EPHESIANS 4:22-24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Put Off; always in the Middle Voice in the NT, "to put off (apo) from oneself," is rendered "to put away" in the RV. The Greek word used here is ἀποτίθημι apotithemi. Vine's (def. 5) Strong's G659.
Former Conduct; Having the idea of "before", or conduct in which the Gentiles walked or were associated with. That in which was against or opposed to Christ's calling. The Greek word is πρότερος proteros. Vine's (def 2) states first," is translated "former". Strong's G4387.
Deceitful Lusts; deceit or deceitfulness" (akin to apatao, "to cheat, deceive, beguile"), that which gives a false impression, whether by appearance, statement or influence, is said of riches. The Greek word used here is ἀπάτη apate. Vine's (def A-1), Strong's G539
My Notes - Lusts have the idea of strong desires. Paul gives us insight to how our old ways or "conduct" grows without Christ. Corruption of the old man is enhanced by our own desires. The desires in this text are introduced through lies, false impressions, and influences. The process is slowed or stopped and reversed as our desires become fixed on Christ and His Word and not false doctrines, teachings, or deceitful practices.
Renewed; Spirit Of Your Mind; The renewal mentioned here is not that of the mind itself in its natural powers of memory, judgment, and perception; but that which is under the controlling power of the indwelling Holy Spirit directing its energies Godward in the enjoyment of fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, and the fulfillment of the will of God. "to renew, make young" (ana, as in No. 1, and neos, "recent," not different). The Greek word for renew is ἀνανεόω ananeoo. Vine's (def. A-3), Strong's G365.
Discussion - "The Christian, viewed as a man born of God, and particularly abiding in Christ does not sin even once. For the Gnostics, a man could be abiding in Christ, and yet sin could still be in his life because sin was from the body and was a matter of indifference. John counters that sin is never part of an "abiding" experience. The reason he does not sin even once is because "God's seed abides in Him." God's seed is the regenerative new nature given to each believer when he is born again (John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.) Certainly, the parallel holds in physical life. When we are born we inherit the nature of our parents. Jesus Himself in describing the born-again experience made it analogous to physical birth (John 3). Elsewhere Paul refers to this perfect new nature as the "new self" or "new man" (Ephesians 4:24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.) (Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him). This means that sin cannot be a product of a regenerative life, as the Gnostics maintained. So when anyone sins, he is responsible for it, but the source of it can not be the seed of God in him. That seed can not ever result in Christians committing even one act of sin.
- Dillow "Reign Of The Servant Kings".
- Dillow "Reign Of The Servant Kings".
Righteousness; is the character or quality of being right or just;" it was formerly spelled "rightwiseness," which clearly expresses the meaning. It is used to denote an attribute of God. The Greek word is δικαιοσύνη dikaiosune. Vine's (def. prime), Strong's G1343.
Holiness; is to be distinguished from hagiotes, as denoting that quality of "holiness" which is manifested in those who have regard equally to grace and truth; it involves a right relation to God; The Greek word used here is ὁσιότης hosits. Vine's (def A-4), Strong's G3742.
Takeaway - 1) Accepting Christ does not mean that we will never sin. What it does mean, is that if we are abiding in Christ we won't.
2) Our faith and indwelling of the Holy Spirit will result in a change in our actions and the putting away of deceit and lust. It does not mean everything will be totally peachy and that we will not wrestle against the flesh. In fact, we can fully expect that. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
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