So, since we who are Christ's do not run after the self-indulgence of sin we were once in, we must listen to be further taught by Him. We need to listen to what He tells us so we can follow. To be made new in our ways of thinking we need to first put off what we used to do, all that serves our own wrong desires (sinful lusts). Then we put on (daily) new desires that become good habits and character traits to replace the bad ones. These are given to us already, and our choices allow His grace to transform us as we choose well. He made is to be set apart (holy) and righteous. This must be the direction of our lives!
Ephesians 4:20-24
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
To "put off" and "put on" in the original Greek has the meaning of taking off clothing, putting it aside, and putting new clothes on. This is what we need to do with our attitudes, desires, and actions.
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