4:17-19 What we were… Paul’s goal is to call the Ephesians – and us! – to see that there is, and must be, a radical difference between somebody who isn’t a Christian and somebody who is. Those who aren’t Christian live for the sorts of things that are the direct opposite of what will be valued in Christ’s kingdom.

4:20-24 Who we now are… Those who are Christian are called to daily embrace the gift that Jesus has given to us: we are to put off the old self and to embrace the new. Jesus has done the work, and we are to receive it. Christians should, in every way that treasures Jesus and values His words, look different from our world.

The Point: In Christ, every Christian has been given a new identity, a new life. We don’t earn it, but we are called to receive it and live in it each and every day.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach us more and more of our Savior – of all that He has done for us, of what we have in Him, and of what we will inherit in Him. In doing so, make us to see and to treasure all that He calls us to so that we would walk in His ways today and each day.

Application: How will you be intentional about putting off the old self this year? What thoughts and habits need to be cast aside because they are incompatible with Christ’s kingdom? How will you embrace Christ’s new identity given to you? What will treasuring Jesus look like in your life this year?

Here is how I will apply these truths: ___________________

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