Message Notes

YAG RETREAT II
Session #8
Thursday, 3 November 2005
First Morning Session
Theme: The Great Makeover
Comprehension of a New Lifestyle
KEY TEXTS

A. PUTTING OFF THE OLD LIFESTYLE

1. “By nature the children of wrath”          Ephesians 2:1-3
2. Without Christ          Ephesians 2:11-13
4. Alienated from God          Ephesians 4:17-19
5. Arise from the dead          Ephesians 5:11-14
6. Putting the old nature to death          Colossians 3:5-9

B. CULTIVATING THE NEW LIFESTYLE

1. Enjoying the Blessings of God          Ephesians 1:3-14
2. Workmanship of God          Ephesians 2:4-22
3. Walking Worthy of our calling          Ephesians 4:1-16; 5:1-21

C. FIGHTING FOR OUR NEW LIFE          Ephesians 6:10-18

INTRODUCTION

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

Matthew 16:25-27

1. Change must be considered carefully in the context of Life itself
2. What is the sum total of the worth of our life… our soul?
3. Change takes place best in the context of the Discipleship program Jesus designed for His followers
4. A haphazard and poorly organised life is doomed to failure and fruitlessness
5. The Scriptures offer many wonderful insights as to how we can pray and plan for a new lifestyle

DECISION TO GIVE UP THE OLD LIFESTYLE (Review)

1. With Reference to Self

a) Defeated

b) Depressive

c) Dejected

d) Dishonour

2. With reference to Sin

a) A slave

b) Bound

c) Dead

3. With reference to Satan

a) Influenced

b) Duped

c) Deadly danger

COMPREHENSION OF A NEW LIFESTYLE

1. Wondrously blessed          Ephesians 1:3-14
2. Prayer enlightenment to comprehend          Ephesians 1:15-22; 3:14-19
3. Truly alive          Ephesians 2:4-9
4. God’s workmanship          Ephesians 2:10
5. Built together as the Temple of God          Ephesians 2:13-22
6. Walking worthy          Ephesians 4:1-6
7. Strong Christian home          Ephesians 5:22-33
8. Fighting for our faith and life          Ephesians 6:10-18

WHERE DO WE START?

1. Our Salvation in Christ

a) Fresh appreciation

b) Renewal of desire to live for the Lord

2. Discipleship – The only way to go!

a) Calling

b) Training

c) Serving

d) Growing significantly

e) Equipping others

3. God’s plan as revealed in the Scriptures and life itself

a) In Meditation

b) In Prayer

c) In consultation

4. Understanding ourselves- where we are blessed and gifted

a) Recognising our gifts

b) Cultivating our gifts

c) Employing our gifts

5. Embracing God’s will and fitting in

a) Comprehending God’s will

b) Yielding to God’s will

c) Rejoicing in God’s Wise will

6. Establishing our place in God’s work

a) General Service

b) Special areas of Ministry

7. Growing in wisdom

a) A life-long pursuit

b) A love for God’s word

8. Rejoicing in the changes that we see as we reflect

a) Rejoice in the little changes seen

b) Determining to see even more changes

c) Pressing on at all times

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

Philippians 3:14

RETREAT CHALLENGES

1. Would anybody want to retain his old lifestyle?
2. Determine and decide to live the life that God meant us to have.
3. List the things you want to attempt and accomplish for the Lord in your new lifestyle.