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Why do we obey?

• Fear – Reward - Respect/Love - Obligation/Loyalty - Nature

What is the cause of disobedience? (vs. 17-19)

• Futile thinking – the rational process is distorted and inadequate
  
  
• Hard-hearted – resisting the instruction of God
  
  
• Ignorance – hard-heartedness leads to a lack of understanding
  
  
• Separated from the life of God - by deliberate willful ignorance
  
  
• Darkened understanding – impossible to see in the dark
  
  
• Loss of moral sensitivity – can’t tell right from wrong

This downward spiral leads to one giving oneself over to sensuality and every kind of impurity.

• Never satisfied with a constant lust for more

The way of Christ is different.

• Christians are to have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16)
  
  
• We are to learn Christ – to have union with Him through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
  
  
• Discipleship involves teaching (Matt. 28:20)
  
  
• Put off and put on – Put off the old self, corrupted by deceitful desires and put on the new self, created to be like God, righteous and holy
  
  
• How? It starts in the mind (Rm. 12:2)

How then shall we live?

• Put off all dishonesty – Put on truth speaking
  
  
• Put off sin caused by anger – Put on the practice of keeping short accounts
  
  
• Put off stealing – Put on work
  
  
• Put off unwholesome talk – Put on helpful talk
  
  
• Do not grieve the Holy Spirit
  
  
• Put off bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, malice – Put on kindness, compassion, forgiveness

Be made new in the attitude of your mind.

• Obedience without a new mind leads to legalism, frustration and failure
  
  
• Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind – to teach you to know Christ
  
  
• Practice spiritual disciplines, both individually and corporately – prayer, bible study, fasting, fellowship with believers, service

Put on the New Self, Created to be Like God in True Righteousness and Holiness.

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