Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Sermon on 15 February 2026 by Pastor Gaius

Introduction

Ephesians 4:17-19 and Galatians 5:19-21 tell us about the things of the flesh. If we continue to do these things, we will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21). We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Therefore, we should allow the Holy Spirit to work within us.

Message

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24

We should put off hard-heartedness, deceitful desires, jealousy and strife, and things that are worldly and fleshly. Once we put off these things, do not allow your mind to be empty, as this gives the devil a chance to occupy it. Instead, renew your mind (Ephesians 4:23, Romans 12:2). Fill it with things that are true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable and excellent (Philippians 4:8). Put on the new self that is holy (Ephesians 4:24).

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another - Ephesians 4:25

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. - James 1:19-20

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labour, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. - Ephesians 4:26-29

So, we should put on righteousness and holiness, truthfulness and gentleness, as well as honesty and encouragement. Don’t rely on your own strength to do all this. Allow the Holy Spirit who dwells in you to help you walk in accordance with His will.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. - Ephesians 1:13-14

Closing

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:31-32