Yesterday we looked at how NOT to live from Ephesians 4.17 – 19. Paul continues with the solution: a foundation in our relationship with Jesus:

But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4.20 – 24, ESV)

How did we “learn Christ”?

• Put off your old self
• Be renewed in the spirit of your minds
• Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness

Several weeks ago I shared Andy Stanley’s take on our standard of behavior:

WHEN UNSURE OF WHAT TO SAY OR DO, ASK WHAT LOVE REQUIRES OF YOU.

Here in Ephesians 4, we can read some clear examples of what that love might look like. Note that in most cases, our standard is what we’re supposed to do, not just a list of things NOT to do:

• Speak truth, no lying (verse 25)
• Be angry in a controlled way (verses 26, 27)
• Give, don’t steal (verse 28)
• Speak to build up not tear down (verse 29)
• Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit (verse 30)
• Avoid bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice (verse 31)
• Be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving (verse 32)

And, as always, we should live this way in front of everyone, in-person and online, with those we like and those we don’t. I’m speaking to myself.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Philippians 2.14 – 16, ESV)