Mind Over Matter Ep.4:17-24

I. Sick Mind, Sick Body, Ep.4:17-19

I testify Insist; solemnly declare In the Lord New race, neither Jew nor Gentile (v.1) No longer walk as Gentiles Heathen, Mt.6:32; 1 Th.4:5 Past experience, 2:1-3, 11-13

Why Gentiles walk crooked? It’s all in their mind 17 “…in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them…” Vain, empty, aimless Worthless thoughts; good for nothing Striving after wind, no profit, Ec.2:11

Why Gentiles walk crooked? It’s all in their mind 17 “…in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them…” Dark side, mental fog (can’t see the way) World’s charm Satan’s con-men Personal craving Ac.26:18

Why Gentiles walk crooked? It’s all in their mind 17 “…in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them…” Alienated (2:12) because of ignorance Ac.17:30 Drugs; sin; neglect, etc.

How their mind affects their walk, “because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Hardened heart, stubborn unwillingness Mk.3:5

How their mind affects their walk, “because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Cannot feel pain; callused Lose ability to feel shame/embarrassment Unfeeling, insensitive. A ▪ pathetic

How their mind affects their walk, “because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Throw off every restraint; anything goes! Preoccupied w. filth. No regard for law, public feeling, etc.

How their mind affects their walk, “because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Moral corruption; especially of sexual sins 5:3. “ General description of the absolute alienation from God in which heathenism finds itself ” –TDNT

How their mind affects their walk, “because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Immorality was practiced w. continual lust for more, and more forms (“tolerance”). New perversions must be sought to replace the old.

Romans 1LevelsEphesians 4 18, 21, 28 1 Stubborn18 21, 22, 28 2 Senseless , 26, 28 3 Sentence18 24, 26-28, 29f 4 Slavery19 “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”

I. Sick Mind, Sick Body, Ep.4:17-19 II. Sound Mind, Sound Body, Ep.4:20-24

Emphasis 20 “But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus” He is our example. Would He live like heathens?

School words 20 “But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus” 1. Christ is the school 2. Christ is the major 3. Christ is the teacher 4. Christ is the education

Put off (22) Give up old way of life, as discarding old garments. Gn.41:14 Ro.6:6; Col.3:9 Grows corrupt Process of decay, ends in death (Ga.6:8) Grows corrupt Process of decay, ends in death (Ga.6:8) Deceitful lusts Lusts of deceit Personification (Ep.4:14) Deceitful lusts Lusts of deceit Personification (Ep.4:14)

Put on (24) Figurative for new life in Christ Old life is controlled by this evil age New is created after likeness of God; Col.3:10 Righteousness: upright behavior Holiness: piety, free from contamination True: ‘that comes from truth’ (personification)

Renew (23) Oath Treaty Alliance “…came to renew that league of good will and friendship w. the Romans which was in being before” Fighting Lease Newspaper License

Renew spirit of mind Not mere outward change Change of attitude (adjustment). Ph.2:5 Present tense (unlike 22, 24): constant Mt.26:28 Covenant Weekly renewal Mt.26:28 Covenant Weekly renewal Ep.4:23 Commitment Daily renewal Ep.4:23 Commitment Daily renewal Romans 12:2