Out with the Old, In with the New (Ephesians 4:17-24)
Introduction:
1. An expression that is often heard when one year ends and another year begins is, "out with the old, in with the new." a. 2023 is quickly coming to its conclusion, and 2024 will arrive soon. b. We certainly appreciate God's blessings from this year, and we ask Him to bless us in the coming year. c. In our lesson we are concentrating on a spiritual application of "out with the old, in with the new." 2. The idea of "out with the old, in with the new" is actually taught in the verses we read from Ephesians 4. a. Vs. 22 mentions "putting off the old man." b. Vs. 24 mentions "putting on the new man." 3. From a spiritual perspective, "out with the old, in with the new" is the process of discarding old things and pursuing new things. 4. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. THIS PROCESS BEGINS WHEN WE GET INTO CHRIST
A. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, those who are in Christ have become new creatures. 1. "Old things are passed away." 2. "All things are become new." B. The Bible teaches us how to get into Christ to begin the process in: 1. Galatians 3:26-29 2. Romans 6:3-7. C. This brings us to our second point. II. THIS PROCESS CONTINUES AFTER WE GET INTO CHRIST
A. The instructions in Ephesians 4 are for Christians. B. Let us look more closely at 2 activities mentioned. 1. First, Ephesians 4:22 teaches us to "put off" the old man. a. To be more specific, we are to "put away" the sinful activities listed in Ephesians 4:25-31. b. Also, see Colossians 3:5-9. 2. Second, Ephesians 4:24 teaches us to "put on" the new man. a. To be more specific, we are to "put on" the good activities listed in Ephesians 4:32. b. Also, see Colossians 3:10, 12-14. C. The key to continuing this process is given in Ephesians 4:23. Conclusion:
1. Have you begun your renewal process by being baptized into Christ? 2. Are you continuing in the process of "out with the old, in with the new?"
