Week Two: Be Renewed in My THINKING
Key Passage: Ephesians 4:21-24
21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT)
In this passage, I love how Paul begins with the idea that “because” or “since” has implications for future actions. Some examples of how this works in our lives: Since you have cleaned your room, now you can go out and play because you showed responsibility. Because you got your oil changed, now you can drive your car another 3,000 miles. Since you ate your green beans, now you can have dessert. Okay, these examples are rather mundane, but you get the point. Because this, now this.
He says to the Ephesians, “Since you have heard about Jesus” and have learned the implications of the truth that comes from knowing the Gospel, the Good News, now you will live radically different. Get rid of your sinful old self (You might want to also read 2 Corinthians 5:17) and how you used to live. “Since” you know Jesus and His Gospel, let the Spirit of Christ renew your thoughts and attitudes—what you think and how you act, and put on your new nature. You were created in God’s image to be like God—to live rightly and to live a set apart life.
See how Paul uses the Since this, now this formula? I want to reverse it a little bit here, and say it this way: You can live rightly and set apart for God’s work—acting in a way God acts—since you have heard bout Jesus and His Gospel, and have allowed the Spirit to renew your thoughts and attitudes.
To Be Renewed in your thinking has implications for us on the Giving Discipleship Journey. Take a look at the Journey book. Each of the givers described in this book are on a journey—a thoughtful journey—of having their thinking and their attitudes renewed as it comes to living a generous life. Since we are being renewed in our thinking,now _______________________ .Fill in the rest yourself as it relates to your generosity.
Group Discussion
1. What reason or reasons does Paul give that makes renewing one’s thoughts and attitudes possible?
2. Describe ways that knowing Jesus and the implications of the Gospel have changed the way believers think and act.
3. The Giving Discipleship Journey is designed to help you think through the change of heart that must occur for a full transformation. How does renewed thinking aid that generosity transformation?
4. How does acting generously imitate God’s relationship to us?
5. What are ways that we can aid the Spirit with renewing our thoughts and attitudes?
Personal Reflection
1. Reflect on the Since this, now this formula. What are some of your now this items you would list since you have come to know Christ?
2. Again, thinking about the Since this, now this formula, examine where you are on the Giving Discipleship Journey. How could Since this of knowing Christ help you Be Renewed to take the next step of the Giving Discipleship Journey?
3. What might be some areas of rightful thinking and attitudes that you want to allow the Sprit to grow in you?
4. What obstacles seem to be in the way of you taking the next step in the Giving Discipleship Journey?
Getting Ready for the Week
1. Monday: Think about your day today and list the ways you can be renewed in your thinking and attitudes as a disciple.
2. Tuesday: Think today how knowing Christ has renewed your thinking and attitudes, and has enabled you to imitate God in your dealing with people.
3. Wednesday: Knowing which step you are on in the Giving Discipleship Journey, write down some ways that being that kind of giver helps to be renewed in your thinking.
4. Thursday:Pray for your pastors and church leaders to be renewed in their thinking today.
5. Friday: Pray for your pastors and church leaders to Be Renewed today.