Ephesians 4:22 - that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;
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What does "Ephesians 4:22" mean?
Ephesians 4:22 is part of a larger passage in which Paul is urging the Ephesians (and by extension, all Christians) to live lives that are worthy of their calling. This verse specifically addresses the need for a radical transformation from their former, ungodly lives. Let's break it down:
"That you put away..." This is an active command. It's not passive, like something that just happens. "Put away" suggests actively removing something unwanted from your life, like discarding old clothes.
"...as concerning your former way of life..." This phrase connects what they are to "put away" with their previous behavior and habits before they became Christians. It's a life marked by sin and separation from God.
"...the old man..." "Old man" is a metaphor. It refers to the old self, the person they were before they came to Christ. This "old self" is characterized by sin, selfishness, and a lack of spiritual understanding. Think of it as the version of themselves that is controlled by their sinful nature.
"...that grows corrupt..." This emphasizes the degenerative nature of this old self. It's not static; it's actively decaying and becoming increasingly wicked. Sin leads to more sin and deeper corruption.
"...after the lusts of deceit." This is a crucial phrase. It explains why the old man grows corrupt. It's because it is driven by "lusts of deceit."
"Lusts" are strong desires, cravings, and passions. They can be for anything – power, pleasure, material possessions, etc.
"Deceit" means trickery, lies, and illusion. These lusts are not based on truth or reality but are fueled by lies. Sin promises satisfaction but ultimately leads to emptiness, brokenness, and separation from God. It deceives you into thinking it will bring you happiness, but it never does.
In essence, Ephesians 4:22 is urging Christians to:
1. Actively reject their former, sinful way of life.
2. Recognize that their old self, controlled by selfish desires and lies, is inherently corrupt and destructive.
3. Understand that these destructive desires are rooted in deception; they are based on false promises of happiness and fulfillment.
Connection to the Rest of the Passage:
This verse is a call to action. Paul continues in verses 23-24: "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." So, the "putting away" of the old man is followed by the "putting on" of the new man (a new self) which is created in Christ's image. This "new man" is characterized by righteousness and holiness, not corruption and deceit.
In short: This verse teaches that true conversion means turning away from your old, sinful nature and embracing a new life in Christ, free from the deceitful cravings that once controlled you.
Ephesians 4:22 - that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;
What does "Ephesians 4:22" mean?
Ephesians 4:22 is part of a larger passage in which Paul is urging the Ephesians (and by extension, all Christians) to live lives that are worthy of their calling. This verse specifically addresses the need for a radical transformation from their former, ungodly lives. Let's break it down:
"That you put away..." This is an active command. It's not passive, like something that just happens. "Put away" suggests actively removing something unwanted from your life, like discarding old clothes.
"...as concerning your former way of life..." This phrase connects what they are to "put away" with their previous behavior and habits before they became Christians. It's a life marked by sin and separation from God.
"...the old man..." "Old man" is a metaphor. It refers to the old self, the person they were before they came to Christ. This "old self" is characterized by sin, selfishness, and a lack of spiritual understanding. Think of it as the version of themselves that is controlled by their sinful nature.
"...that grows corrupt..." This emphasizes the degenerative nature of this old self. It's not static; it's actively decaying and becoming increasingly wicked. Sin leads to more sin and deeper corruption.
"...after the lusts of deceit." This is a crucial phrase. It explains why the old man grows corrupt. It's because it is driven by "lusts of deceit."
"Lusts" are strong desires, cravings, and passions. They can be for anything – power, pleasure, material possessions, etc.
"Deceit" means trickery, lies, and illusion. These lusts are not based on truth or reality but are fueled by lies. Sin promises satisfaction but ultimately leads to emptiness, brokenness, and separation from God. It deceives you into thinking it will bring you happiness, but it never does.
In essence, Ephesians 4:22 is urging Christians to:
1. Actively reject their former, sinful way of life.
2. Recognize that their old self, controlled by selfish desires and lies, is inherently corrupt and destructive.
3. Understand that these destructive desires are rooted in deception; they are based on false promises of happiness and fulfillment.
Connection to the Rest of the Passage:
This verse is a call to action. Paul continues in verses 23-24: "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." So, the "putting away" of the old man is followed by the "putting on" of the new man (a new self) which is created in Christ's image. This "new man" is characterized by righteousness and holiness, not corruption and deceit.
In short: This verse teaches that true conversion means turning away from your old, sinful nature and embracing a new life in Christ, free from the deceitful cravings that once controlled you.