Description

Put Off the Old Self (Eph 4:17-19)

Paul warns believers not to live like the Gentiles, whose thinking is futile and whose hearts are hardened. Their lifestyle is marked by having a darkened understanding, ignorance, insensitivity, and moral corruption that is driven by selfish desires.

Be Renewed and Put on the New Self (Eph 4:20-24)

Paul claims that the old way of life is not how believers have learned Christ. Rather believers are to:

• Put off the old self (i.e. the former way of life).
• Be renewed in the spirit of their minds.
• Put on the new self (i.e. new way of life in righteousness and holiness).

Practical Instructions for New Life (Eph 4:25-32)

Paul lists specific ways to live out this new self:

• Speak truthfully instead of lying.
• Control your anger and deal with it promptly.
• Do honest work so you can help others.
• Speak words that build up, not corrupt speech.
• Avoid bitterness, rage, slander, and malice.
• Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God forgave you in Christ.

Imitate God and Walk in Love (Eph 5:1-2)

Believers are called to be imitators of God as His children. We should walk in love, following the example of Christ, who gave himself as a sacrificial offering for us.