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Put Ons and Put Offs Into Thy Word -
Put On’s and Put Off’s
Romans 13:11-14; Ephesians 4:1-6, 22-24; Philippians 2:1-6 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Philippians 2:5-6
Below is a chart that lists two sets of Fruit and ways of living. One side represents Christ’s redemptive work that we comply to continue by being grateful, pursuing His Grace and applying His Fruit into our daily lives. The other side represents the corruption of sin, the old self that we are called to get rid of. Yet, these old and dirty ways are so alluring, we seem not to want to get rid of them. Go through the next week being fully aware of your attitudes; keep a journal of them. Keep track of your negative attitudes and positive attitudes. Then, notice your feelings and responses in those situations. See what you find and see what happens!
(“Put On” and “Put Off” list inspired from a Young Life Training Book from the 1970s) It is our prayer that these “put on” and “put off” lists are convicting to you, as we all far short (and certainty I include myself). We must strive to pursue excellence in our character that influences our attitude and all we do in life¾from serving God to building healthy relationships. Because, one of the main factors in building Christian maturity that must come into play is removing what is wrong and replacing it with what is right¾taking off sin and putting on Christ. For us to live the Christian life with distinction (that is, to practice a life of obedience and love) is imperative, as we cannot do it without the sacrifice of getting rid of what inhibits our growth in Christ. This means we are to put on Christ and take off ourselves. Thus, we must be willing and, by His enabling, remove our selfish will and pride, and mimic His character to the best of our abilities. And, for this to happen we need to wake up! Clean yourselves up! We are to put aside our wrong thinking, wrong actions, and fallen character, then clothe ourselves in Christ’s character. We must put away all the works of darkness, and seek, in all things, to be conformed to the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord as well as our Savior. · So do we get what the Christian life is about? · If so, what are we doing about it? · Following these precepts will keep the church healthy from the disease of strife, gossip, arrogance, apathy, envy and conflict! Go through each line item slowly, one at a time, and ask:
In prayer, for the next 82 days, seek what you can do to put into practice the Christ-centered life?
© 1983, 2006 R. J. Krejcir Ph.D. Into Thy Word Ministries www.intothyword.org |
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