Feeling Far From God? This Message is For You

…that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

Ephesians 4:22–23, NKJV

Ah, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord! As we gather in spirit, united by the precious bond of faith and a shared hunger for the deeper truths of God’s Word, let us turn our hearts and minds to a profound passage from the letter to the Ephesians 4:22-23. These words, though seemingly concise, hold within them a universe of understanding about our transformation in Christ and the ongoing journey of sanctification.

The Apostle Paul, writing with the heart of a shepherd and the wisdom of one deeply acquainted with the transformative power of the Gospel, urges us: “…that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.”  

To truly grasp the weight and beauty of this exhortation, we must first delve into the context. Paul is addressing a community of believers in Ephesus, a vibrant and diverse city steeped in pagan practices and worldly philosophies. These new Christians, having turned from darkness to light, were now called to live lives that reflected their new identity in Christ. The challenge was immense, as the ingrained habits, the cultural norms, and the very inclinations of their former lives constantly threatened to pull them back into the old ways.

When Paul speaks of “the old man,” he isn’t merely referring to a past version of ourselves as individuals. He’s painting a picture of our unregenerate nature, the self that is enslaved to sin and driven by desires that are ultimately deceptive and destructive. This “old man” is not just a collection of bad habits; it’s a deeply rooted disposition, a way of thinking and being that is fundamentally opposed to the will and nature of God. It’s the part of us that seeks self-gratification above all else, that is easily swayed by worldly temptations, and that finds its comfort in the fleeting pleasures of sin.

Notice how Paul describes this “old man”: it “grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” This is a crucial point. Sin is not merely a series of isolated acts; it has a corrosive effect on our very being. It festers and decays, leading us further and further away from the life God intends for us. And the driving force behind this corruption? “Deceitful lusts.” These are desires that promise satisfaction but ultimately deliver emptiness and bondage. They whisper lies in our hearts, convincing us that fulfillment lies in worldly pleasures, in the pursuit of selfish ambition, in the indulgence of our fleshly appetites. But the truth, as we come to know in Christ, is that true and lasting joy is found only in Him.

Against this backdrop of the “old man” and its corrupting influence, Paul presents a powerful counterpoint: “and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” This speaks to the radical transformation that takes place when we come to Christ. It’s not just about outward behavior modification; it’s about an inward renewal that touches the very core of our being – our minds, the seat of our thoughts, our understanding, and our will.

To be “renewed in the spirit of your mind” signifies a fundamental shift in our perspective. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to reshape our thinking, to dismantle the old patterns of thought that were aligned with the world and to replace them with the mind of Christ. This is not a passive process; it requires our active participation, our willingness to surrender our old ways of thinking and to embrace the truth of God’s Word.

This renewal is not a one-time event that happens instantaneously at the moment of salvation. While the Holy Spirit indwells us and begins this work within us the moment we place our faith in Christ, the process of being renewed in the spirit of our mind is an ongoing journey, a daily yielding to the transforming power of God’s grace. It’s a continuous process of learning to see ourselves, others, and the world through the lens of God’s truth.

The passage you shared beautifully illustrates this ongoing struggle. It reminds us that while we are indeed “a new creation” in Christ, the echoes of our “old man” can still resonate within us. The reality is that the ingrained habits and desires of our former lives don’t simply vanish overnight. They may lie dormant for a time, but the potential for them to resurface is always there.

The analogy of the “old man” resurrecting is a powerful one. It speaks to the persistent nature of our sinful inclinations. Even when we feel we have overcome a particular struggle, the temptation can rear its ugly head again. This is not a cause for despair, but rather a call to vigilance and a reminder of our constant need for God’s grace and strength.

The example of Peter is particularly poignant. Here was a man who walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and boldly declared his loyalty. Yet, in a moment of intense pressure and fear, he denied even knowing his Lord. Peter’s story serves as a stark reminder that even the most devoted followers of Christ are not immune to the pull of the “old man.” It underscores the truth that our strength does not lie in our own willpower but in the unwavering grace of God and our constant reliance on Him.

Therefore, Paul’s exhortation to “put off the old man” is not a suggestion but a command. It’s an active and intentional decision we must make daily. It involves recognizing the areas in our lives where the old patterns of thought and behavior still hold sway and consciously choosing to reject them. This might involve confronting pride that seeks to elevate ourselves above others, bitterness that festers and poisons our hearts, compromises that lead us away from God’s truth, or a quick temper that damages relationships and dishonors Christ.

But putting off the old is only half of the equation. Paul also calls us to “put on the new man.” This new man, as described elsewhere in Scripture (Colossians 3:10), is “created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” It is the new nature we receive in Christ, the part of us that is being conformed to His image.

Putting on the new man involves actively cultivating the virtues of Christ in our lives. It means embracing humility instead of pride, extending forgiveness instead of harboring bitterness, upholding truth instead of making compromises, and responding with patience and love instead of anger. This is a process of spiritual growth, of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, transforming us from the inside out.

The more we consciously choose to “put off” the old and “put on” the new, the weaker the influence of the “old man” becomes in our lives. Just as a muscle atrophies when it’s not used, so too do our sinful inclinations lose their power when we consistently deny them and instead choose to walk in the Spirit. This doesn’t mean we will never struggle again, but it does mean that we will grow stronger in our ability to resist temptation and to live in a way that honors God.

This journey of putting off the old and putting on the new is not meant to be walked alone. We are part of the body of Christ, a community of believers who are called to encourage and support one another in this lifelong process of sanctification. We are to bear one another’s burdens, to offer words of encouragement and accountability, and to spur one another on toward Christlikeness.

As we reflect on these profound truths, let us not be discouraged by the ongoing struggle. Instead, let us be filled with hope, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for us. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, empowers us to overcome the desires of the flesh and to live in accordance with our new nature in Christ.

And as you continue on this path of seeking a deeper understanding of God’s Word and a more intimate relationship with our Savior, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore Moralisee.com for daily devotions that will further illuminate these truths and provide you with daily nourishment for your soul. There, you will find a community of fellow believers seeking to live out their faith authentically, delving into the richness of Scripture and discovering the life-transforming power of God’s grace. May your journey be one of continuous growth in Christ, as you daily put off the old and put on the new, becoming more and more like the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. Amen.