MARCH 28, 2024
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)
True Christian believers must forsake their former corrupt ways and be renewed to pursue righteousness and true holiness. When one grows out of his clothes as a kid, he can no longer wear clothes that don’t fit; he must get new clothes and rid himself of the old ones. This is a similar thought to what Paul is saying in this passage. Growing children can’t keep wearing old clothes; similarly, those who claim to know Christ can’t persist in their old ways. Of course, perfect holiness is something mortal men can’t realistically obtain, but we’re encouraged by Peter, “…as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Pet. 1:15-16)
Paul calls believers to strive towards a more Christ-like life consciously. Paul speaks elsewhere regarding the “old man.” “Old man” refers to the old way of life practiced by Christians before their conversion. A believer is not to be associated with the same sinful practices he or she lived for before knowing Christ.
As prior verses indicated, unbelievers not only submit to sin, they seem eager to go deeper and further into sin. This not only prevents a relationship with God, it’s damaging to their lives and physical bodies. Sin is deceptive, making us think what’s harmful is best for us. The word for “corrupt” here carries the idea of rotting or being defiled. Such things are ruined and useless, with no value to themselves or others. In contrast, believers are called to serve others as valuable servants of Christ.
These themes are often repeated in the New Testament by Paul and others. Believers are instructed to let no corrupting talk leave their mouths. False teachers are described as corrupt. Believers are said to have escaped the corruption of the world, and believers are called to walk in a manner worthy of God’s calling: to be salt and light that attracts others to glorify God.
Paul identifies how Christians can separate themselves from the sin and deception of their former life in Vs. 23. This transformation is only possible through Christ: for those who have come to know Him as Savior and when a person commits his mind and heart to it. Paul often speaks of the importance of being “renewed,” particularly in one’s thinking. This is a powerful and ongoing aspect of our relationship with Christ.
Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The believer is called to live by the Spirit by focusing his mind on what is godly.
Believers are to put off the old man. Prior verses have explained this as the deceptive, corrupting influence of sin, which marks a life of unbelief. Making this change is impossible without Christ, and God requires Christians to be renewed in their thinking. The new man is the life that grows to become more like Christ, created after the likeness of God.
Two aspects are noted to explain how the new man is created as a reflection of the Creator. First, Paul mentions the concept of “true righteousness.” In short, the Lord is righteous and leads His followers to seek to do what is right. Second, we’re created like God in “holiness.” Believers are to control their bodies in holiness and honor, which means being set apart, clean, and distinct from what surrounds them. Believers are to live holy lives as followers of Christ.
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