The Way of Life

October 3, 2022

Ephesians 4:20-24 - "But that way of life is nothing like what you learned when you came to know Christ. I know that you heard about Him, and in Him you were taught the truth. Yes, the truth is in Jesus. You were taught to leave your old self. This means that you must stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self gets worse and worse, because people are fooled by the evil they want to do. You must be made new in your hearts and in your thinking. Be that new person who was made to be like God, truly good and pleasing to him."

Paul was teaching the fresh Gentiles-turned-Christians about their new life in Christ.  He uses imagery that makes you think of taking off a suit of clothes and putting on new - not just a single item, like a shirt or pair of shoes, but the whole kit and kaboodle.  The language he uses tells them that this new suit is something altogether different, not just a close imitation of what they've known, but brand spankin' minted new.  He described this change in the letter to the Corinthians as becoming a new creature - a new species.  

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, all things have become new." ~2 Corinthians 5:17  

Paul goes on to tell them that they can't do it on their own - but with the Holy Spirit, all things are possible.  Can you hear him talking to you?  Listen...hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit, "you are NEW. Every day you are renewed. I know you messed up, but God's love is greater.  Nothing can separate you from that love. Put off that old human and wear the new one proudly - I will help you every step of the way."