You must throw off who we were. And then we must put on your new self.
20 “But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.“
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
Ephesians 4:20-24, NLT
Tell me, is it really that simple? A child understands this, and just maybe that’s why it’s clear and direct, “the kingdom belongs to such as these.” The ways of Christ are uncomplicated, a pre-schooler and a rocket scientist must come the same simple way.
“But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.“
Paul tells us to go back to square one–Jesus. Think about how you first started walking with Him. It isn’t so much learning about Him, but Him. We mustn’t think that just having serious feelings regarding Jesus is going to give us “holiness,” because it can’t. Rather you must draw close and become an intimate companion.
It’s the close friendship that’ll lead you to a pure and holy life, not some weird attempt at holiness that leads you to Christ.
“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature…”
We heard…we learned…Jesus is the source of truth. Truth is something that proceeds from Him alone. He can’t help it. Truth flows from Him. Our steady contact with the holy makes us holy.
That truth requires a response from those of us who follow Him. It demands that we “throw off” that which resists Him. The Greek declares the concept of apotithēmi which means “to renounce” or declare something as invalid. We dare not think we can find discipleship that includes anything except a renunciation of who we used to be.
“The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.”
Romans 13:12, Amplified
“Your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.”
That “former” way of living life is anti-God. Think of your heart is a sponge. Squeeze it and it’ll always be evil, that’s the way it goes. It’s “corrupted.” The word is used to describe a Gentile who dared to enter the inner courts of the Temple. Their very presence defiled the Holy Temple. Their presence made the Temple unholy and impure.
“Lust and deception” describes each one of us. We bring nothing good into His kingdom. The word here means “destruction” or “corruption.” At my very best, I’m contagious. My disease is terminal and I need grace, for it’s the only antidote to my sickness.
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.’‘
We can’t extract the Holy Spirit’s work from who we are. He “renews” us. That word is “renovate” or completely recreated. Our attitudes are completely wrong and must undergo His crucifixion to make things right.
“Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
We each are brought into God’s dressing room, and in it we find God’s clothing. What we wear looks just like Him, fully righteous and completely good. But this passage declares that we must first replace evil and then take up what is good. We must wear His goodness, holiness, and grace.
If we refuse, we’ll never understand the powerful work of purity and wholeness that awaits us. We will never ever be authentic believers, but we will be nothing more than liars and deceivers.
We’ve looked at Ephesians 4:20-24, now let’s get real and live it.
