Old Life Dies: New Life Begins
“Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires… and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22b, 24)
A big shout out to teachers who bring to light kingdom ways!
Paul lays out a sharp contrast between the old self and the new self in these fifteen verses and, in between, he credits those who were teaching the Ephesians how to live.
Old self: without understanding, hard hearted, insensitive, indulgent and lustful.
Then there came a teacher or teachers who made life in Christ understood. They insisted the Ephesians stop the old ways and explained the new ones. They taught of Jesus and his ways. Through the enlightening of the Spirit, the Ephesians got it. Paul continued teaching here.
New self: truthful, able to resolve anger, honest, working, generous, encouraging in conversation, kind, compassionate, and forgiving.
Do you teach a Sunday school class or a Bible study, lead a small group or an accountability gathering? You are doing great kingdom work. Whether or not you see great changes, you are doing divine things.
If there has been a particularly helpful teacher in your life, pray for him or her today. Let them know, if you can, what part they have played in your life. Part of the “new self” is to be encouraging in your conversation.
Donna B. Alder, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Roberts Wesleyan College and Vice Chair of the NBC Board of Trustees
Published: 05/13/2019
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