You were taught to change the way you were living. The person you used to be will ruin you through desires that deceive you.
Ephesians 4:22 GW
As recipients of God’s grace and spiritual gifts, we are called to faithfully serve and grow in our faith. Our growth is not merely a personal journey. It is a responsibility we carry as part of our commitment to Christ. Consequently, we must no longer live as unbelievers (v17). We must no longer live in the sinful way of life we are used to. We are encouraged to break free from the patterns of our past- the old self that can lead us astray and hinder our spiritual progress.
But this is not the way of life that Christ has unfolded within you. If you have really experienced the Anointed One, and heard his truth, it will be seen in your life; for we know that the ultimate reality is embodied in Jesus!
Ephesians 4:20-21 TPT
On the contrary, it is not enough to claim faith. The truth of Christ should be evident in our daily lives. Our actions, attitudes, and choices must align with the principles of love, grace, and righteousness that Jesus exemplified. So, as we experience Christ’s love, we are called to undergo a profound inward transformation. Our hearts and minds must be renewed to reflect God’s image. This allows us to become vessels of goodness and pleasure in His sight. Through Christ’s truth, believers are empowered to overcome the deceptive desires of the old self.
You were taught to leave your old self. This means that you must stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self gets worse and worse, because people are fooled by the evil they want to do. You must be made new in your hearts and in your thinking. Be that new person who was made to be like God, truly good and pleasing to him.
Ephesians 4:22-24 ERV
Albeit, living in Christ is a continuous process of growth and renewal. The journey of renewal requires diligence in leaving behind the old sinful habits. The old self may try to resurface, but through steadfast devotion to Christ, we can overcome its influence. So, if we have really experienced Christ and are saved, if we remain in union with Christ, and if His truth dwell in us, it will be evident. The old self diminishes as we embrace the new life. Meanwhile, as long as we remain in Christ and His truth, the old sinful nature must be done away with. We should continue to portray the righteousness and holiness that represents the Christ life in us.
