Ephesians 4:17-32; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23

Introduction:

1. When we ponder the Christian walk, mathematics may not be our first thought.

2. Nonetheless, when we consider the transformation that each Christian is undergoing, we see things we must subtract, add, and multiply to avoid division.

Discussion:

I. Things We Must Subtract

A. To be united with God and one another, there are things we must subtract in life.

B. We must subtract every form of darkness/sin (Ephesians 5:11ff; 1 John 1:5-6)

1. In thought/attitude (Ephesians 4:17-18; Romans 1:21-23, 28; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 2:11)

2. In action (Ephesians 4:19, 22, 25-31; 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5-9; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Peter 4:3-4).

II. Things We Must Add

A. These passages continue with what we must add in place of what was subtracted.

B. Notice again how the process works from the inside outward.

1. We add new thought patterns/attitudes (Ephesians 4:20-24; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Philippians 2:1-4; Colossians 3:1-2, 10-12).

2. We add new actions (Ephesians 4:25-5:2; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 John 1:7-10).

3. When we add these things, He adds us to the body of the saved (Acts 2:47).

C. Put succinctly, in all this we “…put on Christ” (Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:26-27).

III. Things Which Will Be Multiplied

A. Such multiplies the fruits He desires (Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23; Galatians 5:22-23).

B. The result is that grace and peace is multiplied to us (2 Peter 1:2).

Conclusion:

1. If we continue adding the right things, we will continue to multiply the fruits/products God intends us to produce (2 Peter 1:5-8; Matthew 5:16; Acts 2:42-47).

2. Such ensures we will not be divided from Him (1 John 1:7; 2 Peter 1:10-11).

Further Food for Thought:

1. Which is harder for you to do: remove the wrong or add the right?

2. Do you think the difficulty is more a matter of the understanding or of the will?

3. What steps do you think are most likely to affect the changes necessary?

4. How much time do you spend in self-examination of these matters? (2 Corinthians 13:5)