Bible Text: Ephesians 4:20-24 | Preacher: Pastor Steve | Series: Transformed Living
Ephesians 4:20-24 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God truly righteous and holy.
Transformation is not instantaneous.
Transformation is a constant process of “putting off” and “putting on.”
Transformation is a long-term, lifetime project.
Transformation is like a sailing—we have to create new habits that tap into the power of Holy Spirit.
Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think…
It is never too late to change.
 
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Believers are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated—we are RECREATED.
There is no miracle like the miracle of changed life.
The way that God touches the SOUL of a person, the MIND and HEART of a person, is unlike anything else.
Ezekiel 18:31-32 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies, says the Lord GOD. Therefore turn and live!
Our mental health involves changing the way we think.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Discipline is a fundamental requirement for mental health.  Training involves practice and commitment.
1 Timothy 4:7 … exercise yourself toward godliness.
Luke 6:40 …but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Mental healthiness requires purpose and protection.
Keep your eyes on Jesus at all times: So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.
Protect yourself from unnecessary distractions so you will not waste your valuable time: I am not like a boxer who misses his punches.
We tend to focus on what is behind us instead of what is in front of us:
Past: 1 Corinthians 10:11 They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close.
Present: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Future: Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Develop habits or disciplines that will strengthen you emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
Self-control requires an honest look at our strengths and weaknesses; learning to trust the Holy Spirit in us and learn to maintain healthy boundaries:
NO to friends or situations that will lead you away from Jesus
NO to casual sex, rather save and protect yourself for marriage NO to laziness in favor of “can do” and “will do”
…Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified…
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 (Amplified Version):
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things-fix your minds on them.
Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace-of untroubled, undisturbed well-being-will be with you.
Think about such things
Such things are the Logos or the Word of God. This phrase is like a mathematical term, to have calculated thoughts that focus or are fixed on the Logos, Word of God!
Put it into practice
JUST DO IT!!! The reward of this discipline, the benefit of fixing your mind on Jesus, the consequences of focus upon the Word of God is: And the God of peace will with you.
The PRESENCE of God brings us the PEACE of God.
IF we feed our minds on the Word of God THEN we will have the following:
Ephesians 2:14 He is our peace
Romans 5:1 We have peace with God
1 Peter 5:14 Peace to all who are in Christ
John 16:33 In me you have peace
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts  John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid