Today’s Reading | Ephesians 4:17-32
Replacement Principle
In today’s reading, we find one of the most important sections of Scripture on how to become mature and godly in our faith. It contains the pattern for putting into practice all Paul has discussed in chapters 1-3. It is called the replacement principle. Paul teaches us that growing spiritually is more than just stopping wrong behavior. For those who struggle with lying, just stopping is not enough. Maturing involves replacing the wrong behavior with the right behavior. A liar must not only stop lying, but start telling the truth. A person who steals should not just stop stealing; he must start to do something positive with his hands. If we struggle with our thought life, we cannot just stop thinking bad thoughts; we replace those thoughts with good, pure thoughts. Often we make decisions to “put off” wrong behavior or thoughts but never follow through in “putting on” the right behavior and thoughts. When we determine what to “put off, “ we must then “put on” what Scripture tells us is the right behavior. In what area of your life do you need to replace the wrong with what’s right? Use today’s sheet to help you get started “putting on.”
Today’s Questions
Say What?
What specific issues of attitude and/or behavior do you need to “put off?”
So What?
What specific behavior and/or attitudes do you need to “put on” in order to replace the wrong?
Now What?
What plan can you develope to make sure you “put off” sin and “put on” what’s right?
Then What?
What personal commitment can you make in light of today’s reading?