“Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress.” Timothy 4:15
INTRODUCTION
Our old way of life before we believed in Christ is completely in the past. We should put it behind us like old clothes to be thrown away. When we decide to accept Christ’s gift of salvation, it is both a one-time decision, as well as a daily conscious commitment. We must put on the new nature, head in the new direction, and have the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING
1A. So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
- That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
- Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
- Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:17-32.
2A. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
- B. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
- For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
- D. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. – Ephesians 5:1-21
The moment we give our life to Jesus, He gives us a brand-new nature. But we will still have old habits, patterns, and practices that need to be removed and replaced. It’s a lifelong process, but here are two bits of guidance to help us on the journey:
- LET GO OF THE FEARS THAT KEEP US FROM GROWING.
The truth will set us free, but it often makes us miserable first. The fear of what we might discover if we honestly face our character defects can keep us living in the prison of denial. Only as God is allowed to shine the light of His truth on our faults, failures, and hang-ups can we begin to work on them. This is why we cannot grow without a humble, teachable attitude.
- STOP BASING OUR IDENTITY AROUND OUR “DEFECTS.”
We say, “It’s just like me to be . . .” or “It’s just the way I am.” The unconscious worry is that if we let go of our hurt, hang-up, or habit, we won’t know who we are anymore. This fear can definitely slow our growth.
Remember that our character is the sum total of our habits—and good habits take time to develop. We can’t claim to have integrity unless it’s our habit to always be honest. A husband who is faithful to his wife most of the time is not faithful at all! Our habits define our character.
Remember: We have to practice every day the habits that will make us more like Christ.
TO PONDER:
- What bad habit have you let define you?
- How can you humble yourself and demonstrate that you are ready to face your hang-ups?
- What do you need to change about your life—such as your schedule, who you hang out with, or the thoughts you dwell on—so that you can work every day to develop better habits?
CONCLUSION
Our sins separate us from God. And it is only God’s grace that can get us back into right relationship with Him—that can give us a new nature.
The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” – Ephesians 2:8-9.
Inspired by Rick Warren’s Daily Hope.
Stay blessed!
Please note: The preaching programme on Sunny 88.7 FM (Tuesdays at 5:30 a.m.) has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us for our Radio Bible Study on Asempa 94.7 FM every Sunday at 5:30 a.m. and YFM 107.9 every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. Also, tune in to Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. for Hymns and Their Stories.
