Introductory Thoughts
The Bible teaches us that “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Following salvation, a man's life should display visible changes as he seeks to put off his former conversation. According to scripture, that former conversation fulfilled “the desires of the flesh and of the mind” (Ephesians 2:3). By the grace of God, change is possible because every believer has been redeemed from his “vain conversation” (1 Peter 1:18). The apostle Paul is a great example. Before meeting the Lord on the road to Damascus, Paul's conversation or lifestyle involved mercilessly persecuting the church (Galatians 1:13). In his new life with Christ, he immediately began preaching the very faith he once destroyed (Galatians 1:23). When a person truly places his faith for salvation in the finished work of Christ, his conversation will change accordingly.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Zacchaeus was a tax collector who charged people more money than he should. When he met the Lord, his life changed. He gave half of his money to the poor; and any person he cheated, he paid back four times as much as he took from them (Luke 19:8). Likewise, our conversation should change after we are saved (Isaiah 1:16).
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(For everyone): Has your conversation changed since you trusted Christ as your Saviour? Can people see a notable difference in the way in which you now live?
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When is the last time you examined your conversation to see if it bears evidence of your new life in Christ? What has changed since you trusted Christ?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you put off the former conversation.
- Ask the Lord to help your conversation reflect your salvation; your outward lifestyle needs to match what God has done inwardly.
Song
AMAZING GRACE!
