Ephesians 4:22 That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; I. THE APOSTLE'S DESCRIPTION OF HOLINESS. It is putting off the old man, or the corrupt nature so called, which hath spread its influence throughout the whole man, the soul (Ephesians 4:17-20), and the body (Romans 6:13, 19); and which, like a man, consists of various parts. The deeds of the old man are very vigorous and strong, though old: mighty deeds (Galatians 5:19-22; Ephesians 4:25-29); each member acts its part: unbelief, like the heart causing the blood to circulate through the whole body, influences all the other members: pride produces contention, contumely, strife, etc.; self-will leads to murmuring, disobedience, presumption, etc. This must be put off: the metaphor is borrowed from an old worn-out or unclean garment, which we would cast off with abhorrence. We must also be "renewed in the spirit of our minds," in the faculties of the soul, by obtaining an enlightened understanding, rectified will, pure and well-regulated affections. We must "put on the new man," a new creature: so called because it influences the whole man, soul and body (text, and 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 6:20). And it consists of different parts — the soul in which God dwells, and which He animates, influences, directs, actuates, commands (1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:22; Romans 8:9-14; the body and its members (Colossians 3:12-17; Galatians 5:22); holiness, righteousness, viz., faith, humility, self-denial, love, meekness, gentleness, patience, etc. The deeds of the new man, are all vigorous, strong, active. It is "the image" of God, "created" by Him, "renewed in knowledge." This must be put on as a "robe of righteousness." II. THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING THIS ADVICE OF THE APOSTLE. If we take it not, our Christianity is but a name or profession, and will only render us more guilty. We cannot glorify God, as being unlike to Him, and at enmity with Him. Nor can we set a good example, and thereby edify others, for the corrupt tree will "bring forth corrupt fruit." We cannot be happy ourselves, for this old man is corrupt, like an old, threadbare, ragged, and dirty garment, which cannot cover us, which exposes us to shame, and is offensive, hurtful, encumbering, and entangling. All the evil dispositions of it are productive of misery. Its lusts or desires are foolish, unreasonable, violent, insatiable, deceitful; promising, but not yielding satisfaction. We are not fitted for, and cannot enter heaven without the new man. III. HOW TO ATTAIN THIS HOLINESS. It is the gift of God: He "creates" it; but not without our cooperation; He works on us as upon rational creatures, not superseding but directing and assisting us in the use of our faculties, and has appointed certain means to be used by us. We are to "hunger and thirst after righteousness"; and in order to this, should consider frequently, nay continually, the nature and necessity of it, our want of it, the great worth of it, God's willingness to give it, and cultivate a spirit of prayer. (J. Benson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; |
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