Ephesians chapter 4.20 – 32 is a wonderful section on how believers are supposed to live. Here’s how it starts:

If you have really experienced the Anointed One, and heard his truth, it will be seen in your life; for we know that the ultimate reality is embodied in Jesus! And he has taught you to let go of the lifestyle of the ancient man, the old self-life, which was corrupted by sinful and deceitful desires that spring from delusions. Now it’s time to be made new by every revelation that’s been given to you. And to be transformed as you embrace the glorious Christ-within as your new life and live in union with him! For God has re-created you all over again in his perfect righteousness, and you now belong to him in the realm of true holiness. (Ephesians 4.21 – 24, TPT)

The Christian life is not a set of rules – it’s the outflow of a process:

• Let go of the…old self-life, corrupted by sinful and deceitful desires
• Be made new by every revelation that’s been given to you (the purpose of time with God in the Word!)
• Be transformed as you embrace the glorious Christ-within

This picture looks a little like an end-of-the-day process:

• Take off your dirty clothes
• Take a shower
• Put on clean clothes

Tomorrow we’ll begin to explore some of the specifics the rest of the passage lists. But for now, let’s think transformation not trying.

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13.12 – 14, ESV)

Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! (Romans 13.14, MSG)