“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.”– Ephesians 4:22 (KJV)
“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.”– Ephesians 4:22 (NLT)
“Remove all the junk from your lives and eliminate them from your attitude.”– Ephesians 4:22 (MSG)
What Does Ephesians 4:22 Mean?
Ephesians 4:22 is a powerful exhortation that calls for significant change in our lives as followers of Christ. It speaks to us about putting off the ‘old man,’ which refers to our old sinful nature before we knew Christ. This old nature is filled with corruption, driven by deceitful desires. We all have experienced moments in our lives when we’ve acted from these desires, seeking fulfillment in things that ultimately lead us away from God and His purpose for us.
Transformation begins with a conscious decision to let go of that old way of living. It is not merely about external actions but a deep inward change that reflects a new identity in Christ. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are made new. The old is gone, and we are called to embrace our new selves. This verse invites us to examine our lives regularly and identify areas where we might still be hanging on to old habits, thoughts, and behaviors that do not align with our new identity in Him.
Ephesians 4:22 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, Paul is encouraging the believers in Ephesus to recognize their past and to make a conscious decision to let go of the practices associated with it. When we think of putting off something, we can equate it to shedding a piece of clothing. Just like a coat that no longer fits or is worn out, our old selves are no longer suitable for the new life we have in Christ. This action signifies a deliberate choice we make every day to separate ourselves from past behaviors and attitudes that do not align with our faith.
Interestingly, Paul does not just leave us with the “what” of putting off the old man; he guides us towards the “how.” By delving deeper into the Word of God, we uncover truths that will replace the lies we’ve believed for so long. We discover what God says about our worth and identity, paving the way for transformation and renewal. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by renewing our minds, which leads us away from conformity to the patterns of this world. This renews our thoughts allowing us to embrace God’s purpose and plans for our lives.
By understanding this, we can see that our journey involves both a moment of acceptance and a process of growth. It starts with the knowledge of our past lives filled with deceit. Our former ways were destructive. We might have been driven by impulses that led us to make choices we are not proud of. But in Christ, we can find hope for a new path. We are no longer bound by those former ways but invited into a life of peace and fulfillment.
This verse serves as both a reminder and an encouragement. It reminds us of the deep-seated issues we once faced while encouraging us that we have the ability to change. We may wrestle with understanding how to fully put off our old selves, but God’s grace is sufficient for each day. When we rely on His strength and seek accountability with fellow believers, our growth in Him becomes evident.
Context of Ephesians 4:22
This verse is part of a larger passage in which the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Ephesus offering them instructions on how to live out their faith practically. Ephesians addresses the unity of believers and the calling to live a life that reflects Christ’s love. Paul emphasizes that we have all been called into a new body of believers made up of diverse individuals united by the same Spirit.
Before reaching this point, Paul discusses how we are blessed as believers and chosen to be part of God’s family. He highlights God’s grace and mercy, encouraging believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. The call to put off the old self sets the stage for the transformation that comes when we embrace our new identity in Christ.
Linked to this idea, Paul outlines conduct befitting believers, explaining how our actions will reflect our new selves. In Ephesians 4:25-32, he gives practical guidance on how we can embody this transformation by telling the truth, controlling anger, showing kindness, and forgiving others. This contextual richness provides a deeper understanding that turning away from sin and embracing righteousness is an ongoing journey of growth in our Christian lives.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ephesians 4:22
The key aspects of this verse focus on three central ideas: putting off the old self, recognizing the deceit of our desires, and taking action towards a new life. Understanding these components helps us to live out this exhortation practically.
The phrase “put off” denotes an active participation on our part. It requires us to acknowledge the behaviors that don’t align with our new life. By doing this, we cultivate spiritual maturity and help ourselves remain mindful of our choices. The action of “putting off” is intentional. It involves daily decisions to redirect our thoughts, words, and actions towards God’s truth.
Recognizing “the former conversation” sheds light on how our previous lifestyles can affect our present attitudes. It reflects the notions and practices we once accepted as normal but now must reject as we grow in faith. This part of the verse emphasizes the need for honesty with ourselves about our weaknesses and the temptations we may face that can lead us back to the old ways.
Finally, the call to replace deceitful desires highlights the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we pursue a relationship with Christ and devote ourselves to knowing Him through Scripture and prayer, the Holy Spirit begins to reshape our desires. We learn how to discern which longings are true and life-giving versus those that lead to corruption and hurt. This ongoing process of renewal invites us deeper into our identity as children of God.
Lessons to Learn From Ephesians 4:22
Learning from Ephesians 4:22 provides us with a roadmap for spiritual growth. Firstly, it encourages us to examine our lives honestly. By recognizing our past behaviors, we can identify areas where we need improvement. God calls us to grow, and acknowledging our tendencies helps us to grow closer to Him.
Additionally, this verse reinforces the truth that transformation is possible. Often, we may believe certain patterns are too ingrained to change. However, God reminds us through His Word that transformation is within reach. It is about surrendering ourselves to Him and allowing His Spirit to work on our behalf. Each day is an opportunity to wake up and choose to leave behind thoughts and actions that do not reflect our identity in Christ.
Furthermore, the lesson of community resounds here. We are not called to navigate our faith journey alone. Engaging with fellow believers provides encouragement and accountability. We can share experiences and help one another remain focused on reflecting Christ in our everyday lives. Being part of a church or fellowship group allows us to support each other through prayer and discussions that foster spiritual growth.
Lastly, Ephesians 4:22 teaches us that growth is an ongoing journey. There is grace when we stumble, and God’s love remains constant. The message does not end with putting off the old but instead we are encouraged to actively embrace our new selves. As we become aware of our need for God’s grace, we find that His love only deepens our commitment to live a life that glorifies Him.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Ephesians 4:22 invites us to recognize our need for transformation and the power that comes from being in Christ. By committing to put off our old selves, we embrace the new life that He has given us. Each day provides a fresh start to step into who God created us to be.
As we engage with our faith through prayer, the Word, and community, transformation blossoms in our lives. We can remember that we are not alone in this process. God’s Spirit is always with us, guiding and empowering us to live lives filled with love and purpose. Let us encourage one another to keep pressing forward, knowing that our efforts to reflect Christ are never in vain.
For more inspiration, consider exploring our article on The Greatest of These is Love or read about the walk of faith in 1 Samuel 20. You will find encouragement and richness in connecting to God’s Word as we grow together.