The New Lifestyle of Believers Ephesians 4:17-32

Memory Verse: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:24

Introduction When a sinner repents and turns from his bad ways, he becomes a child of God and a member of God’s family. The old life of sin is gone and a new life of godliness begins.

BIBLE = STANDARD or PATTERN that guides friends of Jesus on how to live. If any child does anything contrary to God’s word, s/he is not a Christian.

Introduction It is the LIFESTYLE of a child that shows whether he is a true Christian or not. The Apostles were called Christians because they BEHAVED like Christ.

PUT OFF THE WORKS OF DARKNESS Ephesians 4:17-22; Galatians 5:9:21; 1 John 1:5,6 The process of becoming a Christian and living the new life involves “putting off” our undesirable character and “putting on” the character of a true Christian. It is like putting off an old dirty cloth in order to put on a fresh clean one.

PUT OFF THE WORKS OF DARKNESS For a sinful child to become a Christian and walk in newness of life, he must put off the following: 1. LYING- All liars shall end up in hell fire! Put off lying from your tongue. 2. ANGER AND BAD TEMPER- causes you to harm others. 3. STEALING – CHEATING ON EXAMS 4. EVIL FRIENDSHIPS, ASSOCIATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS- they corrupt good manners 5. BACKBITING, GOSSIPING, TALE-BEARING 6. IMPURE THOUGHTS, FIGHTING

To put off these works of darkness and be ready for heaven, a sinner must… Repent, confess and ask for pardon and cleansing in the blood of Jesus. Invite Jesus into your heart to be your Saviour, Lord and Friend. Continue to follow Jesus by living a holy life.

PUT ON THE NEW LIFE AND WALK IN THE LIGHT Ephesians 4:23-32; Matthew 5:14-16; 1 John 1:7-9 To continue in the Christian walk, you need to put on the new life in order to walk in the light of God. Where there is light, darkness disappears. The light exposes hidden things and shows the right way. Light represents the holiness and righteousness of God.

There are certain characteristics that must be seen in the life of a believer… LIVE A LIFE OF HOLINESS KINDNESS

There are certain characteristics that must be seen in the life of a believer… Diligence in service. It also means to be hard working and not being lazy in your studies, household chores and service to God. Forgiveness. The new life will enable you to forgive offences rather than seek to pay evil for evil. Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

BENEFITS OF WALKING IN THE NEW LIFE John 1:9-12; Galatians 5:16 You will be totally free from darkness and become children of God. You will receive answers to your prayers. You will have success, good health and inherit many other good things in life. You will be a shining example of Christ for others. You will live in heaven with Jesus and shine forever. RISE UP AND BEGIN TO LIVE IN THE NEW LIFE AND SHINE FOR THE WORLD TO SEE!!

Lesson: All believers are called to put off the old life and live in newness of life. Thought: I will live the new life to be a good example to others.

Questions: The word of God is the ________________ that guides the Christian. Mention five things to put off in order to be free from darkness. Enumerate five things to put on to show that you have the new life. Mention two benefits of living the new life.

Activity: Children should read Ephesians 4:2. Then mention other fruit of the spirit that Christian boys and girls are expected to have. Homework: Search the scriptures and write in your homework book, three people who manifested the fruit of the Spirit.

References: http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.ca/2012/03/repenting- everyday-blasphemies.html http://agodlyheritage.org/category/passing-on-a-godly-heritage https://www.flickr.com/photos/waitingfortheword/5671687574 http://cambraza.blogspot.ca/2013/06/follow- jesus.html#.WKj5LuvrvIU http://www.janegoodwin.net/child-playing-in-the-mud/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/spreadshirt/14769598618/

References: http://thexycode.com/2014/08/27/conflict-avoidance/ http://mychurchtoolbox.org/clip-art/ https://aponderingmind.org/2013/04/28/forest-sunshine/ https://theskyaboveus.wordpress.com/2015/02/04/justice-an- everyday-choice/ http://aviewfromserenityacres.blogspot.ca/2012/02/let-your-light- shine.html

References: http://bellenoirmag.blogspot.ca/2013/01/fearless-fridays-paying- it-forward.html https://www.dailyclipart.net/clipart/category/heart-clip-art/ http://highkickfan.deviantart.com/art/Fruits-Of-The-Holy-Spirit- 407103192