Old & New - Eph 4:17-32
"...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." Ephesians 4:22b-24
"...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." Ephesians 4:22b-24
Yesterday we looked at Paul's description of mature and immature believers. That maturity and immaturity can be seen even more clearly in today's passage. Believers are told not to be like the Gentiles (or non-believers) around them. Their understanding is darkened and they are separated by God because of their ignorance of Christ. Their hearts are hardened. No longer sensitive to evil they pursue sensuality to the fullest, indulging in impurity and greed. The Gentiles of Paul's day are the same as today, and we are not supposed to be like them!
So what's the difference? When we became Christians we were made new, but we did not instantaneously stop being like the world around us. Look at the verses above - if we are not putting off our old self, then we are being corrupted by our old self's deceitful desires! This is our work and it is a process called sanctification (which simply means to be made holy). Being holy and righteous like God is the result of putting on this new self (v. 24)!
This process of sanctification begins with changing the attitude of your mind. Start by recognizing your own "old self." As you read through the "old self" activities it can be easy to think of the sins or shortcomings of others, but that is not Paul's goal. You and I are ultimately responsible for our own actions or own self. Focus on your own sanctification first and then speak to others in truth with love.
Pray:
Father, You have been faithful to save me and make me a new creation. Just as You have been faithful to me, help me and my church family remain faithful to you by seeking to put off our "old selves" and become more like You. Amen. Challenge:
Verses 25-32 tells us what we need to stop doing like the world and how to act instead, like the new creation we are in Christ, and Paul even gives us reasons why. List each of these out and prayerfully consider at least one that you can focus on putting off and putting on through the love and strength found in Christ.
CLIMB DAY 9
"Slow and steady wins the race." "I think I can, I think I can." "Just keep walking." These are just a few phrases our climbers may be playing on repeat in their minds. Today is another short (3.4 miles) trek that will seem endless, as it takes most climbers 3 to 5 hours to complete. It is a steady uphill hike, ascending 2000 feet, filled with lots of breaks and rests.
While mental stamina plays a part in our team’s ability to continue to put one foot in front of the other, so does the reality that in less than 24 hours they will be summiting. They must keep their wits about them. Entering the arctic zone means lower, even plummeting temperatures. In good weather, this is bearable, but in rain, fog, and wind, discouragement creeps in quickly. There is one final challenge today, climbing the Barafu Ridge. This trail up to the top of the ridge, where our team will camp for a few brief hours this evening, is another steep path. Thankfully, while it requires scrambling and weaving like the Barranco Wall, it is not nearly as high or long of a trek.
Once in camp, our team will make their final preparations for the summit tomorrow. There is no knowing how everyone will feel. Some will be excited with anticipation, others are counting the minutes until this is over and they can get off the mountain. It is important to get what rest they can. They will take in an early dinner and turn in for the "night." It will not be much of a night though as tomorrow's trek begins at midnight.
Pray for the weather to be sunny and clear for the rest of the hike. For the hikers to stay warm, that they would sweat minimally (it will cause their clothes to get wet and their bodies to become cold), and God would protect them from hypothermia. Strength and endurance to continue going.
So what's the difference? When we became Christians we were made new, but we did not instantaneously stop being like the world around us. Look at the verses above - if we are not putting off our old self, then we are being corrupted by our old self's deceitful desires! This is our work and it is a process called sanctification (which simply means to be made holy). Being holy and righteous like God is the result of putting on this new self (v. 24)!
This process of sanctification begins with changing the attitude of your mind. Start by recognizing your own "old self." As you read through the "old self" activities it can be easy to think of the sins or shortcomings of others, but that is not Paul's goal. You and I are ultimately responsible for our own actions or own self. Focus on your own sanctification first and then speak to others in truth with love.
Pray:
Father, You have been faithful to save me and make me a new creation. Just as You have been faithful to me, help me and my church family remain faithful to you by seeking to put off our "old selves" and become more like You. Amen. Challenge:
Verses 25-32 tells us what we need to stop doing like the world and how to act instead, like the new creation we are in Christ, and Paul even gives us reasons why. List each of these out and prayerfully consider at least one that you can focus on putting off and putting on through the love and strength found in Christ.
CLIMB DAY 9
"Slow and steady wins the race." "I think I can, I think I can." "Just keep walking." These are just a few phrases our climbers may be playing on repeat in their minds. Today is another short (3.4 miles) trek that will seem endless, as it takes most climbers 3 to 5 hours to complete. It is a steady uphill hike, ascending 2000 feet, filled with lots of breaks and rests.
While mental stamina plays a part in our team’s ability to continue to put one foot in front of the other, so does the reality that in less than 24 hours they will be summiting. They must keep their wits about them. Entering the arctic zone means lower, even plummeting temperatures. In good weather, this is bearable, but in rain, fog, and wind, discouragement creeps in quickly. There is one final challenge today, climbing the Barafu Ridge. This trail up to the top of the ridge, where our team will camp for a few brief hours this evening, is another steep path. Thankfully, while it requires scrambling and weaving like the Barranco Wall, it is not nearly as high or long of a trek.
Once in camp, our team will make their final preparations for the summit tomorrow. There is no knowing how everyone will feel. Some will be excited with anticipation, others are counting the minutes until this is over and they can get off the mountain. It is important to get what rest they can. They will take in an early dinner and turn in for the "night." It will not be much of a night though as tomorrow's trek begins at midnight.
Pray for the weather to be sunny and clear for the rest of the hike. For the hikers to stay warm, that they would sweat minimally (it will cause their clothes to get wet and their bodies to become cold), and God would protect them from hypothermia. Strength and endurance to continue going.