Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

God is Concerned About Our Walk - Pastor Daniel Batarseh (Ephesians Series)

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Monday, April 9, 2018

Scripture References

Ephesians 4:17-24Ephesians 4:11 John 2:62 Peter 1:12-13Galatians 5:17Matthew 5:46-48Matthew 6:7Matthew 6:31-32Luke 5:24Acts 3:8-10Psalms 16Acts 9:34-35Psalms 10:42 Corinthians 4:6John 4:28Mark 5:15-18

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores Ephesians 4, emphasizing that a relationship with Christ must produce a visible change in how we live. By contrasting the futility of the unbelieving mind with the renewal of the Spirit, he challenges believers to walk in true righteousness and holiness.

Key Takeaways

1Reminders are essential for believers because truths can become stagnant and the 'voice of the flesh' is persistent.
2A genuine encounter with Jesus Christ produces visible changes in the home, the church, and the community.
3The mind of a believer must be renewed so that God becomes the central theme of their thoughts and planning.
4Holiness is not a general idea but a specific practice of 'putting on' righteous attitudes and behaviors daily.
5True grace provides the power to overcome sin, not an excuse to continue in it.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Why do you think Paul finds it necessary to repeat his instructions about how to 'walk' as a believer?
2Pastor Daniel mentioned three spheres of influence: home, church, and community. In which of these has your 'walk' changed the most since knowing Christ?
3What does it mean to have a 'futile mind,' and how does a believer's thought life differ from that of a 'Gentile' (unbeliever)?
4How do you respond to the statement: 'If Christ didn't change you, Christ didn't save you'?
5What are some practical ways we can 'renew the spirit of our minds' on a daily basis?
6The sermon emphasizes 'putting on' the new self like clothing. What specific 'garments' of righteousness do you need to put on tomorrow morning?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Identify one specific habit or 'old self' behavior this week and consciously 'put it off' through prayer and repentance.
Evaluate your conduct at home; ask a family member if they have seen the joy and peace of Christ in your recent interactions.
Commit to 'renewing your mind' by replacing 15 minutes of secular entertainment with Scripture meditation each day.
Move from the 'fringes' of the church to the 'temple' by actively participating in fellowship and corporate praise.
Carry your 'mat' (your testimony) into your workplace or neighborhood, letting others see the difference Christ has made.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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