Our Daily Dose
Day 226 of 365 · Week 33 · Daniel’s Wisdom
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Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New
Ephesians 4:17-32
Scripture · Ephesians 4:17-32
17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. 19Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more. 20But this is not the way you came to know Christ. 21Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus— 22to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. 26“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. 29Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
Paul contrasts the life of the believer with the life of those who are separated from God, urging Christians to put off their old self, with its corrupt practices, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Exegesis and Study
- Putting Off the Old Self: The “old self” refers to the sinful nature and lifestyle that characterized the believer before coming to faith in Christ. This old self is corrupted by deceitful desires that lead away from God. Paul calls believers to actively reject this old way of living, which involves a decisive break from sinful habits, thoughts, and attitudes.
- Putting On the New Self: In contrast, the “new self” is created to be like God, reflecting His righteousness and holiness. This transformation is not just a superficial change but a deep renewal of the mind and heart, made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to live out this new identity by embracing the virtues and behaviors that align with God’s character.
Practical Application
- Identifying and Rejecting the Old Self: Practically, this involves self-examination to identify areas of life where the old self still exerts influence. This might include addressing habitual sins, unhealthy thought patterns, or negative attitudes. Rejecting the old self requires intentional actions, such as confessing sins, seeking accountability, and replacing sinful behaviors with godly practices.
- Cultivating the New Self: Putting on the new self involves actively pursuing righteousness and holiness. This can be done by regularly engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and worship, which renew the mind and strengthen the heart in godliness. Additionally, practicing virtues like kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in daily interactions helps to solidify the new self’s influence in our lives.
Prayer Guide
- Pray for the Strength to Reject the Old Self: Ask God to help you identify areas where the old self still has a hold on you. Pray for the strength and determination to
reject these old ways and to live in the freedom that Christ offers.
- Pray for the Renewal of Your Mind: Reflect on the need for a renewed mind and heart. Pray for the Holy Spirit to continually renew your thoughts and attitudes, enabling you to put on the new self and live in true righteousness and holiness.
This devotional is one day from Our Daily Dose, a 365-day journey through Scripture by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
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Scripture is shown in public-domain translations, so you can share it freely. The study text is from Our Daily Dose by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.