MADE
NEW
Part
two of two
Ephesians
4:17-32
Ephesians
4:22-24: “You were taught, with regard
to your former way of life, to put off the old self, which is being corrupted
with its deceitful desires, so 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.”
On the path to discover our life’s
purpose, we discovered Jesus’ offer that was too good to pass up. (704dev Discovering
Purpose devotion). Since people will
be around after death, believers in Christ choose eternal life—heaven—over eternal
death—hell.
We learned that God’s gifts are
clues to that purpose. Now we can grow
through a couple issues God says is necessary for eternal life.
Jesus shocked Nicodemus on John
3:3. “I tell you
the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” “Kingdom of God” is code for “salvation.” People who
believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord already are born again—and are currently being
made new.
As the opening Scripture says, we
put off the old self. (We’re not that
person anymore). God’s indwelling Holy Spirit
transforms those who cooperate with Him to be “made new in the attitude of your
minds…created to be like God in righteousness and holiness.”
That’s the new self. Discovering life’s purpose begins with character
transformation. The lesson, linked
below, shows specific character traits of being made new. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a
new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“But the Son
of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Jesus said in Matthew
20:28. Believers copy Jesus’ role as
servant, properly managing talent, time and resources for service. This “kingdom work” shows the world whose we
are—believers belonging to God.
When Jesus comes again, our bodies
will also be made new! 1 Corinthians
15:53 promises, “For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable,
and the mortal with immortality.”
Glorified forever bodies!
Take Home Nugget
The most challenging step to
discover life purpose is to surrender our will to Jesus. For whatever our plans—nothing can surpass
the plans God has for us!
Are you in? Praying Galatians 2:20 each morning works: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no
longer live, but Christ lives in me…I live by faith in the Son of God, who
loved me and gave Himself for me.”
That’s how to live by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Now you’re in step with God. Everything that follows is God’s will for
your life. This is your purpose!
I purposely choose God’s purpose for my
life.
J.D.
Griffith
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