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Ephesians 4:22-24 - Experiencing the New Life in Christ.

Ephesians 4:22-24 - Experiencing the New Life in Christ.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) 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; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your 
minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true 
righteousness and holiness. 

Ephesians 4:22-24 (CWR) Take off the old self with its previous 
conduct, which continues to degenerate into corruption and deceitful 
lusts. 23 Renew your hearts each day by committing yourself to Christ. 
Determine to live totally for Him. 24 This is what it means to be a new 
person in Christ, recreated to be like God, who is truly good and 
holy. 

   People should be able to see a difference between Christians 
and non-Christians because of the way Christians live. Paul told the 
Ephesians to leave behind the old life of sin, since they were now 
followers of Christ. Our old way of life before we believed in Christ 
should be viewed as being "in the past." We should put it behind us 
like old clothes to be thrown away. We are not to be driven by desire 
and impulse. Although we have a new nature, we don't automatically 
think all good thoughts and express all right attitudes. We must put 
on the new nature, head in the new direction, and have the new way 
of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives.  
   Living the Christian life is a process. Accepting Christ's 
gift of salvation is both a one-time decision and a renewed 
commitment every day. Although change can be slow, God shapes you as you 
continue trusting him. If we keep listening to and obeying God, we will 
be changing all the time.  
   As you look back over last year, do you see a process of 
change for the better in your thoughts, attitudes, and actions? How can 
you renew your commitment today and tomorrow? [One Year NLT SB re 
Eph. 4:17-24] 

   Jill Briscoe writes, "It's hard to learn dependence when 
you've done a halfway decent job without it."  
   She's referring, of course, to dependence on the Lord. She 
illustrates her point by alluding to her work as a schoolteacher. 
Considering her exceptional talents, she most likely was doing far better 
than "a halfway decent job." Yet her teaching at school was quite 
different from her weekend youth work when she would "pray hard, trust 
God, and make sure I was in my Bible." She relied more on herself 
when she was teaching, but "then it dawned on me that Jesus wanted to 
be fully involved in my classroom. I began to 'trust and obey' at 
school and I was amazed at the results."  
   School, work, ball games, family visits, driving the freeway 
- in every situation, we have the golden opportunity to invite the 
Lord not only to come with us but to call the shots. When we do that, 
we don't feel limited; rather, we're freed up to see God at work.  
   As we increasingly practice the presence of Christ, we find 
ourselves looking for his surprise visits. Whether eating with colleagues 
or friends, writing a letter, or texting, we cultivate a readiness 
to obey and an expectancy that opens the way to fresh spiritual 
insights.  
   Calling on God deepens and stretches us. At the same time, it 
makes us aware of our need for his help and inspiration.  
   Two well-known songs many of us have sung may sum it up: 
"Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus," and 
"I need thee every hour."  
   Jill says when she learned in her teaching to allow God to 
direct her in all her activities, "the difference was astonishing. So 
many wonderful things began happening."  
   Father, as I go through my day, help me to check in with you 
and to be aware of your presence. Bring me to the point where, 
instead of just plunging ahead, I'm relying on you to call the shots and 
guide my thoughts.  
   Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your 
new nature, created to be like God - truly righteous and holy. 
Ephesians 4: 23-24, NLT [The One Year Book of Encouragement by Harold 
Myra] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20041202-0728.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/

Grace Notes: http://www.e-gracenotes.org/index.php

Excellent Spiritual Resource Site: 
http://www.christianlifemediacenter.com/   

More Spiritual Resources: http://www.aBible.com