The believer can live at a higher level than they currently do. It depends on that person’s relationship with Jesus Christ. See 2 Peter 1:3. God has given us everything we need to live a life of godliness

1 – Things to put off (vs. 22)

• Old self – The old self has lost sensitivity and has a constant lust for more. The old self has to be put off if we are to live a life of godliness. The old clothes have to come off. It is part of our old nature. We have this naturally. We are born with it. If it is not put off, it will dominate. It cannot be changed by education.
• Deceitful desires – There is several lists mentioned in the Bible. E.g. Adultery, witchcraft, etc. We are sinners by nature. The old clothes must be taken off. When you take off the old clothes you are naked. You were used to your old clothes and will miss them. You need to put on the new self.

2 – Things to put on (vs. 24)

• New self – The new self replaces the old self. You don’t keep the old clothes – they are filthy rags. We are a new creation. We are partaking of the divine nature. We are created to be like God – “created IN Christ Jesus”. The old self is crucified. The new self may not seem as comfortable as the old self.
• Righteousness – The kind of clothes we wear reflects the role we are performing. In a funeral, wedding or in the garden, we dress appropriately.
• Holiness – God wants us to live in the attitude that was in Christ Jesus. Let the old go and put on the new. Is there a change in your life? Do you behave any differently from others? We are not to live as the world lives. See Romans 8 & Ephesians 4. It takes time to be holy.

3 – How does this happen?

• The mind – The mind has to be convinced. It needs to be focused. The mind is impacted by the truth and it changes a person.
• Repentance – There is a repentance of the old ways and a desire to follow a new and living way. The Christian is to live a victorious life. It is preparation for life in eternity.

Categories: Ephesians