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WEEK TWO: Purity of Heart and Mind
Renewed Mind
Focus: Putting off the old self.
Reflection: Which thought patterns need renewing?
Ephesians 4:17-32
Keep walking in God's ways17Now I will tell you something so important that I insist in the Lord's name that you respond to what I say. You must no longer live in the way that those who belong to the world live. Worldly thinking is futile.18Worldly people live in spiritual darkness, without understanding God's purposes. They do not possess His life and they remain in ignorance. Because their hearts are hardened they resist the truth of the gospel.19They have no spiritual sensitivity because of the way they indulge their sensual appetites. So they indulge themselves in pleasing their flesh, their natural desires, in all kinds of impurity. They are never satisfied, but continually lust after ways that are even more ungodly.20You never came to know Christ by living in such ways.21No, you heard about Him when you were taught the truth of the gospel, for the truth is only to be found in Jesus.22As far as your former way of life is concerned, you were taught from the very beginning to put off your old sinful nature, that old self that was corrupted by its deceitful desires.23Instead you were made new with a totally different mindset.24And you made the decision to put on the new life which enables you to become what God wants you to be, living in ways that are right in His eyes, being His holy people, set apart from the world to live the life of His Kingdom here on earth.25So it is essential for each of you to rid yourselves completely of everything that is false and instead speak truthfully to others; for we are all members of the one body of Christ, a body of truth!26-27It is said, "even if you are angry do not sin". Do not hold onto your anger; be rid of it before the end of the day, otherwise you could give the devil a foothold to take advantage of you.28Anyone who used to steal in his old life must, of course, no longer steal. Instead he must have a proper job, working for his living by doing something useful with his hands. Then, instead of taking he will have something to give to needy people.29Do not speak in an impure or critical way. Instead of mouthing unclean or negative things, speak in a way that will encourage and benefit others because you are addressing their needs.30And do not grieve God's Holy Spirit in any way. Remember you have had the seal of the Spirit placed on you to keep you walking in God's ways until the day when He takes you to be with Himself.31Rid yourselves of every negative thing, being bitter in your attitudes, being angry and resentful. Do not get into disputes with others, especially physical ones! Do not slander others or have any malicious attitudes towards them.32Instead be kind and compassionate to one another, always ready to forgive in the same way that, through Christ, God has always been willing to forgive you!
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