The Futility of their Thinking - July 11, 2021

by Pastor Chuck Ryan

“The Futility of their Thinking”

(“Stinkin Thinkin”-Zig Zigler)

Text: Ephesians 4:17-24)

Thesis: Solomon the Wise states, “As a man thinks, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). The Apostle Paul challenges the Church in Ephesus and new believers to have a thought process as noble as Jesus Christ.

1. The Apostle Paul is more than adamant that “they no longer live as the Gentiles (non -Christians) do.” (Vs 17a)
2. As Christians, God calls us to make choices that reflect the lifestyle of Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus lived a Holy lifestyle and sought to please God rather than seeking to satisfy “the lust of the flesh” as Paul finds the Ephesians doing. (see vs.19)

   “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

1. Jesus understands your temptation so give them to him.
2. Jesus will provide a way of escape when you are tempted.

     “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1Cor. 10:13)

2. God’s Word warns of the inner battle of the flesh and the need to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.

      “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” (Galatians 5:17)

     “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:18)

     “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18)

 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)

1. The Apostle Paul clarifies their impurity is due to a sinful mind.

     “In the futility of their thinking.” (vs17b)

1. The goal of every Christian is to develop a Biblical World View.
2. God wants you to view the world through the eyes of Jesus Christ.
3. God created a perfect world and every person, male, and female, were cre- ated in his image. (Gen. 1&2)
4. Adam and Eve were in a perfect relationship with God prior to sin. (Gen.           3:8
5. The Sin of our first parents separated us from God. (Gen 3)
6. Sin came into the world through man and brought death to everyone.        (Romans 5:12)
7. Jesus Christ came into the world to reconcile mankind unto God through His death and resurrection. (Colossians 1:15-23)
8. Jesus ascended into heaven and intercedes on our behalf.
9. Everyone who repents and calls on the name of Jesus will be saved. (Revelations 3:19-20)
10. As Christians we live in a fallen world and will not obtain heaven until        death or Jesus returns. (John 14:1-2)
11. The Evil One, Lucifer, the Devil exists and “seeks to kill and destroy” every human, who are the objects of God’s love. (John10:10)
12. Jesus reminds us “In this world we will have trouble, but to take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
13. We are to remain faithful to God and live by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8)
14. Jesus will return for those have “Believed unto salvation.”(1 Cor. 15:57 & John 14:1-2)
15. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior will live for eternity in Heaven and those who have rejected Jesus Christ will live for eternity in Hell. ((John 14:1-2 & Mathew 25:46)