Our Daily Bread Devotional 23 OCTOBER 2022
OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL
Topic: TRUE CHANGE
ODB (OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL) KEY SCRIPTURE:
Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 1–2; 1 Timothy 3
Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:22–24-
You were taught . . . to put on the new self.
Today’s Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:17–24
The word live in Ephesians 4:17 (“you must no longer live as the Gentiles do”) is a key word in Ephesians, especially in chapters 4–6. It’s a translation of the Greek word peripateō. Literally, the word means “to walk,” “to tread all around.” Figuratively speaking, what’s in view is one’s conduct or manner of living. Ephesians 2 speaks of the “before Christ” manner of life of believers in Jesus: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live” (vv. 1–2).
As believers in Jesus, our lives are to match our calling (4:1). Paul’s positive encouragement continues: “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us” (5:2); “for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (v. 8); and “be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise” (v. 15).
OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL
Jesus didn’t stop there. When Claud weighed up a bag of cocaine the next day, he thought, This is madness. I’m poisoning people! He realized he must stop selling drugs and get a job. With the help of the Holy Spirit, he turned off his phones and never went back.
Also Read, Open Heavens For 23 OCT 2022
This kind of change is what the apostle Paul referenced when he wrote to the church at Ephesus. Calling the people not to live separated from God, he urged them to “put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires” and instead to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22, 24). The verb form Paul used implies that we’re to put on the new self regularly.
As with Claud, the Holy Spirit delights to help us to live out of our new selves and become more like Jesus.
Reflect & Pray
How healthy are your relationships? How can you allow the Spirit to produce fruit that enables healthier relationships?
Heavenly Father, help me when I want to strike back at those who hurt me. Please help me to respond with love.
Learn more about the place of forgiveness in your life.
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