Renew Our Hearts | Ephesians 4:17–24

PUT OFF

First, Paul commands us to put off the Old Man.

The Greek word is aorist, which connotes continuing action. We are to continually work through the process of putting away, or denying the old self.

Romans 8:13 ESV

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

“Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you”. A stark pair of alternatives. What could be more urgent? Yet how much do we think, hear or read about putting sin to death? This is one of John Owen’s most famous quotes. He stresses that it is a constant and daily imperative. “Be always at it while you live. Cease not a day from this work”. The biblical reasons he gives can be summarized as follows. Indwelling sin never goes away or stops its activity. It is always seeking our destruction. It is also our duty to grow in grace and holiness every day. Our spiritual life depends on putting sin to death.

We are never free from the need to daily kill sin and kill the old man inside of us. It’s a daily struggle that we some days are gloriously victorious in and other days struggle with.

Colossians 3:9 ESV

Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices

The old self belongs to the old way of life, and as such is easy and comfortable. Like an old pair of shoes or an old pair of pants.

But Paul says we must PUT it off.

PUT ON

Second we are to put on the new self. How? By being renewed in the spirit of the minds.

Colossians 3:10 ESV

and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

We are being renewed. This is not something we are doing, though we are commanded to be participants in it, but it is something the spirit is doing in us.

But we are called to actively participate in the renewal the Holy spirit is doing.

2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

So how do I “put on” holiness?

By spiritual disciplines and by focusing on things that lead to spiritual growth.

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

We must center our hearts and center our minds on those things that lead to godliness.

Scripture Memorization

Bible Reading

Prayer

LIVE OUT

Notice, that we are called to actively live out the life of faith.

Ephesians 4:25 ESV

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.