What does "old self" mean in Ephesians 4:22 for believers? Context of Ephesians 4:22 “...to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires,” • Paul writes to believers who have already been “made alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:5). • The command “put off” is a call to live out what has already been accomplished in Christ. Word Study: “Old Self” (palaios anthrōpos) • palaios = “ancient, worn out, obsolete.” • anthrōpos = “man, human being.” • Together: the person you were in Adam—your unregenerate identity marked by sin’s control. What Happened to the Old Self at Conversion • Romans 6:6 — “Our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless.” • Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” • Reality: the old self died positionally when we were united to Christ in His death. Why Paul Still Says “Put Off” • Though the old self is judicially dead, its habits linger in our thinking and behavior. • Sanctification is the progressive outworking of a completed transaction: – Position: crucified with Christ. – Practice: daily refusing to let the relics of that dead self rule (Romans 6:11). Key Marks of the Old Self • Corrupted by deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22). • Darkened understanding (Ephesians 4:18). • Separation from the life of God (Ephesians 4:18). • Futility of thinking (Ephesians 4:17). Put Off / Put On Pattern 1. Put off—strip away attitudes and actions tied to the old identity. 2. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind (Ephesians 4:23). 3. Put on the new self, “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). Practical Ways Believers Lay Aside the Old Self • Feed on truth: consistent Scripture intake reshapes the mind (John 17:17). • Confess sin immediately—agree with God and turn from it (1 John 1:9). • Replace old patterns with Spirit-empowered obedience (Ephesians 4:25-32 lists lying vs. truth, stealing vs. labor, bitterness vs. kindness). • Walk by the Spirit so you will not gratify fleshly desires (Galatians 5:16). Cross-References that Illuminate “Old Self” • Colossians 3:9-10 — “You have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new.” • 2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away.” • Titus 3:3-5 contrasts former life with the washing of regeneration. Summary Truths to Remember • The old self is the fallen Adamic identity, already crucified in Christ. • Believers are called to strip off every lingering vestige of that dead identity. • Renewed minds and Spirit-led choices manifest the new self created in righteousness. • Victory over the old self is not self-improvement but living out the finished work of the cross. |
    |