Daily Surrender: Put Off the Old Self

Devotional

Day 1: Leaving the Old Way of Life Behind

The call to follow Christ is not merely an addition to our existing life but a complete departure from it. Life without Christ is described as living in futility, with a darkened understanding and a heart hardened by separation from God. This old way is characterized by self-seeking and the pursuit of personal pleasure, which ultimately leaves one feeling empty and void. The journey begins with a conscious decision to walk away from these patterns and surrender them daily. [17:38]

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
Ephesians 4:17-18 (NIV 1984)

Reflection: What is one specific attitude, habit, or thought pattern from your old life that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to consciously walk away from this week? What would taking that first practical step of departure look like for you?

Day 2: The Daily Process of Heart Transformation

God’s work in us is not a one-time event but a gentle, ongoing process. He patiently peels away the layers of our old self, one petal at a time, to reveal a heart that looks more like Jesus. This transformation requires our daily cooperation and surrender, as if He were to remove everything at once, it would be too overwhelming for us to bear. It is a journey of grace that takes time, patience, and consistent yielding to His Spirit. [10:41]

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you currently aware of God gently peeling back a layer to bring you closer to His heart? How can you actively cooperate with Him in that process today?

Day 3: Renewing Your Mind with God’s Truth

The battle for our transformation is often fought in the realm of our thoughts. Old, familiar lies from our past can resurface, attempting to pull us back into negative patterns and false identities. We combat these by actively replacing those lies with the truth of what God says about us in His Word. This renewal of the mind is a vital discipline that allows us to see ourselves as God sees us: chosen, worthy, and beautifully created. [24:30]

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Reflection: When an old, negative thought about yourself arises, what specific truth from Scripture can you use to replace that lie and align your thinking with God’s perspective?

Day 4: Living Out the New Life in Practical Ways

Our new life in Christ is meant to be visible and practical, showing up in our everyday behavior and interactions. It is expressed through simple, tangible acts of love and consideration for others, such as speaking encouraging words or performing small acts of kindness without expectation of reward. This is not about earning favor but about naturally expressing the heart of Christ within us through our actions, making Him known to those around us. [28:55]

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Reflection: What is one practical, everyday opportunity you have this week to consciously demonstrate the love of Christ through a simple action or a word of encouragement?

Day 5: Forgiving Others Because Christ Forgave You

The ultimate motivation for the way we live is rooted in the profound forgiveness we have received through Christ. When we grasp the depth of His grace toward us, it compels us to extend that same grace and forgiveness to others, even when it is difficult. We forgive not because others deserve it, but because we remember the immense debt from which we have been forgiven, and we choose to release others from the debt they owe us. [36:04]

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Reflection: Is there someone in your life—perhaps someone who has mischaracterized or hurt you—whom God is inviting you to forgive from the heart this week, not because they have earned it, but as a response to the forgiveness you have received from Christ?

Sermon Summary

The text summons a decisive break with the old life and a daily embrace of the new life in Christ. It frames conversion not as a one-time fix but as a steady unpeeling—like an artichoke—where God removes one petal at a time to reshape desires, habits, and identity. Scripture from Ephesians 4:17–32 anchors the call: darkened understanding and self-seeking behaviors must end, and a recreated, holy life must begin. The Holy Spirit lives within believers and quickens conscience; obeying that inner conviction prevents grieving God and silences the enemy’s foothold. Practical Christian growth shows up in ordinary choices—honest work, truthful speech, controlled anger, and kind, encouraging words—that display the new nature and bless others.

The piece stresses that holiness comes through heart transformation, not mere behavioral tweaks. Renewing the mind requires replacing old thought patterns and lies with God’s truth so identity becomes rooted in who God declares each person to be. Forgiveness stands as both motive and means: because Christ forgave, believers must forgive, freeing themselves from bitterness and becoming conduits of grace. Vigilance matters; old patterns can resurface unexpectedly, so ongoing surrender, confession, and repentance keep the new self active. The practical discipline of listening—spending time with God to learn his voice—cultivates intimacy and ensures that daily decisions reflect union with Christ rather than reflexive sin.

Finally, the text insists on daily surrender as the posture of the redeemed: a sustained, humble offering of heart, eyes, ears, and hands to God’s shaping work. This journey spans days, months, and years, and includes honest self-examination about attitudes, media, friendships, and habits that either deepen or hinder intimacy with God. When believers choose renewal, they do not earn salvation but demonstrate the reality of being forgiven, transformed, and remade. The end aim remains a heart like Jesus—visible in speech, work, mercy, and steadfast love—so that the redeemed live as tangible proof of Christ’s new creation.

Key Takeaways

1. Put off the old self The Christian life demands a decisive departure from former patterns, not casual dabbling. True repentance severs habitual loyalties to selfish pleasures and darkened thinking so spiritual renewal can take root. This break often requires intentional replacement habits that align desires with God’s revealed truth. [15:22]
2. Put on the new self God recreates believers into righteousness and holiness, calling for visible habits that match new identity. Putting on the new self reshapes speech, work ethic, and relationships, showing the world tangible evidence of union with Christ. This clothes-change grows through repeated choices anchored in scripture and prayer. [13:04]
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit The Spirit quickens conscience and signals when an action will grieve God; paying attention prevents slow drift back into old patterns. Ignoring those promptings dulls spiritual hearing, while obedience sharpens sensitivity to God’s voice. Cultivate regular quiet, Scripture, and nature to learn how God uniquely speaks. [20:14]
4. Practice holiness in small acts Holiness shows itself in everyday behaviors: putting back a grocery cart, honest labor, gentle words, and prompt forgiveness. These small practices rewire identity more reliably than occasional grand gestures and serve others while honoring God. Consistent small faithfulness resists the enemy and demonstrates the reality of inner transformation. [28:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:37] - Calling to Ephesians 4
[11:16] - Opening Prayer and Readings
[12:02] - Reading Ephesians 4:17–32
[15:22] - Leave the Old Way of Life
[20:14] - The Holy Spirit’s Conviction
[26:37] - Know Christ, Not Just Scripture
[28:55] - Live the New Life Practically
[35:19] - Guard the Holy Spirit
[38:36] - Daily Surrender Journey
[42:02] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading
Ephesians 4:17–32 (ESV)
*17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.*

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Observation questions

According to Ephesians 4:22–24, what three specific actions are believers called to take in their spiritual journey?
What practical behaviors does Paul instruct believers to “put away” in verses 25–32?
In the sermon, what analogy was used to describe how God transforms us over time? [10:22]
What are some everyday examples given of how holiness shows up in practical choices? [28:55]

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Interpretation questions

Why does Paul contrast “darkened understanding” (v. 18) with being “renewed in the spirit of your minds” (v. 23)? What does this suggest about how spiritual transformation happens?
What does it mean to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (v. 30), and how might ignoring the Spirit’s promptings affect a person’s relationship with God? [20:50]
How does the command to “forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (v. 32) serve as both a motivation and a means for living the new life?
Why might small, consistent acts of obedience (like putting back a grocery cart) be more transformative than occasional grand gestures? [28:55]

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Application questions

What is one “petal” (habit, thought pattern, or attitude) God might be asking you to surrender right now? How can you actively “put it off” this week? [10:22]
When have you sensed the Holy Spirit prompting you to change a behavior or attitude, and how did you respond? What helps you recognize His voice more clearly? [20:14]
Identify one relationship where you struggle to “speak truth in love” (v. 15) or extend forgiveness. What practical step can you take this week to honor God in that relationship?
How can you incorporate “mind renewal” into your daily routine—such as replacing old thought patterns with Scripture or spending quiet time listening to God? [24:30] [27:42]
In what ordinary moment (work, home, errands) can you intentionally “put on the new self” this week by serving others or choosing integrity? [28:55]
When unexpected anger or old patterns resurface, what will you do to “not let the sun go down on your anger” (v. 26) and avoid giving the devil a foothold? [23:51]
How does remembering Christ’s forgiveness toward you inspire you to extend grace to others—even when it feels difficult? [36:04]

Sermon Clips

Christian living is not behavioral modification. I'll say that again. Christian living is not behavior modification. It is heart transformation. Our heart becomes transformed from a worldly heart, from a worldly view, to a heart like Christ, and that's why when we pray for God's will, we're open to God's will because now our heart is lined up with his. It's no longer self seeking. Now it is about what you want, Lord, because I trust you, because everything you've done for me in the past proves to me that I can trust you, and you only want the best for me, for my friends, for my loved ones, for my church community, and so, Lord, your will, not mine. [00:37:18] (55 seconds) #HeartTransformation

We need to guard the holy spirit. Our lifestyle affects our intimacy with God. Holy Spirit doesn't wanna hang out if we're spending all our time in corruption and ugliness and grossness. When he's asking us to take that, let's peel that away. Let's get one more step closer to having a heart like Jesus, and we're saying no to him all the time, he's gonna quit talking to us, and we don't want that. We want to get to the heart to be as Jesus calls us to be. [00:35:19] (39 seconds) #GuardTheHolySpirit

This is one of the things I want you to know is that you have built inside of you, once you say yes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit, because the Trinity comes and lives in you. And so the Holy Spirit is in there, and when I was being raised as a little girl, I was told it was women's intuition, and as I've come to know the Lord better, I know it's really the Holy Spirit, and he quickens my spirit, and I start feeling not so good if I'm partaking of something that he's asking me to not partake of. [00:20:11] (38 seconds) #SpiritLedIntuition

The new life in Christ is visible. We need to remember that. We don't live this way to earn salvation. We live this way because we are forgiven, we're loved, and we're made new. Forgiveness is a free gift that God gives to us. That's salvation given freely. We receive that. But when we live with that and we ask for forgiveness, we give forgiveness, we show Christ's love, then we're made new. We become more Christ like, more like the heart of Christ. [00:36:37] (41 seconds) #MadeNewInChrist

and he didn't answer the prayer the way you felt he should. Maybe you have, hardened your heart against the lord because he's he's not answering you. Maybe you prayed for something for a long time. Maybe he he gave the answer to a prayer you've prayed for, and it wasn't the answer that you wanted. I'm gonna ask you to raise your hand today and say, I'm all in, Lord. Forgive me for for putting you aside. I'm all in today. I wanna give you my all. I wanna live for you. I want you to transform me so that I will have the heart of Jesus. [00:40:03] (42 seconds) #AllInForJesus

But a Christian lifestyle principle is salvation is not just a decision. It's a departure. You see, we don't blend in with that old life any longer. We walk away from it. It's a departure from the life we lived. I didn't get to dabble in those things when I said, Lord, I want you. I want to give you my life. There were things that he asked me to set aside and give to him and then not dabble in that anymore. [00:17:33] (30 seconds) #WalkAwayFromTheOld

We take off that old life. We renew our minds, and we walk daily in who we already are in Christ. He already sees us as complete, healed, renewed, restored, white as snow. It's in the surrendering that we give him all of those parts, And let me remind you that it is a day by day surrendering. It is a month by month him taking petals off and bringing healing. That's year by year, [00:38:15] (43 seconds) #DailySurrender

You must no longer live as the Gentiles do in the futility of their thinking. Paul describes life without Christ as darkened understanding. I don't know about you, but before I said yes to Christ, I didn't know him. I didn't understand. I thought it was a whole bunch of rules of don't. You can't do this. Don't do that. I didn't understand the fullness of what that meant, and so I lived in that darkened understanding that the majority who don't know the Lord live in, they don't know him, and so there's that. Or we're separated from God. [00:15:14] (37 seconds) #FromDarknessToLight

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Daily Surrender: Put Off the Old Self

Devotional

Day 1: Leaving the Old Way of Life Behind

Day 2: The Daily Process of Heart Transformation

Day 3: Renewing Your Mind with God’s Truth

Day 4: Living Out the New Life in Practical Ways

Day 5: Forgiving Others Because Christ Forgave You

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Daily Surrender: Put Off the Old Self

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