A NEW OUTLOOK

Ephesians 4:17-5:2

My outlook is reflected in attitudes, expectations and behavior.  As a follower of Christ, I have been given a new outlook in at least three ways and it reflects how I see things and how others see me.

From the outside in:

1. Heard about Jesus Christ

2. Became a follower of Jesus

3. Began a journey of discipleship

From the inside out:

Made a decision to put off:

1. Lying

2. Anger

3. Stealing

4. Negative speech

5. Bitterness

Made a decision to put on:

1. Kindness

2. Compassion

3. Forgiveness

From the other side:

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.  Mostly what God does is love you.  Keep company with him and learn a life of love.  Observe how Christ loved us.  His was not cautious but extravagant.  He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us.  Love like that.                                                                                            Ephesians 5:1, 2 (Msg)

1. Began to walk on the other side

2. Became an imitator of God

3. Learn to live a life of unconditional love

Final thought:

Three questions:

1. What shapes my outlook and influences my walk?

2. What does my outlook on life look like?

     *Is it positive, negative or indifferent?

3. What do I need to put off and what do I need to put on?