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By this figure we understand the depravity of man.

I. HIS DWELLING place. Sin has its seat in the heart. Every disposition to evil comes directly from the heart. The body is but the machine of the man" Depravity is in us, dwells in the secret place of the temple.

II. HIS DISPOSITION. Loves darkness, thirsts after the gratification of every evil desire; hates the light, turns with loathing from the light of purity, whether seen in man or God. And he is subtle — deceives those in whom he dwells, so successfully that they disbelieve in his presence.

III. HIS INFLUENCE. Pervades every part of the man. Sears the conscience, affects the will, defiles the passions, perverts the mind, hinders the body.

IV. HIS ACHIEVEMENTS. At his instigation every vile deed was done that defaces the page of history.

V. HIS LONGEVITY. In the hearts of some he will dwell forever. The lost sin on, although they suffer as they sin. In the case of believers, though put off, still he will seek to gain his old ascendency, or be the cause of bitterness until they reach the grave. In conclusion: Let each ask(1) Who is this "old man"? He is your former self — the self that loved sin and hated God.

(2) How can I put him off? Ask God to give you a new nature, and then the "new man" will struggle with the old, and at last triumph.

(R. A. Griffin.)

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KJV: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

WEB: that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;