Called to a New Walk

 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness (Eph 4:17-19 NKJV).

Those outside of Christ have their minds darkened. Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them (2Co 4:4 NKJV). Thankfully, that is not you if you have truly repented and believe in Christ by faith.

So, why, if you have been set free from the dominion of sin, do you continue in sin? Unfortunately, having been set free from the dominion of sin does not remove the law of sin in our flesh. Paul wrote, For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me (Rom 7:14-17 NKJV). There will be a day when we are completely free of sin, but that day will not come while we remain on this earth, unless, of course, the Lord returns while we remain.

This means you must struggle to mortify the desires of the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live (Rom 8:13 NKJV). You may do this by renewing your mind. If our minds were darkened before salvation, then it makes sense that we need enlightenment. So, Paul writes, But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:20-24 NKJV) [Emphasis Added].

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life (1Jn 5:20 NKJV.

The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge (Pro 18:15 NKJV).