Take-Home Study Guide

Ready
Read: Ephesians 4:17-24 Read: Romans 1:21-23 Meditate & Memorize: no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. (Eph 4:17)

Receive
The non-Christian (Gentile in the text) way of thinking is characterized by ignorance, a lifeless heart, and an impure lifestyle. For the Christian, Paul calls this the old self. This old self thinking comes from minds that are described as futile and darkened, and hearts that are hardened. Pauls letter is not strictly to the non-Christian, but rather is addressed primarily to the church. It is Gods people that are acting as if they have never been taught the Gospel of Jesus (v. 20). A futile mind is one that has lost the ultimate reality of the universe, the Glory of God. It pursues other things that are fleeting shadows and dust. Its labor is pointless. While many may consider themselves educated and well read, the old self results only in darkness of understanding that lacks the light Gods true wisdom. Again it is knowledge without purpose, a vanity. Their hardened hearts (a heart which is dead) culminates their vain thinking with separation from God, which inevitably leads to broken patterns of behavior. Paul calls the Christian away from their old self and into a new self. To overcome these obstacles requires a real biblical change. Not merely better behavior, but rather a new image (likeness) in Jesus.

Reflect
What are the characteristics of your old self that you struggle against? Is your futile thinking dominated by the next big promotion, someones approval, or your own need for comfort? Is your mind darkened to your own sin so that you only see how others may have sinned against you? Do you have a calloused and dead heart toward the Gospel of Jesus, a heart that neglects mercy and truth? Pray that God would reveal these obstacles of biblical change to you. Knowing is half the battle.

Use this sermon-based study guide as you lead your family in worship, do your morning devotions, talk in your community groups, or in any other way that might help you know Christ more fully.. ~Pastor Brandon

Respond
Identify one old self characteristic and attack it. Make War (2 Cor 10:3-5, 1 Peter 2:11)! Pray for Gods renewal and read verses related to combatting those sin issues. Need some help on finding scripture passages or books to combat your old self? Email info@northsidechurchla.org and one of our pastors will help equip you with the tools to put on the new self.

Take-Home Study Guide

Ready
Read: Ephesians 4:17-24 Read: Romans 1:21-23 Meditate & Memorize: no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. (Eph 4:17)

Receive
The non-Christian (Gentile in the text) way of thinking is characterized by ignorance, a lifeless heart, and an impure lifestyle. For the Christian, Paul calls this the old self. This old self thinking comes from minds that are described as futile and darkened, and hearts that are hardened. Pauls letter is not strictly to the non-Christian, but rather is addressed primarily to the church. It is Gods people that are acting as if they have never been taught the Gospel of Jesus (v. 20). A futile mind is one that has lost the ultimate reality of the universe, the Glory of God. It pursues other things that are fleeting shadows and dust. Its labor is pointless. While many may consider themselves educated and well read, the old self results only in darkness of understanding that lacks the light Gods true wisdom. Again it is knowledge without purpose, a vanity. Their hardened hearts (a heart which is dead) culminates their vain thinking with separation from God, which inevitably leads to broken patterns of behavior. Paul calls the Christian away from their old self and into a new self. To overcome these obstacles requires a real biblical change. Not merely better behavior, but rather a new image (likeness) in Jesus.

Reflect
What are the characteristics of your old self that you struggle against? Is your futile thinking dominated by the next big promotion, someones approval, or your own need for comfort? Is your mind darkened to your own sin so that you only see how others may have sinned against you? Do you have a calloused and dead heart toward the Gospel of Jesus, a heart that neglects mercy and truth? Pray that God would reveal these obstacles of biblical change to you. Knowing is half the battle.

Use this sermon-based study guide as you lead your family in worship, do your morning devotions, talk in your community groups, or in any other way that might help you know Christ more fully.. ~Pastor Brandon

Respond
Identify one old self characteristic and attack it. Make War (2 Cor 10:3-5, 1 Peter 2:11)! Pray for Gods renewal and read verses related to combatting those sin issues. Need some help on finding scripture passages or books to combat your old self? Email info@northsidechurchla.org and one of our pastors will help equip you with the tools to put on the new self.