The Transforming Grace of God – Read: Ephesians 4:17-24 17) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20) But ye have not so learned Christ; 21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Have you ever been misunderstood by friends or family members who haven’t accepted Jesus as their Savior? They may have accosted you with a statement such as: “You’re different somehow. You don’t think like everyone else.”
That is absolutely true. The moment Jesus enters your life, you are never the same. “You were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord . . .” (Ephesians 5:8). He changes your outlook, your actions, and even your thought patterns as you study His Word and absorb His truth. (Romans 12:2).
As you become more like Jesus, you develop attitudes and characteristics that mark you as His.
· Humility – You recognize that God alone forgives your sin and makes you a new person (Ephesians 2:8-9). You know you don’t deserve His mercy, and nothing you do can earn His love, a free gift of grace.
· Dependence – You don’t rely solely on your own capabilities or intelligence but desire to do God’s Will and serve others.
· Confidence – You don’t fear failure or the unknown. God has a plan for your life, and He works all things together for your good. (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28)
