The Church - Ephesians 4Sample

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24

"So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves up to indecent behavior for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former way of life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."— Ephesians 4:17-24 (NASB 2020)

In this passage, Paul challenges the church to live in a way that reflects their new life in Christ. He contrasts the old life—marked by spiritual ignorance, hardness of heart, and sinful behavior—with the new life that believers are called to embrace, one rooted in righteousness and holiness. We are no longer to walk as the world does but to live as those who have been transformed by the truth found in Jesus Christ.

1. No Longer Walking in Darkness (Ephesians 4:17-19)
   Paul urges us to "no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds." Before coming to Christ, we were spiritually dead, living in darkness, separated from God. The world operates in ignorance of God, with hardened hearts, engaging in behaviors that lead to deeper spiritual blindness. This state leads to callousness, where people no longer feel the conviction of sin, giving themselves over to impurity. But Paul makes it clear that this is not how we, as believers, are to live.
2. Learning Christ (Ephesians 4:20-21)
   Paul says, "But you did not learn Christ in this way." When we came to know Jesus, we learned a new way of life. The gospel has transformed our hearts and minds, opening our eyes to the truth. Jesus is the truth, and He teaches us how to live in a way that pleases God. If we have truly heard Him and been taught in Him, then our lives should reflect the change that has taken place within us. We are not just called to believe in Jesus; we are called to follow Him and live like Him.
3. Putting Off the Old Self (Ephesians 4:22)
   Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are to "rid yourselves of the old self." The old self is the person we were before Christ—corrupted by deceitful desires, enslaved to sin, and driven by the passions of the flesh. This old nature is decaying and leading us to destruction. As believers, we are called to actively put off this old way of living. It requires intentionality and daily surrender, rejecting the sinful patterns that once defined us.
4. Putting On the New Self (Ephesians 4:23-24)
   In contrast to the old self, Paul calls us to "be renewed in the spirit of your minds" and to "put on the new self." The new self is created in the likeness of God and is marked by righteousness and holiness. This renewal is a work of the Holy Spirit, transforming our thoughts, attitudes, and actions to reflect the character of Christ. Our new identity in Christ leads us to live in a way that pleases God, where truth, purity, and love define our lives.

Applications

1. Reject the mindset of the world.
   Be mindful of the influences that can lead you back into spiritual darkness. Guard your heart and mind by staying connected to God’s truth.“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
2. Seek to know Christ more deeply.
   Make time to grow in your relationship with Jesus through prayer, Bible study, and worship.“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
3. Put off the old self.
   Recognize areas of your life where the old nature still tries to dominate and submit them to Christ.“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
4. Walk in the new self.
   Embrace your new identity in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to continually renew your mind and actions.“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10).

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the transformation You have brought into my life through Christ. Help me to put off the old self and walk fully in the new life You have given me. Renew my mind daily by Your Word and Your Spirit. Strengthen me to reject the ways of the world and to live in righteousness and holiness, reflecting the truth and love of Jesus in all I do. In His powerful name, I pray. Amen.