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.
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