Ephesians 4:17-24

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Let’s Put Off the “Old Man” and Put On the “New Man”

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Believers should put off the old man and put on the new man.

    a. Characteristics of the old man
    1. the old man is living a futile life
    2. the old man is ignorant of the truth
    3. the old man is separated from the life of God
    4. the old man is never satisfied
    5. the old man is not like Christ

    b. Characteristics of the new man
    1. the new man is created by God
    2. the new man is renewed in mind

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let’s be what we are.

QUESTIONS

  1. Outline Ephesians 1-3 and Ephesians 4-6.

  2. Summarize the exhortations in Ephesians 4:1-6, 4:7-16, and 4:17-24.

  3. Define the “old man.” What is the primary characteristic of the “old man”?

  4. Define the “new man.” What is the primary characteristic of the “new man”?

ANSWERS

  1. Ephesians 1-3 – doctrine Ephesians 4-6 – application (exhortations for believers based on the teaching of the first half of the letter)

  2. Ephesians 4:1-6 – an exhortation to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Ephesians 4:7-16 – an exhortation to recognize and use our spiritual gifts Ephesians 4:17-24 – an exhortation to put off the old man and put on the new man.

  3. The old man is all that a person is apart from Christ – dead in sin, separated from God, not able to please God, characterized by the old nature, the sinful nature of people by birth. It is every human being apart from Christ. It is what characterizes someone before salvation.

  4. The new man is all that a person is in Christ – a new nature, sinless, partaker of the divine nature, housing the Holy Spirit. It is all that believers are in Christ.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Review the characteristics of the old man – he is living a futile life, he is ignorant of the truth, he is separated from the life of God, he is never satisfied, and he is not like Christ. Recall your days as an “old man.”

  2. Review the characteristics of the new man – he is created by God in true righteousness and holiness, and he is renewed in mind, loving the word of God. Contrast your former days as an “old man” with your current days as a “new man.”

CHALLENGE

  1. “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 The old man has been crucified with Christ. The new man has divine life. Be what you are.

KEY VERSES

  • “…put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24



Ephesians, New Testament, TalksDeb HarmsEphesians 4:17-24