Ephesians (W8D3) The New Self
Week 8. Wednesday: The New Self
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
READ: Ephesians 4:22-24
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
Put Off (Greek: apotithēmi): to put or lay aside, to get rid of
Old Self (Greek: palaios anthrōpos): the former person, past lifestyle
Corrupted (Greek: phtheirō): to become depraved, to be destroyed
Our old self is corrupted by its sinful desires.
We can also be corrupted by the company we keep (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Deceitful Desires (Greek: apatē epithymia): literally deceitful lusts
Made New (Greek: ananeoō): renewed, specifically in the mind
Attitude (Greek: pneuma): the spirit of the mind is a better translation
Our attitude drives all that we do.
Paul taught that the solution is a constant renewal of our mind (Romans 12:2).
Put On (Greek: endyō): to sink into, to clothe oneself (Romans 13:11-14)
New Self (Greek: kainos anthrōpos): a new kind of person
This is not just a modified version but a whole new person.
Paul is referring to a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Like God (Greek: kata theos): created by God to reflect God
We are called to reflect God’s character (righteousness & holiness).
God explains His character in Exodus 34:4-7.
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
The goal of the Christian life is to become more like Christ every day. As we grow in our understanding of who God is, we will start to become more like Him. We have to start by putting off our old self and leaving behind the desires of our sin nature. Then we can reflect a gracious God to those around us.
What deceitful desires come from our old self?
What godly desires come from our new self?
Read Exodus 34:4-7. What part of God’s character most describes you? PRAY: Thank God for giving you the ability to live a new life.
