Put on the New Self

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Put on the New Self

Date: Aug. 25, 2016

Passage

Ephesians 4:17-24 (ESV)

17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!—21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 4:24

and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

First, put off the old self (17-22). Although applied to the Gentiles, verses 17-19 describe generally people apart from God and corrupted by sin. The futile thinking, darkened understanding and separation from God come from a hardened heart, leading to immorality and greed. These deceitful desires corrupt a person thoroughly. This old self has no choice in the matter. But in Christ God has opened a new way, a new life. We are called to put off this old self, as in Christ we are no longer beholden to it.

Second, put on the new self (23-24). In the gospel of God we are taught a new way of life, in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. This new way of life begins with our minds, which needs to be made new in the attitude of our minds. We are called to actively put on this new self. The new self is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me a new life in Christ. Help me to put off my old self daily and live the new life in Christ.

One Word: Put on the new self

Worthy is Jesus the Lamb

Revelation 5:1-14

Key Verse: 5:12

saying with a loud voice,

  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
  to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
  and honor and glory and blessing!”

Today's Question

What does the fifth commandment forbid?

See answer and references