Ephesians 4:17-32 THE OLD WAY HAS TO GO
Now that we have Jesus, there's no longer a reason for us to live without purpose. There's no longer a reason for us to give ourselves over to self-indulgent immorality.
"Everything connected with that old way of life HAS to go..."
Often times, we're tempted.. And often times, we give in. But since we are now in Christ, we should no longer be controlled by our sin but by HIM. It's hard... I know.... But you'll see the results of your decision soon enough to prove that HIS way is the BEST.
We are to put off our old selves by desires that deceptively promised joy but did not give it; we are to allow the Holy Spirit to renew our thought patterns, changing them from impurity to holiness. We are to "put on the new man".
When we serve Christ, when we start listening by reading His word, by constant prayer, we are transformed to His likeness. No more lies, no more pretense... When you lie to others, you only end up lying to yourself.
"Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry-- but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the enemy that kind of foothold in your life."
"Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift."
"Don't grieve God. Don't break His heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.
"Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and as thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you."
Living a new life in Christ is a decision... though this process takes time, and there are no shortcuts. The transformation is never complete until death. He who has ongoing fellowship with the Lord through His Word comes to decisions equipped with a biblically informed way of thinking.
Knowing God's will at major decision points is much easier if you are seeking God's will everyday in Bible reading and prayer.
(TheMessage BIBLE)
(:
ReplyDelete