Living Out Our New Identity in Christ
Summary
In Ephesians 4:17, Paul urges believers to walk differently from the Gentiles, marking a pivotal transition in his epistle. This section, extending to the end of the letter, emphasizes the practical outworking of the doctrines laid out in the first three chapters. Paul has already established the theological foundation, highlighting the unity and purpose of the church as the body of Christ. Now, he shifts to how these truths should manifest in the daily lives of believers. The essence of this teaching is that Christians are new creations in Christ, and this new identity should be evident in their conduct.
Paul's method is meticulous, intertwining doctrine with practical application. He insists that understanding the doctrine is crucial for living a Christian life. The Christian life is not a mere set of rules but a natural outflow of understanding who we are in Christ. Paul warns against the danger of separating life inside the church from life outside, emphasizing that our Christian identity should permeate every aspect of our lives. He also highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence, urging believers to avoid anything that grieves the Spirit.
Furthermore, Paul addresses the need for strength beyond our own, acknowledging the spiritual warfare believers face. He assures us that God has provided the necessary armor to stand firm against these challenges. The ultimate goal is not just personal holiness but to function effectively as members of Christ's body, reflecting His glory to the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. New Identity in Christ: As believers, we are entirely new creations in Christ. This transformation should be evident in our conduct, as we put off the old self and embrace the new. Our lives should reflect the profound change that has occurred within us, demonstrating the reality of our faith in practical ways. [08:36]
2. Doctrine and Practice: Paul emphasizes the inseparable link between doctrine and practice. Our conduct must arise from our understanding of doctrine, making Christian living an inevitable and natural expression of our beliefs. This approach prevents the Christian life from becoming a burdensome code and instead makes it a joyful outworking of our faith. [28:07]
3. Unified Life: There should be no division between our life inside and outside the church. Our Christian identity should be consistent, influencing every aspect of our lives. This unity of life is a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the authenticity of our faith. [24:11]
4. Spiritual Warfare and Divine Provision: Paul acknowledges the spiritual battles we face and assures us of God's provision through the armor of God. This divine provision equips us to stand firm against the adversary, ensuring that we can live out our faith victoriously. [16:26]
5. Purpose Beyond Self: Our ultimate concern should not be merely personal holiness or victory but functioning effectively as members of Christ's body. Our lives should glorify God and reflect His purpose, drawing others to Him through our witness. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered concerns to a broader, God-centered vision. [38:54]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Introduction to Ephesians 4:17
[00:55] - Transition in the Epistle
[02:10] - Doctrine and Exhortation
[03:21] - Purpose of Salvation
[04:18] - Unity in the Body of Christ
[05:28] - Practical Outworking of Doctrine
[06:20] - General Analysis of the Epistle
[08:15] - New Creatures in Christ
[09:12] - Practical Implications of Doctrine
[10:16] - Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
[11:20] - Christ's Sacrifice and Our Conduct
[12:30] - Warning Against False Teachings
[14:06] - Life in the Spirit
[15:19] - Relationships Governed by Doctrine
[16:26] - Spiritual Warfare and God's Armor
[18:03] - Conclusion and Personal Salutations
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:17-24
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he instructs believers to "walk not as other Gentiles walk" in Ephesians 4:17? How does this set the stage for the rest of the passage? [00:13]
2. In the sermon, how does the speaker describe the transition from doctrine to practical application in Ephesians? What is the significance of this transition? [00:55]
3. According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play in the daily lives of believers, as discussed in Ephesians 4:30? [10:16]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of believers being "new creatures in Christ" as mentioned in Ephesians 4:17-24? [08:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a "new creation in Christ" challenge the way believers view their identity and actions? What implications does this have for daily living? [08:36]
2. The sermon emphasizes the inseparable link between doctrine and practice. How might this understanding prevent the Christian life from becoming a burdensome set of rules? [28:07]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the unity of life inside and outside the church serves as a testimony to the world? How can this unity be maintained? [24:11]
4. How does the sermon describe the spiritual warfare believers face, and what provisions does God offer to help them stand firm? [16:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where your conduct does not reflect your new identity in Christ? What steps can you take to align your actions with your faith? [08:36]
2. Consider the relationship between doctrine and practice in your life. How can you deepen your understanding of doctrine to ensure your actions naturally flow from your beliefs? [28:07]
3. Think about your life inside and outside the church. Are there inconsistencies that might hinder your testimony to others? How can you work towards a more unified Christian life? [24:11]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of not grieving the Holy Spirit. Are there specific behaviors or attitudes in your life that might be doing so? How can you address these? [10:16]
5. In the face of spiritual warfare, how can you actively put on the "armor of God" in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to stand firm against challenges? [16:26]
6. How can you shift your focus from personal holiness to functioning effectively as a member of Christ's body? What changes in perspective or action might this require? [38:54]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel self-centered in your spiritual journey. How can you reframe this area to focus on glorifying God and serving others? [39:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your New Identity in Christ
As believers, we are called to live as new creations in Christ, shedding our old selves and embracing the transformation that comes with our faith. This change should be evident in our daily conduct, reflecting the profound shift that has occurred within us. Our actions, words, and thoughts should align with our new identity, demonstrating the reality of our faith in practical ways. This transformation is not just a personal journey but a testimony to the world of the power of Christ in our lives. [08:36]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What specific old habits or attitudes do you need to put off today to fully embrace your new identity in Christ?
Day 2: Doctrine Fuels Our Practice
Understanding the doctrine is essential for living a Christian life, as it provides the foundation for our actions. Paul emphasizes that our conduct should naturally flow from our understanding of who we are in Christ. This approach prevents the Christian life from becoming a burdensome set of rules and instead makes it a joyful expression of our faith. By intertwining doctrine with practical application, we ensure that our lives are a true reflection of our beliefs. [28:07]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of Christian doctrine this week to ensure your actions align with your beliefs?
Day 3: Live a Unified Life
Our Christian identity should be consistent, influencing every aspect of our lives, both inside and outside the church. Paul warns against the danger of compartmentalizing our faith, urging believers to live a unified life that serves as a powerful testimony to the world. This unity of life demonstrates the authenticity of our faith and reflects the transformative power of Christ in us. By living consistently, we show the world the true nature of a life surrendered to God. [24:11]
James 1:22-24 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to maintain a consistent Christian identity, and how can you address this today?
Day 4: Equip Yourself for Spiritual Warfare
Paul acknowledges the spiritual battles believers face and assures us of God's provision through the armor of God. This divine provision equips us to stand firm against the adversary, ensuring that we can live out our faith victoriously. Recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare, we must actively put on the armor of God, relying on His strength rather than our own, to overcome the challenges we encounter. [16:26]
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV): "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."
Reflection: What piece of the armor of God do you need to focus on today to stand firm in your spiritual battles?
Day 5: Live with Purpose Beyond Self
Our ultimate concern should not be merely personal holiness or victory but functioning effectively as members of Christ's body. Our lives should glorify God and reflect His purpose, drawing others to Him through our witness. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered concerns to a broader, God-centered vision, encouraging us to live with purpose and intention. By aligning our lives with God's purpose, we become effective instruments of His love and grace in the world. [38:54]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and talents today to serve others and glorify God?
Quotes
We have not merely been saved that we might escape hell; we've been saved in order that God may present a people which will astonish the whole world. You remember he says in the 10th verse of the third chapter to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in Heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. [00:34:08]
We must always remember that the Holy Spirit dwells within us. You see, he's talking about practical day-to-day conduct. Very well, he's put down his first reminder that we are in fin in you. The second is never, he says, forget that the Holy Spirit of God dwells within you. [00:10:24]
The life of the Christian is to be a life entirely under the control of the spirit, filled with the spirit, controlled, dominated by the spirit. There is again his Doctrine, and then you see in from verse 22 to verse n of the sixth chapter he applies that having laid down this doctrine of the Christian as a man living his life in the spirit and filled with the spirit. [00:14:49]
You need strength infinitely greater than your own. There is a powerful adversary. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and Powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. There is a mighty antagonist who will do everything and anything he can to keep us from this program. [00:16:36]
Our conduct must always arise from and be dictated by and controlled by our Doctrine. Our conduct must always arise from and be dictated and controlled by our Doctrine always without exception. To put that in another way, I'll put it like this: the Christian life is not a code which is imposed upon us and which we do not understand. [00:29:55]
The Christian Life is not some sort of a code that is imposed upon us but which we don't understand. I'm afraid that that is done and that that is done today and that that is done today even in Evangelical circles. People come under the sound of the gospel and are converted and then they're given a sort of code and they try to practice. [00:30:25]
Our concern should be this: to function fully and perfectly as members of the body of Christ. What should worry me is not so much that I fail or that I've got a problem in my life. I'm failing him. I'm failing the church. I'm failing God and his great and his Grand purpose. [00:38:48]
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and say what a wonderful person you are, how good and how holy. No, no, let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works but glorify your father which is in heaven. [00:41:17]
The Apostle makes us apply it, and we have no right to look at the application simply as a general heading and say, there he is applying it all right, let's go on to the next epistle. Not at all. He means us to face every single detail. He compels us to do so, the application of the truth in detail. [00:20:35]
Life outside the church and inside the church are essentially one and must always be interrelated. Each affects the other. Now, I'm not saying this; it's the Apostle who's saying this. You see, because having shown us the great doctrine of the church, he immediately applies it in all the circumstances of life outside as well as inside. [00:24:31]
Christian conduct and behavior always has a specifically Christian reference. It is always in terms of the grand Redemption and not simply the thing in and of itself and in its social consequences. Well, I hurry on to another one, which is there's failure in the living of the Christian life. [00:34:50]
The whole purpose of this section is to show that very thing. Our Lord himself stated this once and forever when he said this to me: some of the most terrifying words in the whole of scripture, if ye know these things, happy are ye if he do them. [00:21:37]
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