Ephesians 4:17-32
"You were taught... to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
(EPHESIANS 4:22, 24)
Christians are radically different people. To the very center of my being, I am a new person, radically changed from the person I was before I knew Jesus Christ. The Bible describes just how drastically different I am. It's almost like the "before-and-after" ads for weight-loss that you've seen in magazines or newspapers.
I once was dead but now am alive (Ephesians 2:5). I used to be the picture of darkness but now am light (Ephesians 5:8). Formerly I was under the dominion of darkness but now am part of the kingdom of God's Son (Colossians 1:13). Originally a child of the devil, now I am child of God (1 John 3:10).
I am a new creation in Christ, created to be like Him, bearing the family likeness. Yet I bear it in an imperfect body, what the Bible sometimes calls "the flesh." So while I am radically new, I am not totally new. The flesh-prone to sin-fights me every step of the way. But thanks be to God, He has made provision for my victory through Jesus and His Spirit at work in me.
INSIGHT
"FATHER, HELP ME DAILY TO WALK BY THE SPIRIT SO THAT I MIGHT LIVE TO PLEASE YOU."
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
1 Kings 8
Proverbs 3
Hebrews 1-2
Ephesians 4:17-32
New Living Translation (NLT)
Living as Children of Light
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[a] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[b] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Footnotes:
a. Ephesians 4:26 Ps 4:4.
b. Ephesians 4:30 Or has put his seal on you.
LETTING GO OF THE TRY-HARD LIFE
What do you truly believe about God? Sometimes our hearts have trouble believing the things we know to be true. Why does this happen? And when it does, where do we turn?
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