The Unsearchable Riches of Christ, Pt 55

New Life in Christ, Pt2.

Ephesians 4:20-32. 

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II. THE PROOF OF GRADUATION IS THE DONNING OF A NEW UNIFORM
A new mind is formed under the gracious moving of Christ by His Spirit and through His Word, verse 22-23.

1. The old rags of our corruption are cast off. The actions of Lazarus (John 11:44), Blind Bartimæus (Mark 10:50), the man of Gadara (Mark 5:15), all illustrate this. How powerful is the impulse within the Christian to rid ourselves of corruption. “ . . hating (detesting) even the garment spotted by the flesh, ” Jude 1:23.

2. There is a methodical aspect to this putting off. Acts 7:58, Hebs 12:1. Holiness is a matter of method and order- — “Father’s business.”

3. It is in seeking to “put off” corruption that we feel its power. Lust is a king, Rom 6:12. It will not give up its throne without a battle. It can only be put off through death — Gal 5:24.

4. The renewed mind is manifested by the new likeness. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” 2 Cors 5:17. What a contrast the new and the old are! “According” 22; “after” 24 — same word. Rom 13:14, Gal 3:27 — putting on Christ. Gal 4:19, Christ formed within; 1 Pet 1:14-15, fashioned.