Ephesians 4:20-24 (JDV)

Ephesians 4:20 But you did not learn Christ in this way,¹

Ephesians 4:21 assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, like the truth is in Jesus,

Ephesians 4:22 to take off your former way of life, the old human that is corrupted by deceitful cravings,

Ephesians 4:23 to be renewed in the breath of your minds,

Ephesians 4:24 and to put on the new human, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

the unsurrendered life

Paul’s portrait of the “new human” is not a sketch of an idealized personality but a description of the life reshaped by the Sacred Breath. It is the life that emerges when the old self—formed by surrender to the enemy—is set aside and a new self begins to take shape under the influence of Christ. Each characteristic in the list reflects a life no longer driven by impulse, fear, or self‑interest, but one steadily being formed into the likeness of God.

The new human acts with purpose. Life is no longer a series of reactions or drifting impulses. Choices are shaped by the will of God, not by the shifting desires of the moment. Purposefulness marks a person who knows the story they belong to and the One who directs it.

Walking in the light of Scripture means living with an illuminated path. The Word becomes the lens through which decisions are made, temptations are resisted, and truth is discerned. This is not mere knowledge but a way of life shaped by divine revelation.

Being part of the congregation reflects the communal nature of the new humanity. Isolation belongs to the old life; belonging marks the new. The new human understands that growth, correction, encouragement, and mission all happen within the shared life of the body.

Awareness of the world around her shows that holiness is not withdrawal but engagement. The new human sees the brokenness, beauty, and needs of the world and responds with discernment and compassion.

Bending the will to others’ needs reflects Christ’s own humility. The new human does not insist on personal preference but learns to yield, serve, and adapt for the sake of love.

Feeling the hurt of others reveals a heart softened by grace. Compassion is not optional; it is the natural fruit of a life touched by God’s mercy.

Control of appetites marks freedom from the old ruler. Desires no longer dictate behavior. The new human learns to say no to impulses that once held power.

Walking in purity reflects a life aligned with God’s character. Integrity, honesty, and holiness become the pattern rather than the exception.

Contentment shows a heart at rest in God’s provision. The new human is not driven by envy or restlessness but anchored in trust.

None of these traits arise naturally. They are the fruit of an unsurrendered life—a life that refuses to bow again to the old master. They require discipline, intention, and the ongoing work of the Sacred Breath. The new human is not self‑made but Spirit‑formed, growing steadily into the likeness God intends.

Lord, this is the life we want. The Unsurrendered life.