Ephesians 4:20-24

1. Clothing has been an essential part of human life since Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. After they became aware of their nakedness, people began wearing clothes. Today, fashion is a major industry in human society. Have you ever watched "The Devil Wears Prada"? In one scene, when a main character couldn't understand the difference between two belts and their colors, another main character explained how a particular turquoise shade had influenced the world and society. This scene perfectly illustrated the importance of fashion. What fashion brands do you prefer? As for me, if it's on sale, I'll consider any brand! The reason I'm starting with this topic today is that today's passage discusses "putting on" something new when we become Christians. Let's read Ephesians 4:20-24.

Ephesians 4:20–24 NASB 2020

But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former way of life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

2. Ephesians 4 is an important chapter that shows how Christians should live after they believe in Jesus. Paul changes from teaching about God's truth to showing how Christians should act in daily life. The chapter has two main ideas: Christians should work together as one family, and believers should live differently than they did before. Paul tells Christians to live in a way that shows they belong to God. He wants believers to be humble, kind, and patient with each other. The chapter also talks about how God gives different gifts to people in the church to help everyone grow stronger in their faith. 

I. Living Together as One Family (verses 1-6)

II. God's Gifts for the Church (verses 7-16)

III. Putting on The New Way of Living (verses 17-24)

IV. How to Act Every Day (verses 25-32)

3. In this chapter, today's passage uses an interesting expression "putting on" when Paul explains the new identity in Christ. The words "putting on and off" in Greek literally mean wearing clothes on and off in daily life. So why did Paul use this expression to explain the new life in Christ? To understand this, we can look at the historical background behind today's passage.

Ephesians 4:22–24 AMP

Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.

4. Throughout history, fashion and clothing have been used as ways to distinguish between different social groups. During Paul's time in first-century Rome, people from different social classes could not wear the same types of clothing. The royal family wore togas to show their special position in society, while Romans from other classes wore different types of clothing. This practice was actually common around the world until around 1900. For example, during Korea's Joseon Dynasty, there were strict rules about what different social classes could wear. High-ranking families and ordinary families were not allowed to wear the same clothing. It was against the law for a common person to wear special, colorful clothing - they were required to always wear white clothing. This is why when Christian missionaries arrived in Korea around 1900, they called Koreans "the white-clothed people." The majority of the population wore white clothing because of these social class restrictions.

5. Paul used the idea of "putting on and taking off" for a special reason. In the early church, when someone was baptized, they really changed their clothes. This was not just a symbol—it was something people actually did, and it helped new Christians feel the change in their lives. Before baptism, the person took off their old clothes. This act showed that they were leaving their old life and old identity behind. It did not matter if someone was from a royal family or just an ordinary person. Everyone had to take off their clothes, even if those clothes showed their high status or rank. In baptism, everyone was equal. After taking off their old clothes, they all put on the same kind of clothing, usually a white garment, to show their new life in Christ. This real experience of changing clothes helped people understand that they were starting fresh, with a new identity as followers of Jesus.

Colossians 3:1 NIV

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

6. Second, during baptism, the person went down into the water and came back up. This act showed that they were dying and coming back to life with Jesus. By taking off their old clothes and going into the water, they were showing that their old self was dying. Coming up out of the water meant they were starting a new life, just like Jesus rose from the dead.

Romans 6:4 NASB 2020

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.

7. In the early church, baptism by immersion was common. This means the person was fully dipped under the water. This was a strong symbol: going under the water was like being buried, and coming up was like being raised to new life. Paul explained that baptism means being united with Jesus in his death and resurrection. So, the whole process—removing old clothes, going into the water, and coming out again—helped new Christians understand that they were leaving their old life behind and beginning a new life with Christ. 

8. During baptism, the newly baptized person puts on new white clothes. These white garments are deeply symbolic in Christianity. They show that the person now shares in Jesus’ goodness and purity. The white clothing represents a clean slate, innocence, and a new life in Christ. It is a visible sign that the baptized person has been washed of sin and now stands before God in purity. This tradition goes back to the early church. Just as Romans followed Roman rules and wore certain clothes to show their status or role, Christians, after baptism, are called to follow God’s law and live according to Jesus’ teachings. The act of putting on the white garment is more than just a change of clothes—it means “putting on Christ.” Paul writes, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). This means that Christians are now called to live in a way that reflects Jesus’ character and example. Wearing the white garment after baptism is a reminder to keep one’s life pure and to follow God’s ways. It marks the start of a new identity: no longer defined by old status, background, or sin, but now defined by being united with Christ. Just as the white robe is easily stained, Christians are encouraged to keep their lives “unstained” by sin, living out the new life they have received through baptism.

9. Paul explains that the reason he talks about “putting on the new cloth in Christ” is because Christians have a new life in Christ. This metaphor means that, just as we change our clothes, we are called to leave behind our old ways of living—our old habits, sins, and attitudes—and instead “put on” new qualities that match our new identity as followers of Jesus.

Ephesians 4:25–28 NASB 2020

Therefore, ridding yourselves of falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are parts of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. The one who steals must no longer steal; but rather he must labor, producing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need.

Ephesians 4:31–32 NASB 2020

All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

10. Paul teaches that these new spiritual clothes represent things like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. We wear these “new clothes” because we are now God’s chosen people, set apart and loved by Him. Our new life in Christ is meant to be seen in how we live and treat others every day.

11. We've discussed the historical context of clothing and baptism, particularly the idea of "wearing a new cloth." If the Ephesian Church read this letter in the first century, they might have found this message quite radical. How could a royal family and an ordinary person wear the same cloth? If we all wear the same, how can we maintain our society's structure? Can social order still be preserved? 

12. This radical message has unfortunately led to believers being misunderstood for a long time. However, the Bible clearly teaches that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile; all are equal in Christ, with no distinction. Yet, we know that divisions persisted within the early church, creating rifts between men and women, the royal and the ordinary, and even among different ethnicities. These groups often resisted sitting together, with some asserting their priority over others, sometimes echoing sentiments seen in tragedies like the Holocaust. Antisemitism, for instance, has existed since the late medieval period. If we are truly in Christ, we are one body, united and the same. In Christ, the old has passed away, and the new has come. This transformation is why Paul so strongly urges us to renew our minds and hearts. Without this vital renewal, we risk clinging to our old selves, even after experiencing the "new cloth" in Christ.

Romans 12:1–2 NASB 2020

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

13. In today’s message, we learned that being a Christian means putting off our old self and putting on a new self in Christ. Just like changing clothes, we are called to leave behind our old habits, sins, and ways of thinking, and instead live a new life that reflects Jesus. This is not just a one-time event, but a daily choice to renew our minds and hearts. Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are all equal—no matter our background, status, or past. We are one family, united by God’s love. This new identity should change the way we treat others. We are called to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God has forgiven us.

14. How can we apply this in our daily lives?

• First, let’s examine our hearts and ask ourselves: Are there any “old clothes” we are still holding onto? Maybe it’s anger, bitterness, pride, or selfishness. Let’s pray and ask God to help us take off these old ways.

• Second, let’s make a conscious effort to “put on” the new self every day. This means choosing kindness over anger, forgiveness over resentment, and love over division.

• Third, let’s remember that we are all equal in Christ. Let’s break down any walls that separate us from others—whether it’s because of background, status, or differences—and build true unity in our church and community.

As we go into this week, let’s remember that we are wearing new clothes in Christ. Let’s show the world what it means to live as God’s people—full of love, grace, and truth.

Podcast: https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/6237b4b3-700b-4f27-a6c2-c2e15d7d45c3/audio

Quiz: The New Self in Christ

• According to the passage, why did Paul use the metaphor of "putting on and off" clothing to describe the Christian transformation?

• How did clothing laws in first-century Rome and the Joseon Dynasty in Korea reflect social distinctions?

• Describe the symbolic actions involved in early church baptism regarding clothing and water immersion.

• What does taking off old clothes before baptism symbolize?

• What do the new white clothes worn after baptism signify in Christianity?

• How does the act of "putting on Christ" relate to a Christian's daily life, according to the text?

• What radical message about social distinctions did the early Ephesian church receive from Paul's teaching on unity in Christ?

• According to the passage, what happens if Christians do not undergo the "vital renewal" of their minds and hearts?

• Name three specific "new clothes" or qualities that Paul teaches Christians should embody.

• What is one practical step suggested in the study guide for applying the message of "putting on the new self" in daily life?

Quiz Answer Key

• Paul used the metaphor because, in the early church, new converts literally changed their clothes during baptism. This physical act helped them understand and feel the spiritual transformation of leaving their old identity behind and adopting a new one in Christ.

• In both first-century Rome and Joseon Dynasty Korea, different types of clothing were mandated for various social classes. For example, royal families wore specific garments, while common people were restricted to less colorful or specific attire, like the white clothing in Joseon Korea, to distinguish their status.

• During early church baptism, individuals would take off their old clothes before entering the water. They would then be fully immersed, symbolizing death and resurrection, and upon emerging, they would put on new white garments to signify a new life in Christ.

• Taking off old clothes before baptism symbolizes leaving behind one's old life and old identity. It represents a spiritual shedding of past habits, sins, and social statuses, indicating a complete departure from the former way of living.

• The new white clothes worn after baptism symbolize purity, innocence, and a clean slate in Christ. They represent that the baptized person has been washed of sin and now shares in Jesus' goodness and has a new identity united with Him.

• "Putting on Christ" means that Christians are called to live in a way that reflects Jesus' character and example in their daily interactions. It's a continuous process of embodying qualities like compassion, kindness, and forgiveness in their actions.

• The early Ephesian church received the radical message that in Christ, there is no difference between social groups, such as royal families and ordinary people. All are equal, and traditional social structures or distinctions should not apply within the unified body of believers.

• If Christians do not undergo the "vital renewal" of their minds and hearts, they risk clinging to their old selves and old ways of thinking, even after outwardly identifying as Christians. This prevents the full transformation into their new identity in Christ.

• Three specific "new clothes" or qualities Paul teaches Christians to embody are compassion, kindness, and humility. Others include gentleness, patience, and love.

• One practical step suggested is to examine one's heart and identify any "old clothes" like anger, bitterness, or pride, and then pray for God's help to shed these old ways. Another is to consciously choose kindness, forgiveness, and love daily.