“That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit” (Eph. 4:22).
Paul now employs imagery from everyday life to drive home his point—putting off old garments and putting on new ones. Some Bible teachers believe that it may have been a reference to the baptismal event that marked the beginning of new life.
This image of taking off clothes should not be understood as a superficial change; the old garments are to be “laid aside” in terms of being discarded. They are put aside with the intention that they will be fully and completely replaced with new ones.
It is the “old self” that is put off. The old self is characterized by the description given in verses 17-19. This manner of life is corrupt and therefore corrupting. This old self lives in accordance with the lusts of deceit. “Lusts” here means self-centered life. Such lusts are deceitful because they promise what they can never provide—happiness, joy, and prosperity. The entire story of the Bible, from the beginning story in the Garden of Eden, presents the power of sin to persuade through deceit. When we listen to the subtle hiss of the snake, it leads to corruption and finally death.
Good news! We no longer have to live by the lusts of deceit. Through the power of the cross, Satan was defeated and therefore we can lay aside this old self.
Prayer: Thank You for making it possible for me to lay aside my old self. Amen.