that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. Ephesians 4:22 WEB
In this passage, Paul reminds the church of Ephesus of the teaching they received when presented the gospel message of Jesus Christ. He encourages his readers to put away ‘the old man” and put on the “new.” The old man is the former life of sin that we lived before repentance and forgiveness.
As Children of God, we no longer live worldly lives. God softens our hearts which were previously hardened by sin. The Holy Spirit guides us to live by the example of Christ in alignment with the will of our heavenly Father. Easily swayed by the pleasures of the flesh, the old man eagerly sought out sin in destructive cycles of self gratification. On the other hand, the new man seeks to serve the kingdom of heaven in the likeness of Christ. He is the perfect image of God, our example of righteousness, holiness, and truth.
Saved Through Faith
The new man is called in Christ to deny the flesh and serve others. The renewal of our spirit and mind refers to the transition from the old man to the new. In this, we repent from sin and begin to live according to the will of God as he intended since the foundation of the world. This is only possible through the grace of God in Christ. As we read in Ephesians 2:8, “for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. WEB”
Jesus said in John 4:24, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. WEB” We offer ourselves as living sacrifices, denying the flesh in order to worship God and live in the Spirit. Paul illustrates this in Romans 8:5 writing, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. WEB” In worship and in everyday Christian life, it is essential that we put away the old man and live in obedience to God.
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for renewing my spirit and mind. Thank you that the old man has passed away. You make all things new. Guide me in wisdom to live according to your holy word. Deliver me from evil as I focus on the things of the spirit. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Abomination
