Walking in a New Lifestyle

Nor Abrylagyrb Krisdosow

(God's Magnificent Work through Christ)

Eph 4:14-19

Last Sunday the sermon was about the risen Christ who appeared in the midst to the confused disciples. He gave them the greeting of peace, showed them his scars, encouraged them and sent them to the mission field. The disciples were full of joy and were empowered by the Holy Spirit to go, serve and preach the gospel of salvation.

This morning we turn back to Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. A few weeks ago we stopped in chapter 4:13. In order to continue and put our memory back on track, I would like to remind the previous sermon topics:

-Abundant Spiritual Blessings

-I do not Cease Praying for You

-Experiencing the Depth of God’s Love

-One for All, All for One

In the last sermon, I stressed that we serve one God, who is the source of our gifts. The focus is God and not our gifts. We are united by Him to serve Him. The sermon ended by displaying 17 areas of service at CACC (Please refer to the sermon “One for All, All for one”). Get involved in the service of the body of Christ. Christ commissioned his disciples on the first day of resurrection to be sent. The message is clear.

Today let us start from where we left.

Serve with Love (14-16)

In the previous verses, Paul mentions a list of spiritual gifts to be used for the building of the body of Christ (church). Paul made an extended list of spiritual gifts in 1^st Corinthians and elsewhere.

The questions I am often asked are, “What is my spiritual gift? How do I find my gift?” Please notice that every passage where Paul mentions spiritual gifts is immediately followed by a passage about God’s love.

Here is an important point. We discover our gifts when we love people. Would you like to find out your gift? Get involved. Communicate your love towards people.

Do you think Isaiah, who was one of the Major Prophets, knew how to talk?

“The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.” (Isaiah 50:4)

Christ was the supreme example of serving with love. He knew how to use his “gifts” with love and compassion towards people. Our gifts, our speech, our service should promote Christ. He is the head and the source. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (vs. 15)

Old Life (17-19)

Paul challenges the members of the church to be careful in their daily walk. After giving theological instructions in the first three chapters, Paul moves on to teaching practical steps about our WALK with the Lord day by day.

Give up the OLD LIFE. Please notice that he is not talking that the pagan life outside; he is talking to them, the body of the believers, who should have a new lifestyle. Their new lifestyle requires taking off the old clothes and putting on the new garments.

We will continue in English.