Put On Your New Clothes, Ephesians 4:20-24

How can I just "put on" my new self? Isn't that being fake? Read more about our responsibility to get dressed in Jesus. Keep Reading…

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​Listen to Ephesians 4 below and let God's Word soak into you.

​Read
Ephesians 4:20-24 - You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 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.

Meditate
Earlier in Ephesians we read that we have been made alive in Jesus, saved by grace and not by works. Ephesians 2:4-8 After reading this, many Christians might think that their only responsibility is to stay out of trouble and wait for heaven.  After all, Jesus has accomplished the work of salvation. What can we do to top that?

It is true that we cannot save ourselves. We cannot mend the breakdown in relationship with God by sheer effort. Jesus did that. But, we still have a big responsibility… to put our new clothes on. Jesus will not do for us what he told us to do.

If Jesus says to "take off" your old self and "put on" your new self, it must be possible. The old way of living is thoroughly evil and still being corrupted. Do you recognize this? Or do you still like your old ways (old clothes)? Sometimes, we grow attached to our old clothes. But, Jesus tells us to consciously take them off. In other words, make a decision to throw away criticism, anger, lust, greed, insecurity, etc.

Jesus does not leave you unclothed. He provides a brand new outfit for you. And he gives you the responsibility of putting it on. Sometimes, you might feel fake when instructed to "put on" the new self. Perhaps you are not feeling particularly spiritual or holy. So, you think you can't just "put on" your new clothes. But, isn't it true that you put your clothes on this morning - even if you were "feeling" very tired?

Jesus says, "(You) put on the new self." You can do this. Remind yourself that Jesus is waiting to be put on you. Putting on the new self does not just mean to put on a smile, a good thought or a peaceful attitude. It means to put on Jesus, to put on the Holy Spirit and his ways.

Apply
Call out for the Holy Spirit to come upon you. Listen to his voice. Choose to put him on by responding to his promptings. Remember, you are putting on a person (Holy Spirit) rather than a process. It's time to get dressed.