Echoes from Ephesians: A New Attitude Changes How Then Shall We Live

Changes: How Then Shall We Live?
Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-9
Praise Song: Another Surrender | Woman Evolve Worship & Naomi Raine
Series: Echoes from Ephesians
Speaker: Minister Doug Ericsson

Big Idea: The transformative power of Christ's coming fundamentally changes our lives as we move from darkness to light, and live as people of light, producing goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Sermon Recap: 
Pastor Doug reminded us of the profound changes that have occurred throughout history and how these changes are reflected in our spiritual lives. Doug highlighted significant historical events, such as the assassination of JFK, MLK, the founding of SBCC, and the outbreak of COVID-19. These events serve as a backdrop to the ultimate change in human history: the coming of Jesus Christ. His life, ministry, death, and resurrection have fundamentally altered the course of humanity, bringing light into a world once full of darkness. Doug noted that there were cosmic changes that took place starting with the story of Creation, the Fall of humanity, God’s rescue plan which included Abraham, Israel, two kingdoms (Israel & Judah), the prophets, and ultimately, the Messiah.

Referencing Ephesians 5:8-9, which calls us to live as people of light, Pastor Doug emphasized our need to be  transformed from darkness to light, urging us to produce what is good, right, and true. He explained that darkness is defined by the absence of light, and in our world today, we see manifestations of darkness in political conflicts, interpersonal trauma, and personal emotional stress. Doug noted that through Christ, we are given a new reality, a new way of living that reflects the character of God. This process which is enabled by the Word of God and the Spirit of God can be summarized as light exposing, light, revealing, and light guiding. This light places us on a path of good, right, and true, and helps eliminate pride and replaces it with humility.

Pastor Doug noted the mixed nature of our lives, acknowledging that while we have been made new in Christ, we still struggle with our old nature. This ongoing process of transformation is likened to light exposing, revealing, and guiding us towards a better way of living. Doug encouraged us to embrace this light, allowing it to produce goodness, righteousness, and truthfulness in our lives. It is a call to live united with Christ, be changed by His light, and to reflect His character in all that we do.

Discussion Questions

Head (Connecting with God)

• How do significant historical events like the assassination of JFK, MLK, and the outbreak of COVID-19 serve as a backdrop to understanding the ultimate change brought by Jesus Christ?
• What are the cosmic changes mentioned in the message, starting from Creation to the coming of the Messiah?
• According to Ephesians 5:8-9, what does it mean to live as people of light, and how is darkness defined in this context?
• How does Pastor Doug describe the role of the Word of God and the Spirit of God in the process of transformation from darkness to light?
• In what ways does the message explain the ongoing struggle between our old nature and new nature in Christ?
  
  

Heart (Growing Together) 

• How does reflecting on the ultimate change through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection affect your view of hope and transformation?
• What emotions come up when considering the darkness in the world today, such as political conflicts, trauma, and stress?
• How does the idea of humility replacing pride through God’s light resonate with your personal experiences?
• What does it feel like to be called to live united with Christ and reflect His character in daily life?
• How might embracing the light that exposes, reveals, and guides influence your relationship with God and others?
  
  

Hands (Changing the World)

• What practical steps can you take to live as a person of light in a world often darkened by conflict and stress?
• How can you allow God’s light to expose and reveal areas in your life that need transformation?
• What are some ways to practice humility as a response to the transformation described by Pastor Doug?
• How can you intentionally produce what is good, right, and true in your relationships and community?
• In what concrete ways can you reflect the character of Christ through your actions each day?