Week of August 12, 2024
As we continue in our study of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that the life we have in Christ is indeed new and different. As people who are in Christ, our lives should and will look different as the truth of Jesus enlightens us and motivates us to live according to God’s ways instead of the ways of the world. We will outwardly exhibit the spiritual renewal that the grace of Christ has already achieved.
Monday | Ephesians 4:17-24
How does Paul suggest our hearts and minds are connected in either rejecting God or believing in Him? In what ways have you been enabled to put off the old sinful self? How have you been able to see a new self-emerging that is more like Jesus? What deceitful desires still threaten to lead you astray?
Tuesday | Ephesians 4:25-5:6
Make a list of the specific behaviors/attitudes that Paul says to get rid of in these passages. Next to each, put the new way God calls us to live. How do each of these new attitudes and behaviors better reflect the character of God? How might they make life better for you and for those around you?
Wednesday | Colossians 3:1-14
As you read these verses, note the similarities to Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 4. What reasons or motivation does he give for putting on the new self in the first verses of this chapter? Which of the attributes in verses 12-14 would you like to “put on” more completely in your life? Spend time in prayer asking God to help you grow and develop as a new person in Christ.
Thursday | 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 12:1-2
In a very real sense, you are already “a new creation” through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. What does it mean to you that you are a new creation in Christ? Paul also says that we need to continue to be transformed. God is not done with the process yet. In what ways do you think God is working to renew your mind and your heart? How can you participate in the transforming work that God is doing?
Friday | Romans 6:1-12
In these verses, Paul uses the imagery of death and resurrection to talk about the renewal or transformation of the Christian life. How does being united with Christ in his death and resurrection speak to your desire and motivation to live a more holy life? What hope does Paul offer for us to believe that we can be renewed more and more into the people God calls us to be?
