Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 74 – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Put Off Your Old Self – Growing As Disciples
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)
Three Steps
I have come to think that the new life I have in you requires me to take three steps. You have reduced your new life in me down to three steps? I didn’t devise this plan. I didn’t make up these steps. They seem to be right here in your word. So, you believe that you are on solid ground? Yes, I do. Let me hear your thoughts. First, let me qualify a few points about these three steps. Go right ahead. I will never be finished taking these steps. I will need to keep on taking these steps every day as I follow you. At any time and in any order, I will need to frequently revisit these steps. Are you done with your qualifiers? Yes, for now, I think.
What is the first step you must take if you want to live the new life you have in me? I must put off my old life. I must turn away from my old life that was filled with deceitful and sinful practices. I must separate myself from evil of every kind. As part of putting off my old life, which could be called repentance, I will need to ask you to forgive and cleanse me of all my sin. I must allow you to be my Savior and Lord. I must receive your forgiveness and free gift of salvation. I must determine that I want to live my life with and for you. That is step one. That is very good.
What is the second step you must take if you want to live the new life you have in me? I must allow you to transform and renew my mind. Without a new mind, I would never be successful at leaving my old life behind. What will I use to transform and renew your mind? You will use your word to transform and renew my mind. You want me to let your word dwell in me richly. You want me to take your word deeply into my heart and mind and life. You want me to meditate on your word day and night. Your word will help me to think your thoughts. Your word will help me to speak your words. Your word will help me to do your deeds. To sum it all up, your word will help me to know and do your will as I allow you to transform and renew my mind. That is step two. That is very good.
What is the third step you must take if you want to live the new life you have in me? I must put on the new life I have in you. What will that look like? Well, that will be unfolding every day as I live my life with and for you. I know one thing for sure. What’s that? My new life in you will include living in an intimate relationship with you. I will draw near to you. You will draw near to me. I will follow you to where you lead me. I will do whatever you ask of me. I will keep on taking all three of these steps as I love, follow and serve you. That will be very good.
Lord, I will put off my old life. I will leave my old patterns and practices far behind me. Use your word to transform and renew my mind. Help me think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. I will keep on putting on the new life I have in you. Amen
Key Question… What practices from your old life did you leave behind so you could put on your new life in Christ?
Living It Out… Put off your old life, be renewed in your mind, and put on your new life in Christ.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to put off your old life, be renewed in your mind, and put on your new life in Him.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are putting on the new life you have in Christ.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you put off your old self, be renewed in your mind, and put on your new life in Christ.
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