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When Josiah became king, he did what was pleasing in the eyes of God; he commanded the renovation of the Temple, and there, the high priest discovered the Book of the Law.
This led to Josiah’s religious reform, as he realized the severity of the nation’s unfaithfulness to God.
The king not only read the law to the entire congregation but also used his place of authority to renew the covenant terms.
He cleansed the land of idolatrous worship by removing from the LORD’s Temple all the articles that were used to worship Baal and Asherah.
He relieved all idolatrous priests appointed by previous kings and brought to Jerusalem all the priests living in other towns of Judah.
And he tore down the living quarters of the male and female shrine prostitutes that were inside the Temple.
Paul, in his letter to the believers in Ephesus, admonished them about their new identity in Christ and how to live it out.
They are not to live as Gentiles who have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against God, thus living for lustful pleasure and practicing all kinds of impurity.
Instead, based on the truth they have learned about Christ, they are to throw off their sinful nature and former way of life, which is corrupted.
They are to put on their new nature, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy.
There should be a fundamental break with the past, reflected in stopping lying and exercising self-control even when angry.
Anyone who steals must quit and work hard with their own hands to meet personal needs and help others.
Speak good, encouraging words while avoiding foul or abusive language, rage, and bitterness, and do not let your life bring sorrow to God’s Spirit.