17 With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn't what you learned about Christ. 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.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Apostle Paul write to his readers under the Lord's authority? (v.17a)
2) Why are some gentiles confused? (v.17b-19)
3) What does the apostle write concerning the disciples of Christ? (v.20-21)
4) What does Paul encourage his readers to do instead? (v.22-23)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you "thrown off" the old man and put on the "new nature"? If so, how do you know?
6) Do you personally know of any professing believer who is overcome by the darkness within him/her/them? If so, what, if anything do you do to help him/her/them?
LIFE LESSONS
7) Putting off the "old" nature and putting on the "new" nature can only be done through the grace of God and in cooperation with the Holy Spirit.
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