Ephesians, week 41: Ephesians 4:23-24

·38 min·3 clips

Jim Fleming reveals how the Holy Spirit is actively renewing believers' minds, not by their own effort.

This episode is part of a weekly Sunday School series from Stuart Heights Baptist Church, hosted by Jim Fleming. The lesson centers on Ephesians 4:23-24, continuing a study of the book of Ephesians. Fleming begins by reading Ephesians chapter 4 in full, providing context for verses 23-24. He notes that Paul is transitioning from theological exposition to practical imperatives. Fleming highlights the grammar of the Greek text, explaining that 'to be renewed' is a passive, present-tense infinitive, indicating ongoing action by the Holy Spirit. He discusses scholarly debates on whether 'spirit' refers to the human spirit or the Holy Spirit, mentioning commentators like Dr. Hohner. Fleming contrasts the corruption of the old man with the renewal by the Spirit, using quotes from Dr. Thielman and Dr. Stott. He then moves to 'putting on the new man,' explaining it as a one-time past event similar to laying aside the old man. Fleming shares historical context about Roman toga rituals symbolizing maturity. He reads a personal story from Dr. Marita about adopting four children from Ukraine, using it as an analogy for the gospel. Fleming connects the new man to creation in God's image, referencing Genesis and Colossians. He discusses the descriptors 'righteousness and holiness,' suggesting they cover horizontal and vertical relationships. Fleming emphasizes that the new man is a creation of God, not a renewal of the old, citing Dr. Arnold and Dr. Hughes. He ties the concept to putting on Christ, referencing Adam and Jesus. Fleming uses Old Testament quotes from Isaiah to show biblical precedents for clothing imagery. He concludes with application points, encouraging believers to rejoice in being clothed with Christ, and previews future lessons on commands starting in verse 25. The episode ends with reminders about church schedules and subscriptions.

As heard by us

A lived-in Bible lesson where grammar, renewal of the mind, and gentle classroom humor sit together.

Ephesians 4:23-24 is treated as the hinge between taking off the old man and putting on the new one. The host ties renewal in the spirit of the mind to the commands that follow through Ephesians 6:24, keeping the point clear: the Christian life is not something lived by human…

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Why you'd press play

You get Ephesians 4:23-24, Greek morphology, and a Sunday School lunch joke in one warmly unruly lesson.

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