanding is essential for true spiritual growth and maturity. [09:18]

- The vanity of the Gentiles' mind represents the emptiness and futility of life without Christ. This description is not just historical but applies to modern life, highlighting the aimlessness and lack of true direction in a life apart from God. [28:56]

- Morality cannot exist without godliness. The decline in moral standards in society is a result of neglecting this principle. The Gospel offers the only true solution, as it addresses the heart of humanity and brings about genuine change through regeneration. [22:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Ephesians 4:17-19
- [01:06] - The Call to Live as New Creations
- [02:37] - Understanding Regeneration
- [03:56] - Paul's Solemn Testimony
- [05:08] - Divine Authority of the Apostle
- [08:27] - The Importance of Negative Commands
- [10:20] - The Meaning of "Walk"
- [12:18] - The Profound Change in Believers
- [14:16] - The Vanity of the Gentiles' Mind
- [17:20] - Inward Analysis of the Unregenerate Life
- [20:10] - Modern Life Without Christ
- [22:38] - Morality and Godliness
- [26:32] - The Condition of the Gentiles
- [28:56] - Emptiness and Futility of Life Without Christ
- [39:22] - The Gospel's Power to Transform

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:17-19

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he instructs believers not to "walk as other Gentiles walk"? How does he describe their way of life? [00:12]
2. How does Paul emphasize the authority behind his message in Ephesians 4:17-19? What phrase does he use to convey this? [05:08]
3. What is the significance of the word "henceforth" in Paul's instruction to the Ephesians? How does it relate to their past and present lives? [12:04]
4. How does Paul describe the "vanity of their mind" in the context of the Gentiles' way of life? What does this phrase encompass? [28:56]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul begin his instruction with a negative command, and how does this set the foundation for a transformed life in Christ? [09:18]
2. How does the concept of regeneration as a "profound transformation" challenge the idea of Christianity as merely a moral decision or church membership? [02:37]
3. In what ways does Paul’s description of the Gentiles' life as "vain" and "futile" apply to modern society? How does this reflect the timeless nature of his message? [20:10]
4. How does Paul’s emphasis on divine authority in his message affect the way we should view and adhere to apostolic teachings? [07:32]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you might still be "walking as the Gentiles do"? What steps can you take to align your life more closely with your new identity in Christ? [41:13]
2. How can you keep the concept of regeneration at the forefront of your mind in daily life? What practical reminders or habits could help reinforce this transformation? [02:37]
3. Consider the authority of apostolic teachings in your life. How do you discern and prioritize these teachings in your spiritual growth and decision-making? [07:32]
4. In what ways do you see the "vanity of the mind" manifesting in today's culture? How can you guard against these influences in your own life? [28:56]
5. How can you actively demonstrate the profound change that comes with being a new creation in Christ to those around you? What specific actions or attitudes might reflect this transformation? [12:18]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with godliness. What steps can you take to address this, and how can the Gospel help bring about genuine change? [22:38]
7. How can you engage with others in your community to share the message of regeneration and transformation through Christ? What opportunities do you have to testify to the power of the Gospel? [25:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Your New Identity in Christ
Regeneration is a profound transformation that makes us entirely new creations in Christ. It is not merely a decision to be more moral but a complete rebirth that changes our nature and identity. This transformation should be at the forefront of our minds, guiding our conduct and separating us from our past lives. As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects this new identity, constantly reminding ourselves of the change that has taken place within us. This new life is not about adhering to a set of rules but about embodying the essence of Christ in our daily actions and decisions. [02:37]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to reflect your new identity in Christ to those around you?


Day 2: Divine Authority and Apostolic Teaching
Paul's authority in his message is not personal but divinely inspired. He testifies in the Lord, emphasizing that his instructions are rooted in divine truth. This authority underscores the importance of adhering to the teachings of the apostles, as they are foundational to the Christian faith. Understanding the divine origin of these teachings helps us to appreciate their significance and encourages us to live by them. The apostolic teachings are not mere suggestions but are essential guidelines for living a life that honors God. [05:08]

2 Peter 1:20-21 (ESV): "Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the teachings of the apostles into your daily routine to ensure you are living according to divine truth?


Day 3: The Importance of Understanding What We Must Not Be
Understanding what we must not be is crucial for living a transformed life. The negative command to not walk as the Gentiles do sets the foundation for a life that reflects our new identity in Christ. This understanding is essential for true spiritual growth and maturity. By recognizing the behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to our new life in Christ, we can more effectively pursue a life that is pleasing to God. This involves a conscious effort to reject the old ways and embrace the new life that has been given to us. [09:18]

Colossians 3:5-6 (ESV): "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming."

Reflection: Identify one habit or mindset from your past life that you need to put to death. What steps can you take today to begin this process?


Day 4: The Futility of Life Without Christ
The vanity of the Gentiles' mind represents the emptiness and futility of life without Christ. This description is not just historical but applies to modern life, highlighting the aimlessness and lack of true direction in a life apart from God. Without Christ, life lacks purpose and meaning, leading to a sense of emptiness that cannot be filled by worldly pursuits. Recognizing this futility is the first step towards embracing the fullness of life that is found in Christ. [28:56]

Ecclesiastes 1:14 (ESV): "I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel a sense of emptiness or lack of direction? How can you invite Christ into these areas to find true purpose and fulfillment?


Day 5: The Inseparability of Morality and Godliness
Morality cannot exist without godliness. The decline in moral standards in society is a result of neglecting this principle. The Gospel offers the only true solution, as it addresses the heart of humanity and brings about genuine change through regeneration. True morality is rooted in a relationship with God, and it is through this relationship that we are empowered to live lives that reflect His character. By aligning our lives with God's standards, we can be a light in a world that is often devoid of true moral direction. [22:38]

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

Reflection: How can you actively pursue godliness in your daily life to ensure that your moral standards are aligned with God's? What changes might this require in your current lifestyle?

Quotes



Regeneration is the profoundest change in the world and that therefore we must always keep that in the Forefront of our minds but Christians not just a man who's decided to be a little bit more moral than he was or who decided to join a church or who's decided this or that whatever it may be no no what makes a man a Christian is that he has been born again he's being given a new nature he's a new creation he's all together different from what he was before. [00:02:43]

This and I say therefore and testify in the Lord he isn't content with saying this I say therefore that would be strong but he adds to that this I say therefore and testify now what does he mean by this testifying well it really means solemnly to enjoin it is as it were that he's invoking a witness uh when you give a testimony you're bearing witness you're witnessing to something a witness is put into the box and he testifies that's it and that's exactly what the Apostle is saying uh he is anxious that they shouldn't think for a moment that this is just his own personal opinion. [00:04:28]

The negative we are so busy today aren't we that we don't like negatives we we haven't really got time for negative we want the positive truth and we don't like criticisms of that which is wrong we must always be positive my dear friend I do hope you're seeing the utter Folly of such idle vacant talk here is the Divine Authority speaking through the Apostle and the first thing we have is negative not we've got to realize first and foremost what we must not be it is not enough to tell men and women here in this world in a world like this and In the Flesh simply what they are to do. [00:08:55]

A man is as he thinks and a man walks as he thinks and his walk tells you what he is thinking his walk is an expression of his philosophy very well then here is something he tells us about the whole of our life and what he tells us is that henceforth now there's a significant word it means no longer and here you see at once he's introducing us to his Doctrine now he says I'm telling you and testifying in the Lord that you no longer must walk as the Gentiles do. [00:11:19]

The Apostle gives us the kind of theological or doctrinal basis for our conduct he's got a whole series ofm as you remember he divides it up into various sections now the particular matter here is this that we are always to live and to conduct ourselves as remembering that as Christians we are entirely new men and women that regeneration is the profoundest change in the world and that therefore we must always keep that in the Forefront of our minds. [00:02:19]

The Apostle shows us the origin of that evil kind of life that he described before he describes the life in detail he shows us why it ever is that anybody should live such a life or if you like it another language it's this what the Apostle is asserting here is that you cannot have morality without godliness now there in a phrase it seems to me I have indicated the whole trouble in the last 50 years in particular there are good people in the land who are concerned about morality they're very concerned about morality yes but they're not concerned about godliness you simply cannot have godl morality finally without godliness. [00:22:12]

The Apostle is here concerned not simply and not only with the fact that the Gentiles lived in a given way he's much more concerned with the reason why they lived like that and that I say is still the position with us all thinking good decent people must be alarmed at what's happening in this country there's a slow but steady decline in Mar it must be evident to all and I say all decent living people are tremendously concerned about this but here I say is the Great and the big question why is this happening what can be done about it. [00:23:56]

The business of the Gospel is not simply to denounce it isn't simply to restrain the business of the Gospel is to deal with the situation in the only way in which it can be dealt with radically and that is to preach this Gospel of regeneration this power of God un salvation that can deal even with that and something even worse than that that's the whole story of the New Testament very well then there I say is our overriding reason for pausing with this and going into it so carefully this is the only hope for society. [00:25:09]

The Apostle gives us the kind of theological or doctrinal basis for our conduct he's got a whole series ofm as you remember he divides it up into various sections now the particular matter here is this that we are always to live and to conduct ourselves as remembering that as Christians we are entirely new men and women that regeneration is the profoundest change in the world and that therefore we must always keep that in the Forefront of our minds. [00:02:19]

The Apostle shows us the origin of that evil kind of life that he described before he describes the life in detail he shows us why it ever is that anybody should live such a life or if you like it another language it's this what the Apostle is asserting here is that you cannot have morality without godliness now there in a phrase it seems to me I have indicated the whole trouble in the last 50 years in particular there are good people in the land who are concerned about morality they're very concerned about morality yes but they're not concerned about godliness you simply cannot have godl morality finally without godliness. [00:22:12]

The Apostle is here concerned not simply and not only with the fact that the Gentiles lived in a given way he's much more concerned with the reason why they lived like that and that I say is still the position with us all thinking good decent people must be alarmed at what's happening in this country there's a slow but steady decline in Mar it must be evident to all and I say all decent living people are tremendously concerned about this but here I say is the Great and the big question why is this happening what can be done about it. [00:23:56]

The business of the Gospel is not simply to denounce it isn't simply to restrain the business of the Gospel is to deal with the situation in the only way in which it can be dealt with radically and that is to preach this Gospel of regeneration this power of God un salvation that can deal even with that and something even worse than that that's the whole story of the New Testament very well then there I say is our overriding reason for pausing with this and going into it so carefully this is the only hope for society. [00:25:09]

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Transcript
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