Counter Culture: Step Out Rethink Step In

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, 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 4:22-24)

Paul described three parts to living this day as a Christ-follower:

ctc_3501) Step out of your old self; don’t live the way you used to — or the way others without Christ live now. The old self was your only option before you knew God through Jesus. The old self fits like a glove, lives for what feels good, and hates being told what to do (especially by God).

2) Change your mind. Better: Learn to think all new thoughts. Ask God to make you think like Jesus.

3) Step into your new self again today. It’s the version of you that became possible the moment you trusted in Jesus for your salvation. By God’s power, you can make godly choices all day long. It doesn’t always feel natural to live in the new self, but it’s always right. And you’ll never regret it when the day is done.

Think: Are you ever aware of having to make a conscious choice to “put off” your old self and “put on” the new self? Is it ever a hard choice?

Pray: Ask God to help you to put off your old self, to be renewed in your mind to think like Jesus, and to put on the new self today.

Do: Make 2 lists: 5 things you know are “old self” choices and 5 things you know are “new self” choices.