Transformative Power of the Gospel in Daily Living

 

Summary

In Ephesians 4:28, Paul instructs believers to abandon theft and instead engage in honest labor, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel. This passage is a call to action, urging Christians to live out their faith through tangible changes in behavior. The Gospel is not merely a doctrine to be admired but a force that compels us to put off the old self and embrace a new way of living. This transformation is not automatic or magical; it requires conscious effort and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Regeneration does not instantly eradicate all sinful tendencies, but it empowers us to overcome them through growth and instruction.

Stealing, in its essence, is a manifestation of selfishness and a desire to possess without effort. It reflects a lack of respect for others and their possessions, undermining the very fabric of community and fellowship. The Apostle Paul highlights the shame and degradation inherent in theft, urging believers to recognize the dignity of honest work. Labor is not merely a means to an end but a reflection of our stewardship and responsibility to use our God-given abilities for good.

The Christian approach to possessions is rooted in stewardship and generosity. We are called to work diligently, not for personal gain alone, but to have the means to support those in need. This principle of giving is exemplified by Christ, who, though rich, became poor for our sake. His life of self-denial and service sets the standard for Christian living, contrasting sharply with the self-centeredness of a godless society. True Christianity is marked by a concern for others, a willingness to sacrifice, and a commitment to living out the Gospel in every aspect of life.

Key Takeaways:

- The Gospel's transformative power calls us to abandon old sinful habits and embrace a new way of living. This change is not automatic but requires conscious effort and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Regeneration empowers us to overcome sin through growth and instruction. [01:46]

- Stealing is a manifestation of selfishness and a desire to possess without effort. It reflects a lack of respect for others and undermines community and fellowship. Recognizing the shame and degradation inherent in theft is crucial for overcoming it. [22:13]

- Honest labor is dignified and reflects our stewardship of God-given abilities. Work is not merely a means to an end but a responsibility to use our talents for good. The Christian approach to possessions is rooted in stewardship and generosity. [34:54]

- True Christianity is marked by a concern for others and a willingness to sacrifice. Christ's life of self-denial and service sets the standard for Christian living, contrasting sharply with the self-centeredness of a godless society. [46:02]

- The principle of giving is central to Christian living. We are called to work diligently, not for personal gain alone, but to support those in need. This reflects the heart of the Gospel and the example set by Christ. [42:25]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Introduction to Ephesians 4:28
[01:11] - Doctrine and Practice
[02:25] - The Importance of Specific Instructions
[04:51] - The Negative and Positive Commands
[06:00] - The Power of the Gospel
[07:22] - Misunderstandings of Regeneration
[10:24] - The Struggle with Sin
[13:04] - Growth and Instruction in Christ
[16:00] - Understanding Stealing
[20:29] - The Broader Implications of Theft
[26:22] - The Root of Theft: Selfishness
[32:29] - The Call to Honest Labor
[36:12] - The Dignity of Work
[41:21] - Stewardship and Generosity
[44:27] - The Example of Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:28
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
- 2 Corinthians 5:17

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 4:28, what are the two contrasting actions Paul instructs believers to take regarding theft and labor? [00:11]

2. In the sermon, what does the pastor identify as the root cause of stealing, and how does it relate to the broader societal issues? [26:22]

3. How does the pastor describe the transformative power of the Gospel in relation to overcoming sinful habits like stealing? [06:00]

4. What examples does the pastor give to illustrate the misuse of God-given abilities in the act of stealing? [23:03]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the pastor explain the process of regeneration and its impact on a believer's struggle with sin, particularly theft? [07:39]

2. What does the pastor suggest is the Christian approach to possessions, and how does it differ from a godless society's view? [42:25]

3. In what ways does the pastor highlight the importance of honest labor, and how does this reflect our stewardship of God-given abilities? [34:54]

4. How does the pastor use the example of Christ to set a standard for Christian living, especially in terms of self-denial and service? [46:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any "old habits" that you need to consciously work on abandoning with the help of the Holy Spirit? How can you take the first step this week? [01:46]

2. The pastor mentions that stealing can manifest in various forms, such as time theft or plagiarism. Can you identify any subtle ways you might be "stealing" in your daily life? What changes can you make to address this? [17:27]

3. Honest labor is described as dignified and a reflection of stewardship. How can you cultivate a greater appreciation for your work, and in what ways can you use your talents for good this week? [34:54]

4. The sermon emphasizes the principle of giving and supporting those in need. Is there someone in your community or church who could use your support? How can you practically help them this week? [42:25]

5. Consider the example of Christ's self-denial and service. What is one specific way you can practice self-denial in your life to better serve others? [46:02]

6. The pastor discusses the importance of growth and instruction in overcoming sin. What resources or practices can you incorporate into your life to aid in your spiritual growth? [13:21]

7. Reflect on the societal view of work and possessions. How can you align your perspective more closely with the Christian view of stewardship and generosity? [28:51]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Call to Transformative Living
The Gospel calls believers to abandon old sinful habits and embrace a new way of living. This transformation is not automatic but requires conscious effort and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Regeneration empowers believers to overcome sin through growth and instruction. The process of putting off the old self and embracing the new is a journey that involves daily decisions and reliance on God's strength. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this transformation, providing the wisdom and power needed to live a life that reflects the values of the Gospel. [01:46]

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 habit or behavior is the Holy Spirit prompting you to change today, and how can you take a step towards that change?


Day 2: Recognizing the Root of Theft
Stealing is a manifestation of selfishness and a desire to possess without effort. It reflects a lack of respect for others and undermines community and fellowship. Recognizing the shame and degradation inherent in theft is crucial for overcoming it. Theft is not just about taking physical items; it can also involve taking credit, time, or opportunities that belong to others. Understanding the broader implications of theft helps believers to cultivate a heart of integrity and respect for others. [22:13]

Proverbs 28:6 (ESV): "Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways."

Reflection: In what ways might you be "stealing" from others in non-material ways, and how can you begin to address this in your life today?


Day 3: The Dignity of Honest Labor
Honest labor is dignified and reflects our stewardship of God-given abilities. Work is not merely a means to an end but a responsibility to use our talents for good. The Christian approach to possessions is rooted in stewardship and generosity. By engaging in honest work, believers honor God and contribute positively to their communities. This perspective on labor encourages a mindset of gratitude and purpose, recognizing that every task, no matter how small, can be an act of worship. [34:54]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: How can you view your daily work as an act of worship, and what changes might you need to make to align your work with this perspective?


Day 4: Embracing Christ's Example of Self-Denial
True Christianity is marked by a concern for others and a willingness to sacrifice. Christ's life of self-denial and service sets the standard for Christian living, contrasting sharply with the self-centeredness of a godless society. By following Christ's example, believers are called to prioritize the needs of others and to live lives characterized by humility and service. This call to self-denial challenges believers to examine their motives and to seek ways to serve others in love. [46:02]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Who in your life can you serve selflessly today, and what specific action can you take to demonstrate Christ-like love to them?


Day 5: The Principle of Generous Giving
The principle of giving is central to Christian living. Believers are called to work diligently, not for personal gain alone, but to support those in need. This reflects the heart of the Gospel and the example set by Christ, who gave of Himself for the sake of others. Generosity is not just about financial giving; it encompasses time, talents, and resources. By cultivating a generous spirit, believers participate in God's work and reflect His love to the world. [42:25]

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: What is one way you can practice generosity today, whether through your time, talents, or resources, and how can this act of giving reflect the love of Christ to others?

Quotes


The Apostle here in these words continues the series of particular and special injunctions which we have seen he is giving to these Ephesian Christians. He's illustrating what he meant when he said that now because they have been born again, they must put off the old men and put on the new men. [00:50:55]

What we believe, what has happened to us, has got to be thought out, worked out, and carried out. We are not just to sit down admiring Doctrine; we are to put it into practice. And if we fail to put it into practice, the doctrine is of no value to us. [00:01:46]

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not for good people; it's for Sinners. It was while we were yet sinners and without strength Christ died for us. It is for people who are guilty of all those terrible horrible things I've just been reading to you in that list in 1 Corinthians 6. [00:06:11]

The Gospel I say saves from all kinds of sins, yes, but it is important that we should observe the way in which it does so. Now here we have an injunction that has often surprised many people. They say, are you telling us that the Apostle rarely has to tell a number of Christian people that they must give up stealing? [00:07:30]

In regeneration, a man is delivered completely from certain particular sins without making any effort at all, but that isn't a universal rule. Men can be equally truly regenerate and still need this instruction and still find a certain element of struggle in his life. [00:11:01]

Stealing rarely means taking possession of and using as your own something that does not belong to you, appropriating something that isn't yours to serve your own ends and your own gratification. So you see, it applies to many things besides actual material things. [00:16:29]

Stealing is rarely, is it not, the desire to have without effort? That's the peculiar thing about it, isn't it? It is the self and the desire that self may possess and have, but yes, there is this additional factor: it is the desire to have without putting any effort into it. [00:26:25]

The moment you begin to regard work as something degrading, you're on the slippery slope. The moment you fail to see the Dignity of work and the essential rightness of work, the moment you begin to think in terms of having rather than truly and honestly obtaining, I say you're beginning to open the door that will lead to some form of dishonesty. [00:28:40]

The Apostle tells us to work and to labor with our hands, and it may be, my friends, that you and I as Christians in a generation such as this perhaps to teach people this above everything else and so testify to Christ and to his grace. [00:38:50]

Work because work's a good thing. If you make money, yet it will then hold it as a custodian and give to those who are in need in any shape or form or any good that you can do. It is more blessed to give than to receive, says the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:42:25]

Ye know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, how that though he was rich, for our sakes he became poor. He not only didn't steal that which didn't belong to him, he didn't even hold on to that which was his. The richness of Christ, the Everlasting, how he was so rich yet for our sakes he became poor. [00:44:27]

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. You see, moral teaching simply stops at saying don't steal, don't steal, don't touch it. That's morality, but it stops there. And oh, what a poor thing morality is. This is Christianity: labor working with your own hands that which is good that you may have to give to others. [00:46:02]

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Transcript
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