A clean slateEphesians 4:17-32

A clean slateEphesians 4:17-32

You don’t think right when your heart is hard.

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from

the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the

hardening of their hearts. (v.18)

If your heart is hard you’ll try anything to feel something

Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to

sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity,... (v 19)

...and you will constantly crave more

Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality

so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

(v 19)

A believer has a choice

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its

deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in

true righteousness and holiness.

Why is it such a big deal?

It’s all about leverage...Do not give the devil a foothold.

(v. 27)

The enemy’s Goal...

Hinder, Control, Destroy

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for

someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

It consumes our thoughts

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the

Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Rom. 8:5-6)

What are the footholds?

Lying (v. 25)Unresolved Anger, Rage (v 26, 31)

Stealing (v 28)Unwholesome talk (v 29)

grieving the Holy Spirit of God (v 30) Bitterness, brawling, slander, malice (v 31)

What are the footholds?

hatred discord jealousy

fits of rageselfishness

sexual immorality, Impurity

debauchery Idolatry

witchcraft

dissensions factions

envy drunkenness

orgies

Galatians 5:19-21

What are the footholds?

Lying (v. 25)Unresolved Anger, Rage (v 26, 31)

Stealing (v 28)Unwholesome talk (v 29)

grieving the Holy Spirit of God (v 30) Bitterness, brawling, slander, malice (v 31)

Choosing a clean slate