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In his letter to the Ephesian believers, Paul declares (in 5:8), "Though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it!" Today's paragraphs from the same letter highlight this contrast between darkness and light, and permit no doubt about what the believer's stance should be.

Ephesians 4:17-24

1. What does Paul say (v. 18) lies behind the "hopelessly confused" state of non-Christians?
2. What are the behavioral results of this "darkness" (vv. 19, 22)?
3. What distinguishes your current lifestyle from "your former way of life" (v. 22)?
4. Although your conversion to Christ made you a "new person" with a "new nature," how do verses 20-24 make clear that spiritual renewal isn't instantaneous, but rather a process?
5. How are you currently acting to "throw off your … former way of life"?
6. Looking back over last year, do you see any improvement in your thoughts and actions?

Ask God for the resolve and power to reflect His truth and holiness in every area of your life.

17 With the Lord's authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They don't care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.

20 But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, 22 throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. 23 Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. 24 You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness—righteous, holy, and true.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, give me the discernment and determination to make my conduct consistent with my beliefs.

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