1. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians 4:17-32 Message 3 in our 3-part series on Ephesians 4. Sunday, December 2, 2012 Speaker: Paul Margerrison

2. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 The climax of God’s purpose: “…when the times will have reached their fulfilment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” Ephesians 1:10

3. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 The two prayers of Paul in Ephesians: Chapter 1 verses 15 - 23Chapter 1 verses 15 - 23 Chapter 3 verses 14 - 21Chapter 3 verses 14 - 21

4. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 The steps towards fulfilment of God’s great goals for the church: Reconciliation of people to God through an act of grace on his partReconciliation of people to God through an act of grace on his part Those who are saved are reconciled to each other only because Christ has broken down the barriers through his own deathThose who are saved are reconciled to each other only because Christ has broken down the barriers through his own death Ephesians 2 v 11 – 22 God has united reconciled people into one body, the churchGod has united reconciled people into one body, the church Ephesians 3 v 1 – 6 The church is to be the means by which God reveals his “manifold wisdom” to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realmsThe church is to be the means by which God reveals his “manifold wisdom” to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms Ephesians 3 v 7 – 13 & reference to 1 v 20

5. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 Our common confession of faith: “- One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” Ephesians 1:5

6. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 The new life stands in contrast to the old way of life without Christ Ephesians 4:17 to 6:9

7. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 The fall is the source of the old self, the sinful human nature into which we were all bornThe fall is the source of the old self, the sinful human nature into which we were all born Ephesians 4:17 – 19 Paul tells us to take off the old self and put on the new self which is being renewed in the image of GodPaul tells us to take off the old self and put on the new self which is being renewed in the image of God Ephesians 4:20 – 24 & reference to 2:8 – 10 Paul describes the specific conduct which should result from putting on the new selfPaul describes the specific conduct which should result from putting on the new self Ephesians 4:25 – 32 Paul places a priority on sound doctrine as the basis for proper practice of the new selfPaul places a priority on sound doctrine as the basis for proper practice of the new self

8. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 “ 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4 v 1 – 3

9. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 “ 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21

10. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 “ 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” Romans 12:2

11. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 As you look back over the past year, do you see a process of change for the better in your thoughts, attitudes and actions?

12. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 Falsehood and truth Ephesians 4:25 & reference to Zechariah 8:16 The old self is stained with lies. The new self should reflect the very same truth which unites us and which we are now required to speak to othersThe old self is stained with lies. The new self should reflect the very same truth which unites us and which we are now required to speak to others Anger management Ephesians 4:26 & 27 with reference to Psalm 4:4 In the old self anger is allowed to linger and fester into sin whereas the new self must be determined to resolve things before the devil can take holdIn the old self anger is allowed to linger and fester into sin whereas the new self must be determined to resolve things before the devil can take hold

13. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 Stealing or working Ephesians 4:28 The old self spends money it doesn’t have on things it doesn’t need. The new self works hard, lives within its means, and shares any extra it may have with those who may be in need.The old self spends money it doesn’t have on things it doesn’t need. The new self works hard, lives within its means, and shares any extra it may have with those who may be in need. “ 8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” 1 Timothy 5:8

14. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 Unwholesome talk Ephesians 4:29 The speech of the old self only shows contempt for both God and our neighbour. The new self speaks only those things which build up the body of Christ.The speech of the old self only shows contempt for both God and our neighbour. The new self speaks only those things which build up the body of Christ. The test: Would your talk benefit those who listen?The test: Would your talk benefit those who listen?

15. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 Grieving the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30 The speech of the old self only shows contempt for both God and our neighbour. The new self speaks only those things which build up the body of Christ.The speech of the old self only shows contempt for both God and our neighbour. The new self speaks only those things which build up the body of Christ. “ 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation. Having believed you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory” Ephesians 1:13 & 14

16. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 Paul tells us to get rid of all Bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice – the old selfBitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice – the old selfInstead Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave youBe kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you Ephesians 4:31 & 32

17. Rosemount Bible Church Ephesians Chapter 4 v 17 - 32 Jesus said “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” Luke 23:34