Tag Archives: Ephesians 4:20-24

Put On The New Self

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Transformation - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Put On The New Self - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Transformation – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Put On The New 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)

Set Free

What happened to the old life that you once lived? It is dead and gone. It was left behind when I turned away from it and began to follow and serve you. You took me from being dead in my trespasses and sins and made me alive. I am now alive to you and dead to the sin I once lived in. Are you completely dead to sin and fully alive to me? That is a good question that I don’t fully understand. What don’t you understand? When I turned away from sin you made me alive in you. Yes, I did. Your Spirit came to live and dwell inside of me. Yes, He did. The power of sin over my life was broken. I was set free to live my life for you. Yes, you were. Your question is coming, isn’t it? Yes, it is. How come I still struggle with sin? It doesn’t seem completely dead to me. I know that I took off the old clothes of my sinful life. Yes, you did. Why then do I sometimes feel tempted to put those old and stinky clothes of the sinful life back on? It is like my old life and my new life are at war with each other. Yes they are, but I have already won the victory for you. You still live in a sin filled, broken world, that is filled with temptations. The world, sin and the devil will never stop waging war against you. Temptations will come your way. They came my way. You must stand against them. How will I do that? I’m sure that you already know the answer to your question.

You tell me, what have I given you to strengthen you so that you will be able to stand against temptation? You have given me your word. Yes, I have. What has my word done for you? Your word has been transforming and renewing my mind. Yes, it has. What has the world, sin and the devil been attempting to do? They are continually trying to corrupt my mind. Yes, they are. You must separate yourself from all their corruption and immerse yourself in my word. Let my word dwell in you richly. My word will set you free. My word will strengthen you against every attack of temptation and evil. My word will help you to put on the new life that I have given you to live. My word will transform and renew your mind so that you can think my thoughts and be able to know and do my will. Is that what you desire? Yes Lord, it is my delight and desire to live my life completely for you.

Lord, thank you for helping me to turn around and walk away from my old life when I came to know you. You helped me to set aside my old life as you renew my mind and help me put on the new life you have given me to live for you. Amen

Key Question… How has the Holy Spirit been renewing your mind and helping you to live your new life in Christ?

Living It Out… Allow the Holy Spirit to use God’s word to renew your mind and empower you to live your new life In Christ.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that Jesus Christ has made it possible for you to set aside your old life and live your new life in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Holy Spirit has been helping you to live your new life in Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you quietly and anonymously and generously give to others.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Transformation – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Put On The New Self – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                                               Copying not permitted                                                               http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

What You Learned About Christ

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The Virtuous Life - Day 198 - Ephesians 4-20-24 - What You Learned About Christ - Growing As Disciples

The Virtuous Life – Day 198 – Ephesians 4-20-24 – What You Learned About Christ – Growing As Disciples

But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.  Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.  Ephesians 4:20-24 (NLT)

Three Steps

Do you know that I have given you a new life to life in me? Do you know how to live the new life I have given you to live? Do you know the steps to take, so you will be able to live the new life I have given to you? Listen carefully to my question. There are steps to take. There is an order in which you must take these steps. But also, understand that you will never complete these steps. These steps will need to be reaffirmed daily. These steps must be implemented as you continue to love and follow and serve me. You are going to have to unpack all this for me. I need you to explain all of this in more detail, with greater clarity, so I can fully understand. Can you do that for me? I would be happy to explain all of this so you will be able to clearly understand. That will be great. Here we go. Listen attentively. I will.

Step one is putting off your old life. When you came to accept me as your Savior and Lord, that meant leaving your old life in the world. Doing so means you put off your old worldly and sinful thoughts, words, and actions. As part of that you must make a clean break with the world and all its evil. You must separate yourself from anything or anyone that would draw you draw you back into your old life of sin. Is that clear? That is quite clear. That’s good. 

Now step one will be impossible to complete without taking step two at the same time. In step two you will allow the power of my Holy Spirit, to use my word, to change your heart, renew your mind, and guide your life. The great news is that when you accepted me as your Savior and Lord, my Holy Spirit came to live and dwell inside of you. So, my Holy Spirit will be powerfully at work in you. You might call my Spirit’s work in you, “an inside job”. But you have a critical and vital role in the Holy Spirit’s role of powerfully working in you. What’s that? You must allow my word to dwell in you richly. How will I do that? You must meditate on my word day and night. You must meet with me daily in my word. The Holy Spirit will use my word like a sword to fight in you, with you, for you and through you. Is step two quite clear to you? Yes, it is quite clear. That’s good.

Now, step three flows out of step one and two. In step three, you will put on the new life you have in me. How will I do that? You will follow me to where I lead you. You will do what I ask of you. You will live in an intimate relationship with me. You will listen to my voice guiding you through life. You will live the life I have called you to live. Is this clear? Are all three steps clear? Quite clear. Will you take all three steps with me? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. 

Lord, I will put off all my old worldly thoughts, words, and actions. I will allow the Holy Spirit to use your word to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. Moment by moment and day by day, I will keep putting on the new life I have in you. Amen

Key Question…  How are you separating yourself from anything and anyone that would draw you back into your old life?

Living It Out…  Put off your old life, be renewed in your mind, and put on the new life you have 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 what your new life in Christ looks like today.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you put off your old life, be renewed in your mind, and put on your new life in Christ.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Devotional Study Guide click here

Day 198 – The Virtuous Life – Ephesians 4-20-24 – What You Learned About Christ – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                                                        Copying not permitted                                                                                    www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Put Off – Put On

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Put Off - Put On - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Put Off – Put On – 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)

Made New

Would you like to be made new? Do you want to put on the new life that I have given you to live? Yes, of course I want to be made new. I certainly do want to put on the new life that you have given me to live. How do you think I will make you new? How do you think I will make you able to live the life that I have given you to live? I know that I will play a role in you making me new. I am certain I will have a part in putting on the new life you have given me to live. How so?

If I want to be made new and put on the new life I have in you then I will need to leave my old life behind. That’s what I thought I did when I came to know you. I turned away from my old life of sin. I asked for your forgiveness of all my sin and cleansing of all my unrighteousness. You became my Savior and Lord. Yes, I did. But, there was a problem wasn’t there? Yes, there was. I didn’t make a clean break with my old life of sin. At times I wanted a completely new life in you. At other times I was drawn back into the sinful patterns, practices and values of my old life. It was like I was trying to live in two different worlds at the same time. That will never work. No, it won’t.

Why do you think you were having such a hard time putting off your old life? I was trying to put off my old life by my own efforts. I would try harder and fail. I would try harder and harder and fail even more. I was very discouraged and defeated. That isn’t your story now, is it? No, it isn’t. What happened to you? You rescued me from all my trying and all my failing. Yes, I did. How did I do that? You showed me that you have a tool that will help me to put off my old life and put on the new life you have given me to live. What tool is that and how does it work? Your tool is your word. Your word is the tool that is changing my heart and transforming my mind.  Without your word working in me I would have never been able to put off my old life and put on the new life that you have given me to live. But, your word has been changing my heart. Your word has been transforming my mind. Yes, it is. Now, I’m not interested in my old life. Now all I want to do is put on the new life that you have given me to live. You have changed my desires. You changed my life. You are making me new every day as I meet with you in your word. Yes, I am.

Lord, I have put off my old life. I have left behind all its patterns, practices, and values. I am all yours. You are my Savior and Lord. I will follow you. Renew my mind. Change all my thoughts, words, and deeds. Help me to put on the new life that I have in you. Amen

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Rhythms – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Put Off – Put On – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Were Taught In Him

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 50 - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Were Taught In Him - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 50 – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Were Taught In Him – 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)  

Been Taught

What have you been taught about your old life and your old self? My old life and old self are dead and gone. They no longer live. As of when, did your old life and old self die? On the day, I received a new life in you. Tell me more. What have I done for you? You broke the power of sin over my life. You made it so I can be forgiven of my sin and cleansed of my unrighteousness. My old sinful life, and my old selfish self, died on the cross with you. That is where, when, and how the power of sin was broken over my life. That is true. So, you have completely left your old life and old self behind when you received my salvation and allowed me to be your Savior and Lord? You are dead to sin and alive to me? Yes, that is true. So, you no longer have any difficulty with sinful thoughts, sinful words or sinful actions, is that correct? I would not say that. What would you say? I would say that my old life and old self try to live again. I’m glad that you know that to be true. But you have put off your old life and old self? Yes, that is true. What will help you to keep on continually putting off your old life and old self? What have I provided for you? You have given me your word. How will my word make you able to put off your old life and old self? Your word will change my heart. Your word will transform my mind. Your word will make me able to think your thoughts, speak your words, and do your deeds. Your word, and the power of your Holy Spirit, will fight in me, with me, for me and through me. Your word will guard and guide my life. Your word will make me able to resist temptation and fight against evil. Yes, my word and the power of my Holy Spirit will do all those things in, with, for and through you. What must you do with my word? If I want a changed heart and renewed mind, I must allow your word to dwell in me richly. That’s true. So, you have put off your old self, and are being renewed in your mind, what else must you do if you want to live a holy and righteous life in me? I must put on the new life I have in you. What does that mean? I must go where you guide me. I must do what you ask of me. I must live my life in an intimate relationship with you. Then I will be able to live the life that you have called me to live. That is true. Will you keep on putting off your old life and old self? Will you be renewed in your mind? Will you put on your new life in me? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, thank you for drawing me to you. You are now my Savior and Lord. I am dead to my old life. I have put off my old life and old self. Renew my mind with your word and the power of your Holy Spirit so I can live the new and righteous and holy life I have in you. Amen

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Promises – Day 50 – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Were Taught In Him – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Your Former Way

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Your Former Way - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Your Former Way – 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)

Your Former Way

What’s that over there? You know. Yes, I do. But I would like to hear you tell me what’s over there. Those are the stinky and dirty clothes of my old life. They no longer suit you do they? No, they do not. Why is that? You have given me a completely new life to live. So, you have taken off all those old clothes and thrown them away, is that right?  Yes, that’s right. You have no desire to put them back on and wear them again, is that right? That’s something that I would like to talk to you about.  Yes, I’m sure that you do. What’s on your mind? I know that this is hard to believe. Not really. But, I’m having a hard time. How so? At times, I want to put some of those old stinky and dirty clothes back on. Yes, I’ve noticed that. When are you having your greatest difficulty? I’m not sure what you mean? Are there any situations or circumstances that most tempt you to put those old stinky and dirty clothes back on? I’m still not sure how to answer that question. Have you made a clean break from your old manner of living? Are you allowing anything to feed the sinful desires, patterns and practices of your old life? I guess so. What you feed will grow. What you starve will die. If you really want to put on the new life I have for you then you will need to make a clean break with your old life. Now, I understand.

Let’s talk some more about a question I just asked you. What’s that? I asked what’s on your mind. Yes, you did. What’s on your mind is very important. How so? The world will continually bombard you with its patterns, practices, and values. You don’t want worldly thoughts on your mind. You will never be able to fully live the new life I have for you unless you allow my word to be on your mind. It is my word that will change your heart and transform your mind. When my word is in your heart and on your mind you will have no desire to put on those dirty and stinky clothes from your old life. I get it. Well, you understand what I am saying. You won’t really “get it” until you make meeting with me in my word an absolute priority in your life. Then you will have but one desire. What’s that? When you have put off the clothes of your old life and are allowing me to change your heart and renew your mind with my word, you will have a joy and passion to fully put on and live out the new life that I have given to you. Then you will want nothing else. Then the clothes of your old life will be really repulsive to you. Then you will only want to see and put on the new clothes that I have given you to wear as you live your life with and for me. That is what I want with all my heart! Yes, I can see that and so you will. 

Lord, thank you for the new life I have been given. I have left my old life and its practices behind me. Your word is changing my heart and transforming my mind. I’m excited to put on and live out the new life I have in you. Amen

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Life – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Your Former Way – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Put Off Your Old Self

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 74 - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Put Off Your Old Self - Growing As Disciples

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

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Day 74 – Becoming Like Christ – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Put Off Your Old Self – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Taught In Him

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Taught In Him - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Taught In Him – 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)

Made New

On the day you left your life of sin and turned it over to me, I made you brand new. On the cross, I paid for your sins and cleansed you of all your unrighteousness. I broke the chains that bound you. I freed you from the sin that had entangled you. I made you dead to sin and alive to me. You put off the dirty, stinky clothes of your old life to live a completely new life in me. Yes, I did. In an instant I knew that I was different. I couldn’t explain it then. But now I know that on that day, your Holy Spirit came to live and dwell inside of me. I was born again. I was adopted into your family. You made me to be your child. Yes, I did.

I do have a question. Go ahead and ask it. On the day that I turned my life over to you, I was changed. Many of my old sinful patterns and practices fell off me like old and dirty stinky clothes that I would never wear again. That’s true. Some of my old sinful patterns and practices did not fall off me like old and dirty stinky clothes. I hate to say this, but I even had strong and powerful desires to put back on some of those old and stinky dirty clothes from my old life. I’m sorry to say that sometimes I did give into strong and powerful desires, patterns and practices of old life. Since the day I started following you, I have had many battles with completely putting off my old life. Are you coming to your question? Yes, I am. Why have I had battles with my old life? Why did some of my old sinful desires, patterns and practices fall off me while others tried to hold on tightly to me? How can I put off my old life and put on the new life that I have in you? Those are good questions. What does my word say? I’m not sure what you are asking me. You have your old life. You have your new life. Is there anything in between that is meant to make you able to put off your old life and put on your new life? Let me look closely. That is a very good idea. 

I now know what you are pointing out to me. What’s that? In between putting off my old life and putting on my new life is your word. You want to use your word to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. Your Holy Spirit will use your word like a sword to fight in me, with me, and for me. Your word will change all my thoughts, words, and deeds. Your word will make me able to know and do your will. Your word will make me able to stand against temptation and resist evil in the world. It is the Holy Spirit using your word that will make me able to put off the old and put on the new life I have in you. That’s right. Every day I will use my word to mold and shape your life. Every day, you will be made new as my word continues to work in your life. I will welcome your word into my life. I will let your word dwell in me richly. That will be very good. 

Lord, use your word to change my heart and transform my mind and guide my life so that I will be able to put off the old dirty, stinky rags of my old corrupt life of sin. Help me to put on the completely new and clean and fresh life that you have called me to live. Amen

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Discipleship – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Taught In Him – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Renewed

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Renewed - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Renewed – Growing As Disciples

But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (ESV) 

Changed Heart And Renewed Mind

I have broken the power of sin and darkness over your old life. When you turned away from you sin and gave your life to me, I forgave your sin and cleansed you of all your unrighteousness. I washed you and gave you a completely new and fresh life to live in me. I set you on a firm foundation. You began, and are continuing, to love, follow and serve me. Your old life, that you once lived, is now like a set of dirty and stinky old clothes. You took them off. They have been thrown away. There is nothing that should be appealing about them. You should have no desire to put those dirty and stinky old clothes, of your old life, back on. Then I have a question. Go ahead, ask your question, I’m listening. I have a problem. What’s that? I don’t know how, I’m not sure why, but somehow and sometimes I am tempted to put back on those dirty and stinky clothes of my old life. I’ve noticed that.

It is your desire to put off your old life and put on the new life that I have called you to live. Yes, I want to completely and fully live the new life you have called me to live. You are having difficulty putting off your old life and putting on your new life in me. Yes, there has been an ongoing battle in my heart and mind over what kind of life I will live. I am glad that you have identified the battle ground. You are right to say that the battle that rages in you is in your heart and mind. You cannot change your heart. You cannot transform your mind. On your own you cannot win the battle that is raging in your heart and mind. I’m certain of that. I have already won that battle for you. You need to live and walk in the victory that I have secured for you. How will I do that? How will I change your heart and transform your mind? What tool have I made available to you, that will change your heart and transform your mind? What tool will make you able to keep putting off your old life and keep putting on your new life? You have given me your word. That’s right. Let my word dwell in you richly. Meditate on my word day and night. As my word dwells in you, the Holy Spirit will take my word and use it like a sword to fight in you, with you and for you. My word will strengthen you. My word will make you able to stand against temptation. My word will make you able to put off your old life and put on the new life I have already given you to live. Will you allow my word to change your heart and transform your mind? Yes Lord, I will let your word dwell in me richly as I meditate on it day and night. I will allow your word to change my heart and transform my mind. That will be very good. 

Lord, thank you for breaking the power that my old life had over me. Thank you for making it possible for me to live a new life in you. Use your word to renew and transform my mind as I put off my old life and put on the new life that you have given me to live. Amen

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Be – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Renewed – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

New Self

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Ephesians 4:20-24- New Self - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Ephesians 4:20-24- New 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)  

Made New 

I will put off my old life. I will leave behind all my old sinful patterns and practices. I will distance myself from evil of every kind. I will let nothing into my life that feeds deceitful desires. I will run from situations that are likely to tempt me. I separate myself from anyone that encourages the wrong thoughts, words and deeds to grow in me. This does not mean that I will not minister to those who do not know you. I will still pray for and serve those who have not yet come to you. I will reach out to those who appear to be far from you. That’s good. I do know that I will not be able to remove myself from this world. I will still live in this world that is filled with corruption. But, I will not allow myself to be of this world. I will not allow the world to conform me to its values, patterns and practices. These thoughts are all very good. You have already put off your old life when you turned your life over to me. Yes, I know, that is what I have done. I am affirming that this is what I will continue to do. That will be very good. 

Do you know what I will use to help you to keep on putting off your old life? Do you know the tool that I will use to continue to change your heart and transform your mind? Yes, I do. You will use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. How will I use my word to change your heart and transform your mind? As I meet with you in your word you will apply it to my life. As I let your word dwell in me richly, you will use your word to change my thoughts, words, and deeds. Your word will help me to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. Your word will help me to know your will and walk in your ways. Your word will enable me to stand against temptation and evil that is in this world. Yes, my word will do all these things in, for and through you. 

What will you do as you continue to put off your old life and let my word change your heart and transform your mind? I will put on the new life that you give me to live. How will do that? I will go where you guide me. I will do whatever you ask of me. I will be at your service. I will allow you to use me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. That will be very good.

Lord, help me to put off my old life and its’ way of thinking, speaking and acting. Use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. Give me new ways to think, speak and act. Help me to put on the new righteous life you have given me to live with you. Amen

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Identity – Ephesians 4-20-24 – New Self – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study

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Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

You Were Taught

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Ephesians 4:20-24 - You Were Taught - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Ephesians 4:20-24 – You Were Taught – 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)

 

Put Off, Renew, Put On

 

Do you want to be like me? Do you want to live the new life that I have given you to live? Do you want to live a righteous and holy life that is pleasing to me? Yes, I do want to be like you. I want to live the life that you have given me to live. I want to live a righteous and holy life that is pleasing to you. How can all that be possible? Is there something that I must do? That is a very good question. Yes, there is something that you must do.

When I called you to come to me, you left your old life to follow me. You turned away from your sins and asked me to forgive and cleanse you of all your unrighteousness. You said that you would follow me as your Savior and Lord. Is all of this true? Yes, that is all true. I have forgiven you of all your sins and cleansed you of all your unrighteous. I have given you a new life to live in me now and forever. I have been leading you through life as your Lord and Savior. You are my child. One day you will come to live forever in heaven with me. Then everything is all good. You think so? Well, maybe not. I’m not positive that I’m really living the life you have given me to live. You mentioned that there is something I must do if I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. Yes, I did. Would you like me go over what you must do if you want to live a righteous and holy life that is pleasing to me? Yes, I would.

Actually there are three things you must do if you want to live the life I have given you to live. You must first put off your old life. Your old life is like old dirty, stinky clothes. Once you have completely taken them off, don’t ever put them back on again. Make sure that you don’t let any remnants of your old life remain with you. Take a thorough inventory and get rid of whatever no longer suits you as one of my followers. Don’t ever go back and to try those smelly clothes on again. Do you understand all of this? Yes, I do. You will have temptations and battles against your old life of sin. As awful as it sounds, you will be tempted to put back on the dirty, stinky clothes of your old life. I will strengthen you in your battle against this temptation and sin. How will you do that? You will be part of what I will do in you. Here is what you must do next. You must let me change your heart and renew your mind with my word. How can I do that? You must feast on my word. You must allow my word to dwell in you richly. You must meditate on my word day and night. You must hide my word in your heart. As you do this I will be changing your heart and renewing your mind. As my word dwells in you richly you will be able to stand against temptation and sin. You will be able to leave the clothes of your old life behind. Do you believe what I am saying to you? Yes, I believe you. Why is that? I know that you already have been changing my heart and renewing my mind. Yes, that’s true. What else have I been doing in you? What else have I been teaching you? You have been teaching me how to put on the new life that you have given me to live. Yes, I have. That is what you will do next and keep on doing as I lead you through life.

Lord, thank you for making it possible for me to come to know you. You have taught me how to remove the stinky clothes of my old life. You are using your word to change my heart and renew my mind. You are helping me to put on the new life I have in you. Amen

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Knowing God – Ephesians 4-20-24 – You Were Taught – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com