Accepted: Who We Really Are and What He Has Given UsSample

Day 11: Ephesians 4:17-32

We are new in Christ.

The New Testament repeatedly tells us that those who have received Jesus by faith are His children. Our old man—the inner man or woman—has passed away, and all things have become new for us.

Well. Let’s get honest about this, you and me. Are we living in Jesus’ newness of life? Personally, I went decades feeling that my habits and strongholds were beyond God’s help. What about you?

What is the answer to this dilemma?

Paul tells us to put off our old man. We are to stop doing life from an old place of brokenness. To put off (Greek: apotithemi) means to cast off, put off, and lay down. How do we do this? By having our minds renewed continually. Then, and only then, we can "put on" the new man of Jesus living in us (vs. 22-24). Paul then writes very practical and helpful tips for living in the freedom of new life in Jesus through Ephesians 4.

The trouble is, we may see some progress in ourselves from old habits, behaviors, addictions, and thought patterns, but then life happens. Events take place, triggering old areas of hurt and wounding. The struggle to break free from the symptoms of our brokenness—reactions, addictions, pride, shame, etc.—leaves us thinking that becoming a completely new person in Christ is unattainable. Yet, these very places of hurt and bondage in our souls are why our Lord Jesus came to rescue us (1 John 3:8).

Just as we may have wrestled with the truth that we are accepted, we now must realize that we are new in Christ.

The first step to healing is choosing to believe what God sees and says about us. We stand on the platform of the riches of His grace. We then humbly come, surrender to the Holy Spirit’s work, and take one step in front of the other to put off the hang-ups and hurts that have held us. We begin to actively dwell in our Lord Jesus’ felt presence and expectantly receive God’s life-breath from His Word. With His help, we should seek counseling and accountability (professional or pastoral), and powerful Spirit-filled prayer with spiritual leaders or pastors for those areas of bondage.

We are new. As we renew our thoughts to align with our Father’s, His profound cleansing freedom and new life become our reality.