Walk in Submission

Sermon by Pastor Jeff Moss/ July 28, 2024

Sermon series: Summer Walk – a study on Ephesians 4

Text: Ephesians 4:15-24

I. THE BALANCE – Verse 15

Jesus condemned the deceivers but was gracious to the deceived. He attacked the Pharisees and Sadducees but had pity on their victims. 

II. THE BIOLOGY – Verse 16

Biology proves that an out of balance connection between the head and the body  = problems in the body! 

III. THE BEFORE – Verses 17-19

1. Our connection brings wisdom. 1Cor. 1:24 “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

Before Christ, man’s connection brings darkness (v 18) 

2. Our connection lights our path. Pro 4:18 “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”

Before Christ, man walks in blindness (v 18) 

3. Our connection gives us love. Romans 5:5 “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Before Christ, man greedily harms themselves and one another. (v 19) 

IV. THE BETTER – Verses 20-24

Mark 9:42-47 “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:” 

“So, if you want to know the Lord Jesus Christ, you must live with him. First he must himself speak to you, and afterwards you must abide in him. He must be the choice Companion of your morning hours, he must be with you throughout the day, and with him you must also close the night; and as often as you may wake during the night, you must say, ‘When I awake, I am still with thee.’ ” (Spurgeon)

1. In your interactions with other believers are you balanced in truth and love, or would you be considered harsh?
2. Are you participating in cooperation with the head, or are you sending signals back to the head that are out of balance?
3. Are you walking like the new creation who has removed the lifestyle of the “before” man and replaced it with the “better” man?