Put On the New Self
Date: January 25, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
Bible Scripture Verse – Ephesians 4:22-24
"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; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Listen for God’s Voice
Help me to let go of my past ways and the things that corrupt my mind, and give me the ability to renew my mind and thinking. Give me the strength and wisdom to live my life in a way that aligns with Your righteousness and holiness. Help me to bring glory to you through my actions and thoughts. Amen.
Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?
Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul around 60-62 AD while he was imprisoned in Rome. It was addressed to the Christians in Ephesus, and it was written to encourage the believers there to unite, even though they came from different backgrounds.
Paul was encouraging them to lead a life that was worthy of their calling, by speaking only the truth and working to maintain unity among themselves. He wanted them to put off their old self, the one that is corrupted by deceitful desires, and put on their new self, one that is right with God and follows His moral laws. A life that reflects God’s nature and way that is consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Study and Savor – Key Words
Put off: This refers to the act of letting go of or renouncing one's old ways of thinking and living that do not align with God's standards. It means to reject the things that are not in line with God's nature.
Put on: This refers to the act of adopting and embodying the new self, which is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. It means to adopt new ways of thinking and living that align with God's standards.
Renew: This refers to the process of changing one's mind, attitudes, and behaviors to align with God's standards. It means to change oneself to be more like God.
New self: This refers to the person we are supposed to become, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, who is living in line with God's standards, and making choices that honor God. It means becoming a person who is in line with God's nature.
Summarize and Share
How can we apply this scripture to our lives today? One way to do this is by actively seeking to live a life of integrity. This means being honest and truthful in our words and actions, treating others with kindness and respect, and making choices that honor God. We should also strive to live a life of purity, avoiding anything that would compromise our moral standards or lead us away from God.
Take a minute and reflect on any areas of your life that may not be aligned with God's standards. Ask God to reveal them to you and give you the strength and wisdom to make changes as needed. Then take the steps to renew your mind and start living in a way that brings glory to God through your thoughts and actions.
Bible Cross Reference
Colossians 3:9-10: "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."