ESOCS Devotional 23 October 2025 – Living Out a Christian Life
MEMORY VERSE: “… and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.’’ Ephesians 4:23-24 NASB
TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:17-32
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
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Ephesians 4:17–32 is a valuable, highly practical explanation of how to live out a Christian life. Paul notes the difference between a life wallowing under the power of sin, as opposed to a life thriving in the power of Christ. Christians are called on to ”put away” the things which entangle unbelievers. This includes sins such as malice, slander, commotion, and bitterness. Instead, we should demonstrate a Christ-like attitude of love and forgiveness.
Paul contrasts the new life believers have in Christ, as opposed to the “old life” of the world. He instructs the Ephesians not to share in the kind of immoral lifestyle which non-believers follow. Paul’s point here is that believers cannot continue to live as unbelievers, and expect to please God. Unbelievers have a very different mind-set from those who are saved by Christ. In contrast, believers live with a clear purpose: to glorify God through making disciples. This includes personal spiritual maturity (v 13), serving others (v 12), evangelism, and worship. These activities are not designed only for individuals but for the Church as a family.
The context of this passage and that of Romans 12:18-21 is the same. In your anger, do not sin. Ephesians tells us not to give space to the enemy by dwelling on it and allowing it to grow. Romans tells us to do the opposite. Instead of giving space to the enemy, leave room for God! So, who are you leaving for and giving room to? Can you think of any current situation where you are holding onto sin? Or grasping tight to unforgiveness? Or allowing anger to move on into malice? If so, you are giving room to the enemy. Reserve that room for a space for the Lord and see what He can do in the situation!
The Holy Spirit is a person, not a force; and thus we read that He can be grieved. When we operate as the world would and don’t treat others like the Spirit treats us, He can be grieved. Instead of falsehood and lies, we have been given the Spirit of truth (John 14:7). Instead of anger and resentment, we have been given the Spirit of peace (Gal. 5:23). Instead of stealing and greed, we have been given the Spirit of grace and kindness (Zech. 12:10, Gal 5:23). Instead of unwholesome words, the Spirit is our Counsellor and Comforter (John 16:7) who gives edifying words.
CHALLENGES
- In what sense am I being renewed in the spirit of my mind?
PRAYER POINT
- Lord, strengthen me spiritually by feeding me your word, and help me enjoy communion with you and fellowship with your beloved people. Amen,
FURTHER READING: 2 Kings 21:16-26; 22:1-9; Ephesians 5:1-17
ESOCS Devotional 23 October 2025
