Ephesians 4:23-24

"And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude]" Ephesians 4:23

Now, aren't we glad we didn't grab verse 22 and run off into a self-help plan of renewal. Not only was it NOT given for us to do on our own, but it wasn't even a complete word! Here in verse 23 we find still another part of the same process... another amazing piece of what God promises WILL be done, "In Christ"! And so we add up all the relevant verses in context before this verse and include this one now, also... and we see that Christ will (not only) lead, guide, and empower us to put off the old - un-renewed self, but also simultaneously and constantly replace it with a renewing spirit. This scripture will play a part in our renewal process, but you can't take the scripture and go work this out yourself. The bible is not a spirit, and Paul says the old nature will be replaced by a renewing spirit. The mind keeps wanting to take charge, be in control, do what it's learned, but Paul is talking about a mind now controlled by The Holy Spirit, whom brings renewal.

24. And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness."

If we may go back to the idea of coats for a moment... I don't think it's irreverent, considering how often God refers to "being clothed in His righteousness". Putting on the new nature is simply, "not resisting", "trying out the leading of The Holy Spirit"... It's testing out what He seems to be telling us to say or not say when someone is chewing us out... It's going ahead and praying for someone you don't like if that's what The Holy Spirit wants. Just allow this very strange and foreign new thing to fit you, bend your arms, stretch it out... it's made to work in, not to make us look like something we aren't yet! You will get use to it... put it on and "LOVE", Praise God.

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 4:25 next time.

I love you.