Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Why do believers still sin? Ephesians 4:22

Paul stressed that we should drop disruptive ways of thinking and instead cultivate attitudes that enable us to live in harmony with others. He said: "Eph 4:22 that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;"

How can we 'be made new in the force actuating our mind'? If we appreciatively contemplate what we learn from both God's Word and the fine example of mature Christians, we can, with effort, acquire the new personality "24. 24and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth."

Summarisation of the topic:

Ephesians 4:22 teaches that believers must "put off the old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires." This verse explains why sin remains present even after a person comes to faith. Salvation brings a new identity in Christ, but the old self—the patterns, habits, and desires formed before conversion—does not disappear instantly. Scripture describes this old nature as actively decaying, driven by desires rooted in deception. 

These desires promise satisfaction but lead to corruption, showing that sin persists because its appeal is rooted in falsehood.

Paul explains that believers must consciously reject the old way of life because it continues to exert influence. The old self is described as corrupt, meaning it is in a state of ongoing decay. This corruption shapes thoughts and actions unless deliberately resisted. Romans 6:6 states that the "old man" was put to death with Christ, yet believers must still refuse to let sin reign in their bodies. This shows that while sin's dominion is broken, its presence remains until the believer is fully transformed.

Ephesians 4:17–19 describes the former life as darkened in understanding and hardened in heart. These traits do not vanish overnight; they must be replaced through renewal. Verse 23 calls believers to be "renewed in the spirit of your minds," indicating a continual process. Sin persists because renewal is ongoing, not instantaneous. Sanctification requires daily cooperation with the Spirit, replacing old patterns with new ones shaped by truth.

Galatians 5:17 explains that the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit. This inner conflict is a key reason believers still sin. The flesh represents the lingering influence of the old self, and its desires oppose God's will. The Spirit empowers obedience, but believers must choose to walk by the Spirit rather than gratify the flesh.

James 1:14–15 shows that sin arises when desire is enticed and conceived. Believers still experience temptation because desire remains part of human nature. Desire itself is not always sinful, but when deception shapes it, it leads to sin. Ephesians 4:22 identifies these desires as deceitful, revealing that sin persists because believers must continually discern truth from deception.

Finally, believers still sin because transformation involves active participation. Ephesians 4:22 uses the command "put off," showing that believers must intentionally reject sinful attitudes and behaviours. 

Believers still sin because Scripture shows an ongoing tension between renewed life and lingering human weakness. The old nature resists change, desire draws the heart toward temptation, and spiritual growth unfolds gradually. These verses present sin as a continuing struggle that requires steady dependence on God's transforming work.

The Spirit provides power, but believers must respond with obedience. Until the old self is fully replaced by the new, sin remains a reality that must be resisted through renewal, truth, and dependence on Christ.

2 days ago • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair

Why do Christians still sin? That is the question. The questioner is basing his/her question on Ephesians 4:22. "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires."

Yes, Christians are new creatures in Christ (Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 5:17). These 2 verse read, first, Galatians 2:20 -- "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." And 2 Cor 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 

But I think we need to consider both Galatians 5:16-17. Galatians 5:16 says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." --> "The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions." Galatians 5:17 (NLT).

So yes, we are "in Christ" as new creatures (2 Cor 5:17), and as such we can "walk in the Spirit." It is possible. (Galatians 5:25). "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk (keep in step with) in the Spirit." Or, 'Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." We must obey God's will if we wish to overcome sin.

16 hours ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report