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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 226

"That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts."

Text: Ephesians 4:22

A DISTINCT LIFESTYLE

How should the believer live out his profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? To the apostle Paul, there was only one way. The Christian must live a life that is distinctive and significant! But does he do that?

THAT YOU PUT OFF

This phrase translates a single word (“apothestai”). This compound word suggests intensity and strong purpose. The idea of “putting off” is that of casting away clothes that are filthy.

CONCERNING YOUR FORMER CONDUCT (“anastrophe”)

Let us recall once again the “former conduct” the Ephesians had:-

1. Dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1)

2. Walked according to the course of this world (Ephesians 2:2)

3. Walked according to the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)

4. Sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2)

5. Lusts of the flesh (Ephesians 2:3)

Surely these things must be put off for good!

THE OLD MAN WHICH GROWS CORRUPT ACCORDING TO DECEITFUL LUSTS

Paul introduced another strong reason why the believer wants to put off the former conduct. He speaks of “the old man”.

1. The “old man”

This is essentially Paul’s way of referring to the sinful human nature.

2. Grows corrupt

The human nature can become very corrupt. The human being can degenerate to very low levels.

3. According to deceitful lusts

The human nature when allowed to indulge in “deceitful lusts” will indeed become horribly corrupt.

To Paul, this is another reason why the former conduct must be put off for good!