Because there is an essential difference between the believer and their old life, we need to implement the “Put Off”/”Put On” principle that is outlined in Ephesians 4:22-24. Christians grow by stopping what is wrong (either in their heart or behavior) and REPLACING sinful approaches with ones that please the Lord. The beauty is that this happens both positionally and practically the moment we trust Christ. In the account books of heaven, we laid aside the old self (Ephesians 4:22), and the new self was placed upon us (Ephesians 4:24). Practically speaking, now we must put of what is wrong behavior, and replace it with what is right as outlined in the Word of God. In the power of Christ, God’s people stop doing what is wrong and start doing what is right. This process is accomplished through the renewing of our minds (Ephesians 4:23). As we live the Christian life, the principles and precepts of the Word of God are written on our hearts, and change will take place. There is an element of the will that is connected to the transformation that comes with Christ, so that our motivation for change is not to gain merit for our … READ MORE

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 … READ MORE

Looking at sinful bitterness through the lens of God’s Fatherly discipline is one of those principles that will give us an ability to stand firm in the face of trials and difficulties. So often sinful bitterness could be avoided if we would choose to view our situation through the lens of sanctifying purposes of our loving heavenly Father. Hebrews 12:15 reminds us, “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by this many become defiled;” As we see purpose in our circumstances, we can bear up under the weight of the trial. The bottom line is that bitter people will be in regular turmoil with themselves, with the Lord, and with the other peo[le around them. If we allow God’s discipline to have its intended effect, the resulting sanctification will make it far easier to live at peace with others. … READ MORE