Transformative Truth:

2. Be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18-21

Transformative Truth:

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts... - 2 Corinthians 4:6

Four Encouragements from Ephesians 5:8 1. Permanent Re-creation 2. Present 3. Personal Relationship 4. Practical Reordering 

The Challenge Delivered (vv. 9-14)

God's children are to radiate the light that they are.

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. - Hebrews 5:14

Rule #1: Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness.

Rule #2: Expose them.

Transformative Truth:

"By its very nature the Word does its work" - Alistair Begg

To be transformed, you must Trust the Goal of God's word in your life

1. Wisdom for Salvation

2. Maintenance of Your Faith

3. Preparation for Good Works

To be transformed, you must Trust the Power of God's word in your life

Trust the Power of God's Word for Teaching

Trust the Power of God's Word for Reproof

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12

Trust the Power of God's Word for Correction

Trust the Power of God's Word for Training

"The Word of God is able to do that which nothing else can do in the hearts and lives of men.  It is able to accomplish certain results which nothing else can accomplish.  It has a power which no other message has.  And the need for that power of the Word of God is imperative."

Transformative Truth:

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…

The first reason for Supreme Confidence in Scripture is that it is **God-Breathed**

KJV:  All scripture is given by inspiration of God NASB: All Scripture is inspired by God NIV: All Scripture is God-breathed ESV: All Scripture is breathed out by God

Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21)

The second reason for Supreme Confidence in Scripture is that it is **Written**

Canon / Rule

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

“What plant can be unwatered, and not wither” - Robert Murray M’Cheyne

Suggestions for Reading

“No book in existence contains such important matters as the Bible” - JC Ryle

Through Scripture You Can Have Confidence

Transformative Truth:

Transformative Truth:

God's holy people are to give thanks, not gratify self.

1.  Get rid of sexual sin (vv.3-4a)

2.  Give thanks instead (v. 4b)

3.  Grasp the reason why (vv. 5-7)

Transformative Truth:

I. God Speaks in Many Ways

Transformative Truth:

Talk Constructively

Be gracious like God in how you talk and treat others.

Treat Others Kindly

The kindness we express to others is an extension of the kindness that God has lavished on us, in Christ.

Transformative Truth:

1. Stop stealing.

Redeemed hands work hard and open wide.

2. Start working. 

3. Share generously.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. - 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. - James 2:14-16

Redeemed hands work hard and open wide.

Transformative Truth:

Defining Anger

Anger is an active, whole-person response of moral displeasure at a perceived wrong.

Diagnosing Anger

1. Do you get angry about the right things?

2. Do you express anger in the right way?

3. How long does your anger last?

4. How controlled is your anger?

5. What motivates your anger?

6. Is your anger “primed and ready” to respond to another person’s habitual sins?

7. What is the effect of your anger?

Diagnosing Anger Do you get angry about the right things? Do you express anger in the right way? How long does your anger last? How controlled is your anger? What motivates your anger? Is your anger “primed and ready” to respond to another person’s habitual sins? What is the effect of your anger?

Dealing with Anger