Ephesian 4:17-24 in the Amplified Bible is absolutely amazing. As with any decent size passage in the Amplified, you cannot just read it, you have to take your time and consider it, looking at the definitions and explanations. The longer you do that with this assuage the more you will get out of it. Just brilliant.
"17 So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls],
18 for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart.
19 And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callous and unfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand].
20 But you did not learn Christ in this way!
21 If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him],
22 that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires,
23 and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude],
24 and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God's image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]."
Ephesians is without doubt my favourite book of the bible and this passage is a great example of "why", it's just full of encouragement and challenge, putting Christian responsibility and constant choices in the realm of my own, revelation based choices.
Live - Learn - Read - Apply. The bible changes lives by enhancing and improving them.
