Ephesians 4:22-24 (KJV)
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
I am convinced that the theme of the entire book of Ephesians is the local church. God has ordained, elected, chosen, and predetermined that every believer—of whatsoever nation they may be—come together into one new man: the local church.
That being the case, the old man we are to put off includes our old culture, old religious opinions, and old associations. We are to “come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.”
At the same time, we are to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. We are to unite with a local congregation of believers who share the same Lord, the same faith, and the same baptism.
This then becomes the basis for the instruction that follows through the remainder of the chapter. It is a call to unity in the local church. It is a call to put all that behind us so we may be usable for the edifying of the body—and not its harm.
Given the nature of men, and the lack of cohesion in many modern American churches, I shudder to think how ashamed some of us will be at the judgment seat of Christ.
If you'd like, I can also show you two very small wording adjustments that would make the argument about the local church even sharper without changing your point.
#PutOffTheOldMan #PutOnTheNewMan #UnityInTheChurch #RenewedMind #BiblicalChurchLife
The Old Man vs The New Man: Many Churches Struggle With Unity
Have you ever thought about what it really means to put off the old man and put on the new man?
Drop a comment below and share your thoughts on Ephesians 4:22–24. How has God worked in your life to renew your mind and help you grow in the Lord? Your insight may encourage someone else.
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