Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV):
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Put Off Your Old Self
- Scripture: Colossians 3:9-10 – “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
- Scripture: Romans 6:6 – “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.“
- Key Takeaway: The “old self” represents our former way of life dominated by sin and deceitful desires. Believers are called to abandon this old self, acknowledging that it has been crucified with Christ, freeing us from sin’s power.
Being Corrupted by Its Deceitful Desires
- Scripture: James 1:14-15 – “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.“
- Scripture: 1 Peter 1:14 – “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.“
- Key Takeaway: Deceitful desires lead to corruption and death. Recognizing the destructive nature of these desires helps believers resist temptation and live according to God’s will.
Be Made New in the Attitude of Your Minds
- Scripture: Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
- Scripture: Philippians 2:5 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
- Key Takeaway: Renewal of the mind is essential for transformation. This involves adopting the mindset of Christ and aligning our thoughts with God’s truth, leading to discernment and spiritual growth.
Put On the New Self
- Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!“
- Scripture: Galatians 3:27 – “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.“
- Key Takeaway: The “new self” represents our new identity in Christ. This involves embracing the characteristics and virtues of Christ, reflecting a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Created to Be Like God in True Righteousness and Holiness
- Scripture: Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.“
- Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
- Key Takeaway: Believers are called to reflect God’s character in their lives, embodying true righteousness and holiness. This means living out virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, striving to be holy as God is holy.
Summary of Key Takeaways:
- Transformation: The process of Christian transformation involves actively putting off the old self and its corrupt desires, renewing the mind, and putting on the new self that reflects Christ.
- Renewal: Central to this transformation is the renewal of the mind, which aligns our thoughts and attitudes with God’s will and truth.
- New Identity: Embracing the new self means living out our new identity in Christ, characterized by righteousness, holiness, and the fruit of the Spirit.
- Holiness and Righteousness: The ultimate goal is to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, demonstrating the virtues that reflect His character in our daily lives.