Paul urges believers to live in a way that honors their calling in Christ. Paul started this passage by laying out the gifts God has provided for the church, particularly the leadership gifts that guide us in our faith journey. Now, he shifts focus back to our personal walk—our daily lives and the way we reflect Christ.

In verses 17-19, Paul contrasts the believer’s walk with that of the "Gentiles" who were those outside of God’s covenant community. He emphasized how their thinking and actions are disconnected from God. He calls believers to a different path, one grounded in our identity in Christ. As we examine verses 20-24, we’ll see Paul challenge us to "put off" our old ways, renew our minds, and "put on" the new self — created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.