Ephesians 4:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,

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;

NASB: 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,

CSB: to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires,

NLT: throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.

KJV: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

NKJV: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,

Paul next calls believers to consciously strive towards a more Christ-like life. Paul speaks elsewhere regarding the "old self" in Romans 6:6 and Colossians 3:9. The "old self" is the old way of life practiced by Christians prior to their conversion. According to Paul, this "old self" has two characteristics. First, it "belongs" to that previous state, not the current status as a child of God. A believer is not to be associated with the same sinful practices he or she lived for prior to knowing Christ.

Second, the "old self" is marked by evil brought on by misplaced, deceptive urges. As prior verses indicated, unbelievers not only "[give] themselves up" to sin, they seem eager to go deeper and further into sin. This is not only damaging to their relationship with God, it's damaging to their lives and physical bodies (Romans 1:27). Sin is deceptive, making us think that what's actually harmful is what's best for us. The word for "corruption" here is phtheiromenon, which carries the idea of rotting, wasting, rusting, 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 useful servants of Christ.

These themes are repeated often in the New Testament, both by Paul and others. Believers are instructed to let "no corrupting talk" leave their mouths (Ephesians 4:29). False teachers are described as corrupted (2 Timothy 3:8). Believers have escaped the "corruption that is in the world" (2 Peter 1:4). Instead, believers are called to walk in a manner worthy of the calling of God (Ephesians 4:1), being salt and light which attracts others to glorify God (Matthew 5:13–16).

Ephesians 4:17–32 is a valuable, highly practical explanation of how to live out a Christian life. Paul notes the difference between a life wallowing under the power of sin, as opposed to a life thriving in the power of Christ. Christians are called on to ''put away'' the things which entangle unbelievers. This includes sins such as malice, slander, commotion, and bitterness. Instead, we should demonstrate a Christ-like attitude of love and forgiveness.

Truly understanding saving grace, as Paul explained in prior chapters, is the Christian's first motivation for living a godly life. Here, Paul encourages believers to live in way which honors that gift. All saved Christians are part of a single, unified family, part of the ''body'' of Christ. At the same time, different believers are given different talents. Some are called to positions of leadership and authority. All Christians should turn away from the ''old self'' we were prior to being saved. Paul's explanation of the ''new self'' includes some basic, practical steps.

The first half of Ephesians focuses mostly on doctrine, setting up ideas related to the Christian faith. The last half, beginning in chapter 4, puts those theories into practice. Paul begins by emphasizing the ultimate unity of all Christians, regardless of individual spiritual gifts. Paul also begins to explain how knowledge of the truths should translate into action. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 feature specific, real-world applications of Christianity to daily life.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.