Transformed
Bible Text: Ephesians 4:25-32 | Pastor: Pastor Steve | Series: Ephesians: Engaging the Power of God’s Amazing Grace
Ephesians 4:25‑32 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
We Are In A Struggle (fight) Against A Number Of Opponents
Truth vs lying (falsehood)
Impatience vs patience
Slow to anger vs quick to anger
Hard worker vs stealing (laziness)
Building up vs tearing down
Benefiting vs depriving
Grieving vs respecting the Spirit
Unity vs disunity
Gentleness vs rage
Lovingkindness vs anger
Reconciliation vs bitterness
Encouragement vs slander
Affection vs malice
Kindness vs meanness
Compassionate vs not caring
Forgiving vs unforgiveness
Jacob Versus The Man
Jacob Was Crippled By A Supernatural Blow
Genesis 32:22-25 During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them. After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions. This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket.
Jacob Clung To The MAN For A Blessing
Genesis 32:26-28 Then the man said, let me go, for the dawn is breaking! But Jacob said, I will not let you go unless you bless me. What is your name? the man asked. He replied, Jacob. Your name will no longer be Jacob, the man told him. From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.
The Blessing
New Name – Israel (God Fights)
Jacob had fought with God and with men
The Crossroad Of Decision
Will I allow Jesus be the Lord of “ALL” my life?
Do I want a “new” identity (name)? Do I want a “blessing?”
Will I let the Holy Spirit “touch” me?
A TRANSFORMED PERSON
Rises From The Touch Of The Lord
We are living on the Kitsap Peninsula because the Lord called us here. Our responsibility is to live in these communities as a well-trained army under the authority and power of Jesus. And our character, compassion, manners, language, honesty, honor, love, faith, hope and behaviors are all part of what we do to win others for Jesus.
The Lord REDEEMS, RESTORES and REFRESHES US
But There Is A Price!
Bearing HIS MARK on our lives
Removing our FALSE IDENTITY; Finding our TRUE IDENTITY in Jesus
Knowing our destiny is NOT in our hands but in the hands of God
God Is Calling Us To Become “Revolutionaries.”
God desires to “transform us.”
God desires to “mark us” as His.
God’s desire is to “release in us” His Abundant Grace.