DATE: Wednesday 30 September 2026
TOPIC: “PUTTING OFF THE OLD, LIVING THE NEW”
TEXT: Ephesians 4:20–24
MEMORY VERSE: “When you heard about Christ 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” – Ephesians 4:21–22 (NIV).
This passage shows the clear difference between a life without Christ and a life transformed by Him.
It speaks of people who live without restraint, doing whatever pleases them, without remorse or conviction. For them, sin is not a struggle, it is a lifestyle. There is no inner check, no sense of alignment with God’s standard.
Then comes a shift: “But that is not the way you learned Christ.”
That word “but” changes everything.
It reminds us that as believers, we have been taught differently. To know Christ is not just to hear about Him, it is to become like Him. Christ is holy, righteous and full of truth.
So, if we have truly learned about Him, our lives must reflect Him.
The instruction is clear: put off the old nature. This means it is intentional. It does not happen automatically. The old self, with its desires and patterns, is deceptive. It makes wrong things feel right. It convinces us that we are fine when we are not.
That is why it must be removed.
In its place, we are called to put on the new nature, the one God has already prepared for us. This new self reflects God’s character. It is not something we create; it is something we receive and grow into, and this growth is daily.
We take up our cross every day. We choose God every day. We allow Him to renew and transform us continually. There may be moments of struggle, moments where the old nature tries to resurface, but the journey is one of steady transformation.
Over time, that new life will become evident.
PRAYER: Lord, teach me self-control and wisdom. Help me to manage my desires, work with balance and trust in You above all else, Amen.