LIGHTHOUSE DAILY DEVOTION
(Sent daily except Sunday)
(Some of the Devotions are original, some are adapted)
November 27, 2021
A SPIRITUAL RENOVATION
Ephesians 4:22-24 - “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
The word “renewed” in our text carries with it the idea of a renovation or making new. We have known people who have bought older homes with a goal to renovate them or those who have restored an automobile to its original condition. God’s goal for our spiritual growth is to renovate our lives. In renovating a home, there are two general things that must be done. The old and dilapidated materials must be removed, and they must be replaced with the new, desirable materials. These same two processes are needed for A SPIRITUAL RENOVATION.
The first part of our text reads, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt.” There are things from the old life that a serious Christian must be willing to part with. We must not allow the “old man,” the old nature, to control our lives. We have to be willing to die to ourselves. Our “old man” was crucified with Christ (Romans 6), and we are to reckon ourselves to be dead to sin through the victory of Christ on the cross. If we are to experience A SPIRITUAL RENOVATION, we must “put off” former behaviors and practices. The verses that follow our text specifically mention such things as lying, anger, stealing, language, and bitterness.
Then we are to “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” As we remove the old materials, we replace them with the materials that God provides. As we reckon ourselves to be dead to sin and “put off…the old man,” we are to yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s control and walk in His power and influence. He dwells within the Christian to lead us and produce spiritual fruit in and through our lives. When it tells us to “put on the new man,” it does not mean we are being saved again, only that we are consciously allowing the Holy Spirit to control our lives.
Later verses in this chapter admonish us to put on such qualities as kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. This is a lifelong process for the child of God, putting off the old and putting on the new, bringing about A SPIRITUAL RENOVATION.
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Wit and Wisdom – There are no hopeless situations, only people who have lost hope.
Point to Ponder – We cannot work for salvation, but salvation will cause us to work.
