Today’s devotion title, "New Thinking Equals New Living” stirs up a lot of thoughts and ideas about what a “new” life looks like. Maybe it’s something you’ve thought about too. Let’s try something; how about we begin with backwards thinking. Yes, you read that correctly, backwards thinking, and no it’s not the same as playing a record backwards as if searching to hear a secret message. I’m suggesting reading back through this week’s devotions; yesterday’s “New Way to Think” all the way back to Monday’s “He Chose Me....Wow!” And hey, while you’re at it, spend another 20 minutes reading through the book of Ephesians.
God doesn’t want us thinking how the world thinks. He says if we renew our minds with the word of God, we’re going to be able to actually live differently from the way the world lives. We’re going to be able to live transformed lives instead of conforming to the world’s way of thinking.
We are going to look at a few different passages in chapters four and five to help cement the idea of this new mindset and new life.
Ephesians 4:1-2 “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
We are to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called”
Ephesians 4:25-29 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, 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.”
Paul is describing for us what the renewed mind and new self looks like. As we read these contrasts, I want us to remember that this is not simply a behavior change: “stop this and do this.” These actions come from the renewing of the mind. As our minds are being taken out of the world and into the Word, then we will stop certain behaviors and will participate in other behaviors.
Ephesians 5:1-2 “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.”
Imitate God.
Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus is transformative and should lead to a complete life change, highlighting the new identity believers have in Christ and the resulting impact on their relationships and actions in the world; essentially, it calls for a "putting on of the new self" through Christ's work.
Are you ready for a new life? Not just a better life, a NEW life! Your thoughts matter. Thinking God’s thoughts is vital for change.
YOU HAVE A CHOICE IN WHAT YOU THINK.
God doesn’t want us thinking how the world thinks. He says if we renew our minds with the word of God, we’re going to be able to actually live differently from the way the world lives. We’re going to be able to live transformed lives instead of conforming to the world’s way of thinking.
We are going to look at a few different passages in chapters four and five to help cement the idea of this new mindset and new life.
Ephesians 4:1-2 “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
We are to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called”
Ephesians 4:25-29 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, 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.”
Paul is describing for us what the renewed mind and new self looks like. As we read these contrasts, I want us to remember that this is not simply a behavior change: “stop this and do this.” These actions come from the renewing of the mind. As our minds are being taken out of the world and into the Word, then we will stop certain behaviors and will participate in other behaviors.
Ephesians 5:1-2 “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.”
Imitate God.
Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus is transformative and should lead to a complete life change, highlighting the new identity believers have in Christ and the resulting impact on their relationships and actions in the world; essentially, it calls for a "putting on of the new self" through Christ's work.
Are you ready for a new life? Not just a better life, a NEW life! Your thoughts matter. Thinking God’s thoughts is vital for change.
YOU HAVE A CHOICE IN WHAT YOU THINK.