We need to build a strategy from growth and change as a believer, and that change must be built on the foundation of the gospel. We need to understand that there is an essential difference in our who we are now that we are a follower of Jesus Christ. The Doctrinal truths found in Ephesians are not given in a vacuum. God is most honored when His children make genuine, specific concrete changes in and through His power. The principles found in Ephesians 4:17-2 can go a long way toward helping us achieve that purpose. We are given a contrast between an unbelieving lifestyle in verse 22 and the saved lifestyle in verse 24. The hinge on which this contrast turns is essential for understanding the nuts and bolts of how to change. Verse 22 speaks about an approach to life that is characterized as “being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit.” The opposite of this approach is seen in verse 24, which is to live “in the likeness of God” according to the “righteousness and holiness of the truth.” This means that spiritual growth requires a gospel-centered focus on living less by our feelings and desires ad more by the principles of God’s eternal Word. While living this way is not easy, we must remember that it is not dependent on our strength and wisdom. Running to the throne of grace to find mercy and grace in our time of need, means that we choose to be a visible representative of our invisible God and living by the principles of His Word. The power of the gospel message is that we have been united to Christ for moments like this.
