Off With the Old
From the Armor Series
“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV
Hey friend!
We have been discussing the breastplate of righteousness in our series and how important it is to the rest of the armor laid out in Ephesians 6. Do you struggle sometimes with this piece of armor? I’ll be honest. Sometimes this piece has tripped me up the most. I’ve wrestled with moments of wanting to go my own way instead of God’s way. It’s that constant battle between the flesh and the spirit that we all deal with. However, the more time I spend in God’s word and allow Him to transform me then the easier it becomes to walk in His ways.
Ephesians 4:22-24 says, “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Friend, how do we put off the old self? Without the help of the Holy Spirit, we will strive trying to live a perfect life until we are exhausted. This “putting off and putting on” isn’t an easy task but God is faithful to give us the exact tools we need to accomplish it. We will discuss this more the next time we meet but I’ll leave you with this. Vs. 25-32 gives us examples of what the old self looks like. The following is taken out of Priscilla Shirer’s Armor of God study so grab your journal and complete this exercise with me.
From the following verses, make a list of behaviors Paul instructs us to put off.
Ephesians 4:25
Ephesians 4:26
Ephesians 4:28
Ephesians 4:29
Ephesians 4:31
Ephesians 5:3-5
Circle any of these behaviors that is more difficult for you to put off. Write out a prayer and ask God for his help in these areas.
Dear God,
Forgive me when I default back into patterns and rhythms that doesn’t reflect you. Continue to show me where I am still residing in the flesh and help me to live reflecting you more. In Jesus Name, Amen.