Lesson #8 Godly Living

A New Life Does our obedience to God end after one’s obedience to the gospel? Does the Bible teach “once saved always saved?” What happens after one is “born again?” First, understand what “repentance” demands…

Old and New Testament Words Bible Repentance Repent Usage Number: A-1; Part of Speech: Verb; Strong's Number: <G3340> Original Word: μετανοέω, metanoeō Usage Notes: lit., "to perceive afterwards" (meta, "after," implying "change," noeō, "to perceive;" nous, "the mind, the seat of moral reflection"), in contrast to pronoeō, "to perceive beforehand," hence signifies "to change one's mind or purpose," always, in the NT, involving a change for the better, an amendment, . . . .” —Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words

The “Old Man” Has Died The “Old Man” of Sin has died. The “New Man” must be put on. Colossians 3:9,10 “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

Members: Physical bodies What Is the Old Man? Old Man (v. 9) = Old Life of Sin Members: Physical bodies (instruments) Old Man—is the old life of sin (2 Cor. 5:17). The sinful life we lived prior to our obedience. When one becomes a Christian, he must turn his back on that way of life. Members is sometimes used to represent the physical limbs of the bodies (Rom. 6:13, 16-18). One can allow its members to practice sin. Because our body is the medium of sin, and because our members are the instruments of sin, Paul identifies our members (in a figurative sense) as sin itself. He is not saying the body or instruments are sinful in themselves—but that we use them to carry out sin. Also see Romans 7:23,24. Paul is declaring that one must place his body under the control of God’s law—thereby putting the old man of sin to death and replacing with the new man of righteousness. Sin

What Is the Old Man? A. Fornication (v. 5) B. Uncleanness (v. 5) C. Passion (v. 5) D. Evil Desire (v. 5) E. Covetousness - Idolatry (v. 5) F. Anger (v. 8) Let us list the “sins” of the Old Man: FORNICATION—“unchastity and every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse.” Includes the sins of adultery, homosexuality, prostitution, sodomy, and bestiality. Those who practice such sins cannot inherit the kingdom (1 Cor. 6:10,11). A work of the flesh (Gal. 5:19). UNCLEANNESS- “moral impurity.” This sin is also linked to sexual sins. One who is not pure (1 Tim. 5:22; Mt. 5:8; Phil. 4:8). PASSION– other translations render this word as “inordinate affection or evil concupiscence.” An evil desire or inordinate craving for sexual satisfaction that leads to illicit sexual relationships. Wrong type of passion—“lust of the flesh” must be set aside (Mt. 5:28). EVIL DESIRE—desiring to do that which is evil (Gen. 6:5). One whose heart contains evil that will result in evil actions is part of the old man (Matt. 7:21; 12:35). COVETOUSNESS—the meaning is greed—the desire to obtain something at any cost (Exo. 20:17). Includes idolatry. When one sets things up in his heart that ate place before God—this is idolatry, Mt. 6:33. ANGER—“outburst of passion and temper which springs from personal resentfulness and provocation.” Seeking to take revenge—uncontrolled anger is always sinful. Eph. 4:26. Anger is the fertile soil that leads to more grievous sins. Uncontrolled emotions.

The New Christian Must Walk Away— Never Desiring to Return! What Is the Old Man? G. Wrath (v. 8) H. Malice (v. 8) I. Blasphemy (v. 8) J. Filthy Language (v. 8) K. Lying (v.9) WRATH—when anger has boiled over, or becomes vengeful rage. Hot anger that leads to uncontrolled rage. MALICE—brings out the evil intentions of the individual is angry with another. This sin is rooted in a vicious disposition which is set on bringing injury to the person against whom the anger and wrath are directed. BLASPHEMY—is speech directed against the good character of another, even against God Himself, Rev. 13:6; 16:11. Against the name of God, Rom. 2:24. Even against God’s word, Titus 2:5. Some render the word as slander. This is scornful and insolent language spoken against another, in this case against our brother or fellow man. FILTHY LANGUAGE—Obscene language but also to include abusive speech. Some call it “foul mouth abuse” with the tongue. Eph. 4:29. This would include swearing, filthy jokes or euphemisms. LYING—a form of deception. Failing to tell the truth—the whole truth. Seeking to misdirect another with false information. One can lie not only with words but in their actions. Includes, gossip, idle talk, and careless speech—not finding out the facts first! Eph. 4:25. The New Christian Must Walk Away— Never Desiring to Return!

i.e., A Change in Lifestyle The New Man i.e., A Change in Lifestyle Luke 15:17-20 “But when he came to himself, he said, . . . ‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,’ . . . And he arose and came to his father.” Reformation—A Change in Lifestyle. Lk.15:17-20—the Prodigal Son. Willing to become a servant in his father’s house—also accepted responsibility for his actions—a change!

i.e., A Change in Lifestyle The New Man i.e., A Change in Lifestyle Ezekiel 18:21-22 “But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live.” Reformation—A Change in Lifestyle. Ezek.18:21,22—Turning away from sin and practicing righteousness—receiving forgiveness of past sins—will not be brought up again!

i.e. A Change in Lifestyle The New Man i.e. A Change in Lifestyle If no change in action, then no real Repentance. Ezekiel 18:27-28 “Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die.” If No Change in Action – Then No REAL Repentance!

The New Man’s Relationship Abstain From Fleshly Lust With The World Abstain From Fleshly Lust 1 Peter 2:11 Salt and Light Matthew 5:13-16 Not Conformed Romans 12:1-2 Love Not The World 1 John 2:15-17 Read passages. Christian’s relationship to the world—a different type of character. Have No Fellowship Ephesians 5:11,12 Soberly, Righteously, and Godly Titus 2:11-12

Our Challenge—In the World Works of Unrighteousness but Not of the World! John 17:11,14 Lust of flesh Lust of the eyes Pride of Life 1 John 2:16 Works of the flesh Galatians 5:19-21 The Christian’s challenge is to live in the world, but not be “of the world.” Read passages … Works of Unrighteousness 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Our Challenge—In the World but Not of the World! 1 Peter 2:11 Not Fitting Romans 1:28-32 Put to Death Colossians 3:5-9 The Christian’s challenge is to live in the world, but not be “of the world.” Read passages… No Respect For Isaiah 5:20,24

Living in the World Living for Christ! “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Phil.3:20—Our citizenship is in heaven. We live according to a different standard, and have a different goal. We are living for the future, not the present! Philippians 3:20 The World Is Not Our Home. Our Citizenship is in Heaven!