Put Off the Old Self (Eph 4:17-19) Paul warns believers not to live like the Gentiles, whose thinking is futile and whose hearts are hardened. Their lifestyle is marked by having a darkened understanding, ignorance, insensitivity, and moral corruption that is driven by selfish desires. Be Renewed and Put on the New Self (Eph 4:20-24) Paul claims that the old way of life is not how believers have learned Christ. Rather believers are to: Put off the old self (i.e. the former way of life). Be renewed in the spirit of their minds. Put on the new self (i.e. new way of life in righteousness and holiness). Practical Instructions for New Life (Eph 4:25-32) Paul lists specific ways to live out this new self: Speak truthfully instead of lying. Control your anger and deal with it promptly. Do honest work so you can help others. Speak words that build up, not corrupt speech. Avoid bitterness, rage, slander, and malice. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God forgave you in Christ. Imitate God and Walk in Love (Eph 5:1-2) Believers are called to be imitators of God as His children. We should walk in love, following the example of Christ, who gave himself as a sacrificial offering for us.The post Ephesians Part 8: The New You first appeared on Living Hope.