Paul warns that if we are truly followers of Christ, yet we carry these practices on, then there is no evidence of transformation in our lives.

Chapters 4 and 5 are a call to the UNITY and PURITY of the church.  Even more, it outlines our Christian Experience (what we are), Christian Theology (what we believe) and Christian Ethics (how we behave).  What we are governs how we think, and how we think governs how we act. If we’re new creations in Christ, we’re called to put off the old self and put on the new.  

We need to ask ourselves the all important questions every day as we’re sanctified by the daily renewing of our minds.  
How can we make sure we’re not deceived or deceiving ourselves?

Answer our 3 questions:
What does God think?
What does the Bible say?
How do I respond?

Sanctification is not the passage of time like tenure as a professor or seniority in a job. Simply existing doesn’t give you to ability to say you are more knowledgeable or capable of enduring sin and experiencing Christ sufferings.  On the contrary, to have a passive faith is to have no faith at all.  To identify as part of God’s kingdom but not follow the instructions of the King is to never obtain your citizenship. We must actively cultivate a Christian life with God’s help. We need to pursue this together.