Live a transformed life

Topics: Christian life, transformed life

I. Take off the grave clothes

* The pagan lifestyle of sin is to be removed from your life!

1. So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind (Ephesians 4:17).
2. Being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart (Ephesians 4:18).
3. And they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness (Ephesians 4:19).
4. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness . . . Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore, God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen (Romans 1:18, 22-25).

II. Put on the grace clothes

* The holy lifestyle of Jesus is to be modeled in your life!

1. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus (Ephesians 4:20, 21).
2. That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit (Ephesians 4:22).
3. And that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth (Ephesians 4:23, 24).
4. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).
5. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, September 28th, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Live a transformed life

An important Guideline of Life Groups: The goal of the Christian life is to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). How can your Life Group encourage one another to live transformed lives more and more?

Getting Started:

1. God desires each of us to "walk with Him" (Genesis 3:8; 5:24; 6:9) in intimate fellowship even in the midst of this fallen, broken world (Ephesians 4:1; 5:1, 2). How close is your walk with God and how can you enhance it?
2. How does the raising of Lazarus portray the spiritual reality of a Christian "putting off the old self" and "putting on the new self" (John 11:43, 44; Ephesians 4:22-24)?

Discussing Truths:

1. Why is repentance so important to live a transformed life (Matthew 3:8; Luke 13:3, 5; Revelation 2:5)?
2. Do you feel forgiven and free from your old "graveclothes" (John 8:34-36)?
3. How does Paul's description of the pagan lifestyle (Ephesians 4:17-19) describe our current culture as well?
4. Remember, a transformed life is not a self-improvement course of simply behavior modification it's a radical spiritual change in the inner man by the Spirit brought on through earnest prayer: Pray Ephesians 3:14-21 for yourself and one another!
5. Discuss what your life can look like as you "put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth" (Ephesians 4:24).
6. Why is it vital to see the Christ-centered life as one of Love, Joy, Purpose, Hope, Freedom, Forgiveness and Satisfaction?

Now What? Application:

1. How will you "behold the glory of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18) in your daily times with Him? Make quiet time to listen to Him every day (Ecclesiastes 5:1, 2).
2. Pursue personal holiness by walking by the Spirit and renewing your mind with truths from God's Word.