What is the meaning of Ephesians 4 Verse 22 and how we can apply it to our lives?

Ephesians 4:22

that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

Key Message & Spiritual Meaning

The key message of this verse is that believers must actively choose to put off their former way of life, which was corrupted by sinful desires, and be renewed in their minds, aligning their thoughts and attitudes with the truth of God's Word. This process of moral transformation is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

Related Verses

Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
This verse also speaks of putting off the old self, aligning with the call in Ephesians 4:22 to put off the old self.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
This verse emphasizes the need to be transformed by renewing the mind, which is connected to the call in Ephesians 4:22 to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.
Ephesians 2:1-3 (Ephesians 2:1 • Ephesians 2:2 • Ephesians 2:3)
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
This passage describes the old self that Ephesians 4:22 calls us to put off, highlighting the need to turn away from the sinful nature and desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16-17 (Galatians 5:16 • Galatians 5:17)
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
This passage contrasts the desires of the flesh with the leading of the Spirit, reinforcing the need to put off the old self and be renewed in the spirit of our minds as described in Ephesians 4:22.

Themes and Principles

Putting Off the Old Self

The verse calls for believers to put off their former way of life, which was corrupted by deceitful desires.

Renewing the Mind

Believers are to be renewed in the spirit of their minds, aligning their thoughts and attitudes with the truth of God's Word.

Moral Transformation

The verse emphasizes the need for a moral transformation, where believers actively choose to put off the old self and its sinful practices.

Spiritual Growth

The process of putting off the old self and being renewed in the spirit of the mind is a key aspect of spiritual growth and maturity.

Contextual Overview

Historical Context

The book of Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia. This letter addresses the need for unity and spiritual growth among the predominantly Gentile Christian community.

Cultural Context

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'putting off the old self' was associated with the idea of moral transformation and the shedding of one's former way of life.

Theological Context

This verse is part of Paul's exhortation for believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, putting off the old self and being renewed in the spirit of their minds.

Literary Context

This verse is situated within a larger section where Paul contrasts the old and new life in Christ, calling the Ephesian believers to abandon their former way of life and embrace the new life that comes through faith in Jesus.

Insights & Application

Reflective Questions

What specific sinful desires or practices from your former way of life do you need to put off?

How can you actively renew your mind and align your thoughts and attitudes with the truth of God's Word?

What steps can you take to experience a deeper moral transformation in your life?

How can putting off the old self and being renewed in your mind contribute to your spiritual growth and maturity?

What areas of your life still need to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit?

How can you cultivate a mindset of continual renewal and transformation in your Christian walk?

Practical Application

Identify specific sinful habits, thought patterns, or behaviors that you need to put off and remove from your life.

Develop a plan to regularly study and meditate on God's Word, allowing it to renew your mind and transform your thinking.

Confess any areas of your life where you are still clinging to the old self and ask God for the strength to put it off.

Seek accountability and support from other believers who can encourage you in the process of moral transformation.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the power of Your Word to transform my life. I confess that there are still areas where I cling to my former way of life, corrupted by sinful desires. Lord, I ask that You would renew my mind and align my thoughts and attitudes with the truth of Your Word. Give me the strength and courage to put off the old self and experience a deeper moral transformation. I thank You for the promise of spiritual growth and maturity that comes through this process. May Your Holy Spirit continue to work in my life, shaping me into the image of Your Son. In Jesus' name, amen.

Unlock More Content

Get access to additional related verses, detailed analysis, and more by upgrading your membership.

View Pricing Plans