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; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV)
In this passage, Paul reminds the church, and its members, of something they had been taught. Something that was worth reminding them of. Yet something that seems not to be taught as much today.
Paul is talking to them about their life. Who and what they are and do. And he does so using the example of getting dressed. He tells us to strip off the old self, the old set of clothes. And to put on the new self, a new set of clothes.
The old self we are told to put off is the person we were prior to coming to Christ. That set of clothes is moth-eaten, threadbare, and dirty. They are comfortable and familiar. But they need to go. In the same way, the person I was when I came to Christ is familiar, and I am comfortable with him. But he is/was being corrupted by his deceitful desires.
A Spiritual Makeover
It is not enough to simply sew on some patches or wash out the worst of the stains. Nor is it sufficient to just accessorize a bit. Paul tells us that we need a complete makeover.
Put on the new self. The self that is created to be like God. To be righteous and holy. This is not a self that is compatible with our old self. Nor is it a self we can create for ourselves. It is a self made by God. He has provided us with a new wardrobe. Just strip off the old and put on what he has provided for us. It may be uncomfortable at first. But you will grow to love it.
Great explanation. God bless you.
Thanks. Glad you found value in it.
Very great way of looking at the text
Thanks