Ephesians 4:17-24: Put Off the Old Self
Introduction
Ephesians 4:17-24 presents a compelling challenge for believers: to reject their former way of life and embrace the transformative power of God’s grace. This passage calls us to “put off” the old self—the sinful patterns and attitudes that once defined us—and to “put on” the new self, which is created in the likeness of God. It’s a profound invitation to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ, marked by righteousness, holiness, and a renewed mind.
In these verses, Paul shifts his focus from the unity of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16) to the personal transformation that should characterize every believer’s life. This isn’t merely a call to change external behaviors but to experience a deep, internal renewal that reshapes our thoughts, desires, and attitudes. It’s a call to live as people who have been fundamentally changed by the gospel.
Ephesians 4:17-24: A Call to Reject the Old Life
Paul begins with a stark contrast between the old life and the new life in Christ. He urges the Ephesian believers, “You must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds” (Ephesians 4:17, ESV). The “Gentiles” here represent those who live apart from God, disconnected from God’s truth and grace. Their lives are characterized by futility, ignorance, and hardness of heart—a downward spiral into sin and self-destruction.
Paul’s language is strong because he wants believers to grasp the seriousness of leaving behind their old way of life. A life disconnected from God, he suggests, is marked by emptiness and moral decay. It’s a life driven by selfish desires, chasing after certain pleasures that ultimately lead to destruction. For believers, this former way of living must be decisively rejected. The new life in Christ cannot coexist with the old self; it requires a radical break from the past.
This rejection of the old life isn’t just about avoiding sinful behaviors. It’s about a fundamental shift in identity. As believers, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes, our sinful habits, or the world’s broken values. Instead, we are defined by our new identity in Christ—a identity that calls us to live in a way that honors God.
The Renewal of the Mind: Putting Off the Old Self (Ephesians 4:20-24)
In verses 20-24, Paul explains what it means to “put off” the old self and “put on” the new self. He writes, “You were taught to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24, ESV).
At the heart of this transformation is the renewal of the mind. Paul emphasizes that true change begins internally, with a shift in how we think and perceive the world. The phrase “renewed in the spirit of your minds” points to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. It’s the Spirit who reshapes our thoughts, aligns our desires with God’s will, and empowers us to live in a way that reflects divine truth.
This renewal isn’t a one-time event but a lifelong process. It requires intentional effort and daily surrender to God’s work in our lives. As Romans 12:2 reminds us, we are to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” This transformation enables us to discern God’s will and live in a way that pleases.
The “new self” that we are called to put on is created in the likeness of God. It’s a life marked by “true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). Righteousness refers to living in right relationship with God and others, while holiness speaks of being set apart for God’s purposes and living in purity. Together, these qualities reflect the character of God and distinguish the new life in Christ from the old life of sin.
Living Out the New Self: Practical Implications (Ephesians 4:25-32)
While Ephesians 4:25-32 delves into the practical outworking of the new self, the foundation is laid in verses 17-24. Putting off the old self and putting on the new self isn’t just about adopting a new set of rules; it’s about a complete transformation that affects every area of our lives. This transformation impacts how we relate to others, how we handle conflict, how we speak, and how we work.
For example, Paul instructs believers to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), to “be angry and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26), and to “let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). These practical instructions flow from the internal renewal that takes place when we put on the new self. They demonstrate what it looks like to live as people who have been transformed by the gospel.
Ephesians 4:17-24 Explained
The central message of Ephesians 4:17-24 is a call to embrace the transformation that comes with being in Christ. The new life isn’t about superficial changes but about a deep, internal renewal that reshapes our identity. It involves rejecting the old ways of thinking and living that are rooted in sin and embracing the new life that is found in Christ.
This transformation begins with the renewal of the mind. The Holy Spirit works in believers to change the way they think, helping them to see the world through God’s eyes and to live according to the truth. This renewal is an ongoing process, one that requires intentionality and submission to God’s work in our lives.
Ephesians 4:17-24 and Meaning for Today
Ephesians 4:17-24 is as relevant today as it was when Paul first wrote it. In a world that often glorifies self-centeredness, materialism, and moral relativism, this passage challenges us to live differently. It calls us to evaluate our lives and identify areas where we may still be clinging to the old self. Are there habits, attitudes, or desires that need to be put off so that we can fully embrace the new self in Christ?
This transformation isn’t something we can achieve on our own. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and it requires our cooperation and submission to God. As we grow in our relationship with him and allow him to renew our minds, we become more and more like Christ, living lives of righteousness and holiness.
Key Takeaways from Ephesians 4:17-24
1. Reject the Old Self: The old life is marked by sin, selfishness, and futility. The new life in Christ requires a decisive rejection of the old self and its patterns.
2. Renew Your Mind: True transformation begins with the renewal of the mind. Allow the Holy Spirit to reshape your thoughts and desires according to God’s truth.
3. Put on the New Self: The new self is created in the image of God, marked by righteousness and holiness. Embrace your new identity in Christ and live in a way that reflects his character.
4. Ongoing Transformation: The process of putting off the old self and putting on the new self is a lifelong journey. It requires daily surrender to God’s work in our lives.
Conclusion
Ephesians 4:17-24 is a powerful reminder that the Christian life is one of ongoing transformation. It’s a call to reject the emptiness of our former way of life and to embrace the fullness of life in Christ. As we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and transform our hearts, we begin to reflect God’s character to the world around us. This transformation isn’t always easy, but it’s the path to true freedom and fulfillment. Let us commit to putting off the old self and putting on the new self, living as people who have been made new in Christ.
