Ephesians 4:21
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If so be that ye have heard him - Ειγε, Seeing that, since indeed, ye have heard us proclaim his eternal truth; we have delivered it to you as we received it from Jesus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If so be that--not implying doubt; assuming what I have no reason to doubt, that heard him--The "Him" is emphatic: "heard Himself," not merely heard about Him. taught by him--Greek, "taught IN HIM," that is, being in vital union with Him (Rom 16:7). as the truth is in Jesus--Translate in connection with "taught"; "And in Him have been taught, according as is truth in Jesus." There is no article in the Greek. "Truth" is therefore used in the most comprehensive sense, truth in its essence, and highest perfection, in Jesus; "if according as it is thus in Him, ye have been so taught in Him"; in contrast to "the vanity of mind of the Gentiles" (Eph 4:17; compare Joh 1:14, Joh 1:17; Joh 18:37). Contrast Joh 8:44.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye put off concerning the former conversation, the old man,.... Which is the corruption of nature; why this is called a man, and an old man; see Gill on Rom 6:6, the putting him off, is not a removing him from the saints, nor a destroying him in them, nor a changing his nature; for he remains, and remains alive, and is the same old man he ever was, in regenerate persons; but it is a putting him off from his seat, and a putting him down from his government; a showing no regard to his rule and dominion, to his laws and lusts, making no provision for his support; and particularly, not squaring the life and conversation according to his dictates and directions; and therefore it is called a putting him off, concerning the former conversation: the change lies not, in the old man, who can never be altered, but in the conversation; he is not in the same power, but he retains the same sinful nature; he is put off, but he is not put out; and though he does not reign, he rages, and often threatens to get the ascendant: these words stand either in connection with Eph 4:17 and so are a continuation and an explanation of that exhortation; or else they point out what regenerate souls are taught by Christ to do, to quit the former conversation, to hate the garment spotted with the flesh, and to put it off; for the allusion is to the putting off of filthy garments, as the works of the flesh may be truly called, which flow from the vitiosity of nature, the old man: which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; the old man, or the vitiosity of nature, has its lusts; and these are deceitful; they promise pleasure and profit, but yield neither in the issue; they promise liberty, and bring into bondage; they promise secrecy and impunity, but expose to shame, and render liable to punishment; they sometimes put on a religious face, and so deceive, and fill men with pride and conceit, who think themselves to be something, when they are nothing: and through these the old man is corrupt; by these the corruption of nature is discovered; and the corruption that is in the world is produced hereby; and these make a man deserving of, and liable to the pit of corruption; and this is a good reason, why this corrupt old man, with respect to the life and conversation, should be put off.
Ephesians 4:21
New Life in Christ
20But this is not the way you came to know Christ.21Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus—22to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Unsearchable Riches of Christ
By Alan Martin1.2K00:00Riches In ChristEPH 4:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses how God's creation is not just like a museum to be observed, but it is intended to bless and benefit humanity. The speaker emphasizes that all of God's glory is meant to be shared and received by people. The main focus of the sermon is on the role of the apostle Paul as a steward of God's message, specifically in preaching the immeasurable riches of Christ to the Gentiles and making known the mystery of God's plan. The speaker also highlights the importance of being renewed in the spirit and putting on the new man through Jesus Christ.
(The Recovery of the Apostolic) 4. Liberty of Conscience
By Dale Heisey6871:15:10EPH 4:211TH 4:91TI 1:51TI 2:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that faith does not come from human will or effort, but from the mercy of God. He explains that not everyone is able to believe on their own, as it is a result of being born of God and being driven by the Holy Spirit. The preacher also highlights the importance of having compassion and treating others as we would like to be treated. He references Romans 14, emphasizing the need to refrain from judging others and to be fully persuaded in our own minds. The sermon emphasizes the individual heart connection with God and the responsibility of every believer to live in obedience to their Bible-taught conscience.
Ministry in the Spirit - 3. the Complementarity of Grace Gifts
By Michael Flowers45631:27Holy Spirit GiftsMAT 11:29LUK 4:18EPH 4:21HEB 12:25In this sermon, the speaker discusses the completion of a membership class and the ministry assessment that was taken. The speaker emphasizes that while these assessments can be helpful, they should not be relied upon too heavily. The focus should be on understanding one's spiritual gifts, as outlined by Paul in 1st Timothy and 2nd Timothy. The speaker also highlights the importance of caring for others and imparting Jesus Christ through preaching and teaching.
Belonging
By G.W. North29147:53Christian LifePSA 27:8PSA 42:1PSA 62:5ACT 17:24ROM 8:23EPH 4:17EPH 4:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to Jesus and removing all barriers and excuses. He compares this surrender to holding someone stiffly in your arms, and encourages listeners to let go and allow Jesus to come in fully. The preacher also discusses the need to be patient and understanding with others, just as Jesus is with us. He highlights the ability to let go as a glorious thing that can prevent emotional breakdowns. The sermon concludes with the reminder that we are called to live like God and to be united with Him and with one another.
The Incarnation
By T. Austin-Sparks0The IncarnationRedemptionGEN 1:31EZK 48:35JHN 1:17JHN 17:4ROM 7:14ROM 8:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:21HEB 2:101PE 1:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Incarnation is central to understanding the truth of Jesus Christ, asserting that true knowledge of God comes through a personal relationship with Him. He explains that the Incarnation serves three primary purposes: the reclamation of man from sin, the reconstitution of man to restore his intended state, and the perfecting and glorifying of man through faith. Sparks highlights that the essence of redemption is not merely in what Jesus did, but in who He is, as He embodies the very nature of redemption itself. The sermon underscores the importance of faith in Jesus as the means through which believers can experience these aspects of redemption in their lives.
Learning the Truth
By T. Austin-Sparks0DiscipleshipTruthJHN 8:31JHN 8:44JHN 8:55JHN 14:6JHN 14:17JHN 15:26ROM 1:18ROM 1:25EPH 4:21EPH 4:24T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of knowing the truth as embodied in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of freedom and life. He explains that true discipleship involves abiding in Christ's word, which leads to genuine understanding and liberation from sin. Sparks warns against the falsehoods of the world and the deceptive nature of human conviction, urging believers to rely solely on Christ for their identity and salvation. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into all truth, ensuring that they are not misled by their own flawed perceptions. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, abiding faith in Christ as the foundation for spiritual growth and freedom.
Epistle 356
By George Fox0JHN 8:32JHN 17:3ROM 1:16ROM 5:51CO 14:33GAL 5:22EPH 4:211TI 1:6HEB 12:2JAS 3:17George Fox preaches about the importance of living in the truth as revealed by Jesus, which brings peace, freedom, and a peaceable habitation in Christ. He emphasizes the need to be under the grace and truth that comes through Jesus Christ in the new covenant, contrasting it with the world of wickedness. Fox highlights the significance of God's love, the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and the victory that faith in Jesus brings over unpeaceable spirits. He stresses the eternal unity and fellowship found in the glorious gospel of peace and the wisdom of God that justifies and preserves believers above worldly wisdom.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If so be that ye have heard him - Ειγε, Seeing that, since indeed, ye have heard us proclaim his eternal truth; we have delivered it to you as we received it from Jesus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If so be that--not implying doubt; assuming what I have no reason to doubt, that heard him--The "Him" is emphatic: "heard Himself," not merely heard about Him. taught by him--Greek, "taught IN HIM," that is, being in vital union with Him (Rom 16:7). as the truth is in Jesus--Translate in connection with "taught"; "And in Him have been taught, according as is truth in Jesus." There is no article in the Greek. "Truth" is therefore used in the most comprehensive sense, truth in its essence, and highest perfection, in Jesus; "if according as it is thus in Him, ye have been so taught in Him"; in contrast to "the vanity of mind of the Gentiles" (Eph 4:17; compare Joh 1:14, Joh 1:17; Joh 18:37). Contrast Joh 8:44.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye put off concerning the former conversation, the old man,.... Which is the corruption of nature; why this is called a man, and an old man; see Gill on Rom 6:6, the putting him off, is not a removing him from the saints, nor a destroying him in them, nor a changing his nature; for he remains, and remains alive, and is the same old man he ever was, in regenerate persons; but it is a putting him off from his seat, and a putting him down from his government; a showing no regard to his rule and dominion, to his laws and lusts, making no provision for his support; and particularly, not squaring the life and conversation according to his dictates and directions; and therefore it is called a putting him off, concerning the former conversation: the change lies not, in the old man, who can never be altered, but in the conversation; he is not in the same power, but he retains the same sinful nature; he is put off, but he is not put out; and though he does not reign, he rages, and often threatens to get the ascendant: these words stand either in connection with Eph 4:17 and so are a continuation and an explanation of that exhortation; or else they point out what regenerate souls are taught by Christ to do, to quit the former conversation, to hate the garment spotted with the flesh, and to put it off; for the allusion is to the putting off of filthy garments, as the works of the flesh may be truly called, which flow from the vitiosity of nature, the old man: which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; the old man, or the vitiosity of nature, has its lusts; and these are deceitful; they promise pleasure and profit, but yield neither in the issue; they promise liberty, and bring into bondage; they promise secrecy and impunity, but expose to shame, and render liable to punishment; they sometimes put on a religious face, and so deceive, and fill men with pride and conceit, who think themselves to be something, when they are nothing: and through these the old man is corrupt; by these the corruption of nature is discovered; and the corruption that is in the world is produced hereby; and these make a man deserving of, and liable to the pit of corruption; and this is a good reason, why this corrupt old man, with respect to the life and conversation, should be put off.