Created to be like God

Ephesians 4:17-24

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him 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; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.


Slowly and carefully read the text, asking God to guide your thoughts. Try to reading this passage each day this week. You may want to read all of Ephesians at least once. Spend time "being still" before God after reading the text.

Questions
1. What does this passage reveal about God?
2. What does it reveal about us?
3. Using the words of Paul, how would you describe the life of a Gentile?
4. What does Paul insist that his readers, which includes us, do?
5. What are the dangers of flirting with our past lives?
6. How does it make you feel that you have "a new self, created to be like God"?