Galatians 4:1 – Colossians 4:18
Overview
The Apostle Paul wrote letters to the churches of Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi and Colossi. Each of the letters addressed specific issues taking place within their churches. Paul visited and helped establish these churches with the message of Salvation to both Jew & Gentile. As time passed, Paul would hear news of what was happening within these churches and write a letter explaining the how these new believers should respond. With the Galatians, his letter included discussion about our freedom in Christ. We are not chained to the law anymore. In Ephesians Paul talks about Christian unity, Christian living and the armor of God. In Philippians, he addresses living for the Gospel, imitating Christs humility and following Paul’s example. Paul’s letter to the Colossians includes the spiritual fullness we have in Christ and setting our thoughts on Godly things.
Scripture – Ephesians 4:21-24
21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 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; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Observation
Paul is talking to the Ephesians about the change we should experience when we die to our old way of life and put our faith in Christ. Paul says that they were taught to “take off” or to remove completely our old way of thinking and believing. Instead, our attitude and way of thinking should be like God’s. We are to be like Adam & Eve before they sinned. They were made in the likeness of God and before they sinned, had wonderful communion & fellowship with our Heavenly Father. We can have that same fellowship because Jesus, the Christ, cleanses us from all unrighteousness and makes us Holy before God.
Application
Those who have truly trusted Christ should have a completely different view of life since they are no longer dead in their sin. A believer should rejoice and place God first in their live. Their old way of life should be thrown away because it will not draw them to God, instead, it will hinder them from growing closer to Him. We should change our thinking and incorporate the example of Christ into our lives. How we respond to others, treat our bodies and what we think in our minds should reflect more of Christ and less of our old self.
Prayer
Lord, the more time I spend praying and reading Your Word, the more my thinking becomes like a Child of God. Protect me from life’s deceitful desires and draw me close to you.
