The new man and the actions of the transformed. This is the topic we’ve chosen as we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians. We’ll be analyzing chapter 4, verses 17 through 32 beginning with a review of the definition of the old/new man, including Paul the Apostles instruction on how the new man should live.
For those who haven’t been following our past studies in Ephesians, let’s do a quick recap (check our Bible study title: The New Man: A New Creation through Christ). Prior to Jesus dying for our sins, the world was divided into two categories: Jew and Gentile. After the crucifixion of Christ, Jesus ushered in a new age called the dispensation of Grace, or the Church age. So, the difference between the Jew and Gentile is as follows: Jews had the Law which began with Abram, who later became known as Abraham, the nation of Israel was born. Jews had their struggle with God, and they ultimately rejected the Messiah and crucified Him. The crucifixion was necessary for our salvation, so Satan’s plot to kill Christ ushered in our salvation. On the other hand, the Gentiles are considered by Paul as being far away from God. They have refused the living God and instead worship false gods. Ultimately, Jesus ended this bipolar world by mending the two as a new creation. Therefore, once you place your faith in Jesus, accept Him as Lord and repent of your sins, God will forgive you of your sins and you will be admitted into the family of God – you will be known as a child of God. For the believer, there is the Jew or Gentile distinction, just simply the new man. This ends the difference between Jew and Gentile, and it reconciles man to God. However, as mentioned, the caveat is that you must receive Jesus. Many falsely believe the following:
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All are God’s children
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Grace is sufficient for salvation, therefore you don’t need to pursue holiness and can live in sin
Clearly, this teaching is heresy, and goes against the teachings of the New Testament. We are saved through Jesus, but a repentance must take place, which requires a change of heart and an end to the sinful life. The Holy Spirit instructs us and guides us through a process of refinement to become like our Lord. Therefore, repentance and life in sin does not equal genuine repentance/salvation.
Now, let’s return to the verses for this week and see what Paul the Apostle has to say:
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as [f]the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 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.
To summarize these 7 verses, Paul is speaking to the Gentiles saying, you once were lost and did not know God, therefore, you acted according to your sinful desires. You mind and understanding was in darkness, and you were separated from God. The manifestation of your sinful nature was in your actions which Paul says is wickedness, uncleanness, and greediness. However, with the acceptance of Jesus, you have put these aside and you must imitate your Father in heaven in true righteousness and holiness. As believers, we are made righteous through the blood of Jesus, and our focus must be to pursue holiness, which is to be like our Heavenly Father.
In verses 25 through 32, Paul states the following:
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give [g]place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
To go counter to God which is going back to the ways of the old man, we essentially grieve the Holy Spirit. Paul states examples of the righteous lifestyle, which is to be truthful, to not sin when angry, not steal, to be mindful of what you speak and don’t speak like the old man who spews hatred and vile words. It’s imperative that believers be filled with love, compassion, and focus on the works of the kingdom, as is mentioned in Colossians 3:2 (Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth). As such, these attributes or new personality cannot be misinterpreted to mean that you can accomplish this on your own. If we had the capability to transform ourselves, we would not need Christ. The key factor to understand is the order of operation and how it works. You must first receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, then you will receive the Holy Spirit which is the Helper. With the Holy Spirit, you will begin a process of transformation which leads us to what is called the fruit of the Spirit – about in Galatians 5:22-23 (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law).
So, what is the new man and the actions of the transformed? It’s the manifestation of the actions, the evidence of the faith which to become more like our Father in Heaven, through transformation executed by the Holy Spirit. If you are fed up living a life of sin and realize that you are on path to destruction, on a path to hell, it’s time for you to repent and to receive the Lord. If you are ready to receive Jesus, pray this prayer: If you are ready to receive the Lord and to join the body of Christ, pray this prayer, Lord Jesus I know that I am sinner and I ask you forgive me of my sins. I believe that you were crucified for my sins and through your blood I have redemption and salvation. Please come into my heart and I receive you as my God. I pray in Jesus name. AMEN
