Transformative Spiritual Growth: Putting Off and Putting On
Summary
In our journey through Ephesians, we delve into the practical application of spiritual disciplines, focusing on the transformative process of putting off the old self and putting on the new self. This is not merely about understanding doctrinal truths but living them out authentically. Spiritual growth is evidenced by a change in character, particularly an increased tenderness of heart. If we remain unchanged over the years, it calls for introspection and a renewed submission to Scripture. The essence of spiritual discipline lies in actively applying the Word of God to our lives, which requires effort and intentionality.
Ephesians 4:24-32 outlines a spiritual growth strategy: putting off sinful behaviors and putting on Christlike attributes. This involves laying aside falsehood, managing anger without sin, working diligently, speaking edifying words, and maintaining a tender heart. The metaphor of clothing illustrates this process—removing the old, dirty garments of sin and donning the new, clean garments of righteousness. This concept is echoed in Galatians and Colossians, emphasizing the importance of spiritual renewal.
The challenge lies in resisting the temptation to conform to worldly standards. Syncretic Christianity, where one acts Christian on Sundays but worldly during the week, is a form of hypocrisy. Instead, we are called to a consistent, Christ-centered life. This requires a supernatural transformation, a gradual process of sanctification that demands discipline and perseverance. It’s about conforming our character to Christ, even when it feels uncomfortable or unnatural.
Spiritual growth is a journey from being spiritually dead to becoming a mature believer. It involves being born again, growing from a child to a youth, and eventually becoming a spiritual parent who can teach others. This progression is marked by strength in overcoming sin and the ability to reproduce spiritual truths in others. The key is to study, practice, and teach the Word of God, aiming for a life that reflects Christ’s character.
Key Takeaways:
- Spiritual Growth Requires Intentional Discipline: Spiritual growth is not automatic; it requires intentional effort to put off sinful behaviors and put on Christlike attributes. This involves daily submission to Scripture and a commitment to live out its truths. [01:51]
- The Power of Righteous Anger: Managing anger involves distinguishing between righteous and sinful anger. Righteous anger motivates us to address sin and injustice, while sinful anger leads to bitterness and division. We must cultivate a holy discontent with sin and strive for reconciliation. [19:29]
- Generosity as a Spiritual Discipline: True spiritual growth involves moving beyond self-centeredness to become a worker and a giver. This means laboring not just for personal gain but to meet the needs of others, reflecting Christ’s generosity. [20:53]
- The Importance of Edifying Speech: Our words have the power to build up or tear down. We must think before we speak, ensuring our words are wholesome, uplifting, and seasoned with grace. This requires a heart filled with the Word of God. [22:32]
- Cultivating a Tender Heart: Maintaining a tender heart amidst a harsh world is a spiritual discipline. It involves focusing on Christ and His mission, rather than dwelling on negativity. A tender heart is essential for effective ministry and genuine relationships. [25:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:51] - Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines
- [03:44] - Putting Off and Putting On
- [05:34] - Spiritual Growth Strategy
- [06:20] - The Clothing Metaphor
- [09:00] - Practical Application
- [10:58] - Gradual Transformation
- [12:39] - Setting Spiritual Goals
- [13:34] - The Will of God: Sanctification
- [14:36] - Five Ways to Grow in Sanctification
- [15:58] - Always Tell the Truth
- [17:27] - Managing Anger
- [19:29] - Righteous vs. Sinful Anger
- [20:53] - Be a Worker and a Giver
- [22:32] - Think Before You Speak
- [25:39] - Be Tenderhearted
- [27:41] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:24-32
- Galatians 3:26-27
- Colossians 3:8-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the specific behaviors that Ephesians 4:24-32 instructs believers to put off and put on? How does this relate to the metaphor of clothing? [03:44]
2. In Galatians 3:26-27, what does it mean to be "clothed with Christ"? How does this concept connect to the idea of spiritual growth? [05:34]
3. According to Colossians 3:8-14, what are the characteristics of the "new self" that believers are encouraged to put on? How does this passage expand on the teachings in Ephesians? [06:20]
4. How does the sermon describe the process of spiritual growth from being spiritually dead to becoming a mature believer? What stages are mentioned? [33:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of clothing in Ephesians 4:24-32 help believers understand the process of spiritual transformation? Why is this metaphor effective? [03:44]
2. What challenges might believers face when trying to put off the old self and put on the new self, as described in the sermon? How can these challenges be overcome? [10:58]
3. How does the sermon explain the difference between righteous and sinful anger? Why is it important for believers to manage their anger well? [19:29]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that generosity is a spiritual discipline? How does this relate to the concept of being a worker and a giver? [20:53]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual growth journey. Are there areas where you feel you have not changed over the years? What steps can you take to address this? [01:51]
2. Consider a situation where you have experienced anger recently. Was it righteous or sinful anger? How can you cultivate a holy discontent with sin while avoiding bitterness? [19:29]
3. Think about your daily interactions. How can you ensure that your words are edifying and seasoned with grace? What practical steps can you take to think before you speak? [22:32]
4. Identify a specific way you can practice generosity this week. How can you move beyond self-centeredness to meet the needs of others, reflecting Christ’s generosity? [20:53]
5. Maintaining a tender heart can be challenging in a harsh world. What practices can you implement to focus on Christ and His mission, rather than dwelling on negativity? [25:39]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual discipline. What specific spiritual discipline can you commit to developing in the coming month? How will you hold yourself accountable? [12:39]
7. Reflect on the metaphor of clothing used in the sermon. What "old garments" do you need to remove from your life, and what "new garments" do you need to put on? How will you make this change? [06:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Spiritual Discipline
Spiritual growth is a deliberate journey that requires consistent effort and dedication. It involves the conscious decision to put off sinful behaviors and embrace Christlike attributes. This process is not automatic; it demands daily submission to Scripture and a commitment to live out its truths. By intentionally applying the Word of God to our lives, we can experience a transformation that reflects the character of Christ. This journey is marked by a gradual change in character, evidenced by an increased tenderness of heart and a life that aligns with biblical teachings. [01:51]
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 sinful behavior can you intentionally work on putting off today, and what Christlike attribute can you strive to put on in its place?
Day 2: Righteous Anger
Managing anger is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth, requiring the ability to distinguish between righteous and sinful anger. Righteous anger motivates us to address sin and injustice, while sinful anger leads to bitterness and division. Cultivating a holy discontent with sin involves striving for reconciliation and allowing anger to propel us toward positive change. This discipline requires a heart aligned with God's will, seeking to address wrongs in a manner that reflects His love and justice. [19:29]
James 1:19-20 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt anger recently. How can you channel that anger into a righteous response that seeks reconciliation and justice?
Day 3: Generosity as a Spiritual Discipline
True spiritual growth involves moving beyond self-centeredness to become a worker and a giver. This means laboring not just for personal gain but to meet the needs of others, reflecting Christ’s generosity. Generosity is a spiritual discipline that requires a shift in perspective, focusing on how we can use our resources to bless others. By embracing a lifestyle of giving, we mirror the selfless love of Christ and contribute to the well-being of our community. [20:53]
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: Identify one way you can practice generosity today, whether through your time, resources, or talents. How can this act of giving reflect Christ’s love to those around you?
Day 4: The Power of Edifying Speech
Our words hold the power to build up or tear down, making it essential to think before we speak. Ensuring our words are wholesome, uplifting, and seasoned with grace requires a heart filled with the Word of God. By speaking edifying words, we can encourage and strengthen others, contributing to a positive and supportive community. This discipline involves being mindful of the impact our words have and choosing to use them for good. [22:32]
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV): "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent conversations. How can you intentionally use your words to encourage and uplift someone today?
Day 5: Cultivating a Tender Heart
Maintaining a tender heart amidst a harsh world is a spiritual discipline that involves focusing on Christ and His mission. A tender heart is essential for effective ministry and genuine relationships, allowing us to connect with others on a deeper level. By resisting the temptation to become hardened by negativity, we can remain open to God's leading and compassionate toward those around us. This discipline requires a conscious effort to align our hearts with Christ's love and purpose. [25:39]
Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a tender heart today, especially in your interactions with others? How can focusing on Christ help you maintain compassion and empathy?
Quotes
"As we go through the book of Ephesians, today's title is Spiritual Disciplines. Spiritual Disciplines is the title today, and as we explore the rest of chapter 4, you may think on the onset, oh, this is the easy part of the book. The first half was the deep doctrinal truths, and now we get to the practical application." [00:00:00] (18 seconds)
"Christlikeness is the change in your character and especially, increased tenderness of heart. At the end of the passage, you'll see this phrase, a tenderness of heart. So if you're the same person as who you were five years ago, as opposed to today, then I would say, hey, take a close look at your growth in Christ and make sure that you are really submissive to the Scriptures." [00:01:24] (25 seconds)
"And so the spiritual discipline of putting on the right things and putting off the wrong things is important for us to be able to keep at the forefront of our mind every single day. We live in a day to where we try and sync with the world and get in sync with the world. And syncretic Christianity is hypocrisy." [00:04:29] (19 seconds)
"Set some goals for yourself. Identify where you need to grow. Put that before you in prayer. Write it on your mirror, whatever it takes. Put a sticky note in front of, you know, where you brush your teeth. Say, I'm going to work on this. I'm going to pray for this. I'm going to aim at this, and I'm going to remove." [00:12:39] (19 seconds)
"This is an area for which Christians must grow. Read with me in verse 28, he who steals must steal no longer, but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who is in need." [00:20:23] (18 seconds)
"Very simply said, think before you speak. In verse 29 and 30, it says, let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, or the upbuilding of the person. So you're actually thinking about what is going to build up the person in whom you're talking to." [00:21:35] (20 seconds)
"And the fifth and last point is found in verse 31 and 32. It says to be tenderhearted. Be tenderhearted. I said already that godly character is not natural, and it's easy to be hard -hearted. It's easy to be negative. It's easy to be a fault finder. It's easy to find what's wrong in this world." [00:24:57] (20 seconds)
"Help us to repent in those areas. It often causes some pain. Help us to embrace the pain to be able to grow. It often causes a struggle at first, but then the victory of being more conformed in Christ produces a joy that surpasses all understanding." [00:36:03] (17 seconds)
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