And to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.
Ephesians 4:24
Into the Text
It seems as if every romantic comedy movie has a scene of a makeover montage with a big reveal of the heroine’s new look. It’s a turning point in the movie and one that we all cheer for. We want her outside to match the beauty that we see on the inside.
This is essentially what Paul is writing about here. He’s telling the believers in Ephesus that they have been made new. They’ve had a makeover, and he wants them to live accordingly.
The way he describes this is by reminding them first of their old way of life, which was marked by futility of thinking, hardness of heart, callousness, and sinfulness.
But that is not who they are anymore. They have been made in the image of Christ and can now exhibit holiness and righteousness. The Holy Spirit is at work to renew them day by day, and it’s all because of Jesus.
This is your story if you have trusted in Jesus. You have been made new. Your old way of life has no place now that you are in Christ. Every day, we are to put on our new selves, which means remembering who we are in Christ and choosing to live in a way that honors Him through His Word, prayer, and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Some days may be harder than others and will be a real fight. But the fight is definitely worth it. You have been made new as a child of God.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you that I am a new creation in you. When it’s hard to remember what you have done in me or when I am tempted to turn back to my old ways, help me to lean on you and be reminded of truth. Amen.