Ephesians 4 – Ministry of Grace Church

Category: Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4:32 – Kindness, Compassion, and Forgiveness

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Will

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Truth to Learn

Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are of vital importance within the church.

Behind the Words

The verb “be” is translated from ginomai, meaning “to cause to be” or “to become.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating a command for us to “become kind and tenderhearted!”

“Kind” is the translation of chrēstos, which is derived from the verb chraomai, meaning “to furnish what is needed” or “to treat well.” Chrēstos, when used of people, means “useful toward others, that is, good-natured, gentle, or kind.”

The word “tenderhearted” is translated from eusplagchnos. This word is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and splagchnon, meaning “intestine” or “bowel.” The Greeks believed that the intestines were the source of emotions. Thus, “good intestined,” as eusplagchnos literally means, refers to the characteristic of having good feelings, especially compassion, for others.

“Forgiving” is from charidzomai, which is derived from charis, meaning “grace” or “a favor freely given.” Charidzomai means “to be gracious or to forgive someone.”

The first occurrence of “one another” is from allēlōn, meaning “one another” or “each other.” The second occurrence of “one another” is translated from heautou, meaning “yourselves.”

Meaning Explained

Back in verse twenty-two the Apostle Paul told us to “put off … the old man,” that is “quit living under the influence of your sin nature.” Then, in verse twenty-four he told us to “put on the new man,” the new nature that God created for us. Since then, Paul has been telling us what it means to live under the influence of this new nature. Yesterday, he instructed us to do away with bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and all badness.

Earlier we learned that we all should be using our spiritual gifts in the building up of the body of Christ. In today’s verse, Paul is not talking about specific gifts, but general attitudes that should replace those things he told us to stop doing yesterday. The first thing he tells us is that we should be kind, gentle, or useful to each other. The second thing is to be tenderhearted to each other; that is, we should demonstrate compassionate care for each other. If every church member were to regularly demonstrate kindness and compassion to everyone else in the church, no one would ever want to leave.

The third thing Paul tells us in today’s verse is that we should be forgiving. After all, he says, each one of us has been forgiven so much by God through the blood of Christ that we should willingly forgive others for what they have done to us. But notice that Paul used the pronoun heautou (yourselves) in reference to forgiveness. We need to be freely forgiving of others in the church, but we also need to be freely forgiving of ourselves. God has forgiven us, so we should too.

Keep in mind that forgiveness, as God defines it, does not simply mean saying “That’s OK” or “I forgive you” to the one asking forgiveness. It means to “throw away” the offense (as far as the East is from the West), which means you can no longer hold on to it. It is discarded and forgotten – completely!

Application

Of the three attitudes that Paul admonishes us to exhibit in today’s verse, forgiveness may be the most important. Let’s all commit to be completely forgiving of others this week, and let’s be forgiving of ourselves as well.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:31 – Grieving Actions

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Will

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, along with all malice.

Truth to Learn

These are things which make God sad. Let’s not do them!

Behind the Words

The word “Bitterness” is the translation of pikria, from pikros which means “that which is unpleasantly sharp or extremely distasteful.”

“Wrath” is from thumos, which is from the verb thuō, meaning “to move violently, like a strong wind.” The word thumos refers to “a violent passion of the mind.” This describes the outward violent expression of the anger that is within.

The word “anger” is from orgē, which we saw back in verse twenty-six. Orgē refers to “excitement of the mind.” It is the inward feeling that sometimes is expressed outwardly as wrath.

“Clamor” is translated from the noun kraugē. This is from the verb kradzō, which is onomatopoeia (a word that mimics the sound of its meaning, such as “meow”) for the loud, coarse cry of a raven. Kraugē, which can be used in a good or bad way, is used to describe the clamorous outcry of the crowd demanding Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:23), the fearful cry of the disciples who saw Jesus walking on the water thinking Him to be a ghost (Matthew 14:26), and to Stephen’s loud declaration of forgiveness for those who were stoning him (Acts 7:60).

The words “evil speaking” are from blasphēmia, which refers to “slanderous verbal abuse, attacking someone’s reputation.”

“Malice” is translated from kakia, derived from kakos which refers to “that which has no worth” or “that which is bad.” It refers to the internal quality as opposed to the outward expression or effect (which would be the word ponēros).

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse the Apostle Paul commanded us to stop grieving the Holy Spirit of God. Allow me to point out here that you can’t grieve a “thing.” You can only grieve a person who possesses emotions. This is evidence to us that the Holy Spirit is one of the three that makes up the Trinity or the Godhead. He is one God but three persons. Why does Paul talk about grieving the Holy Spirit rather than the Father or the Son? Because, as Paul told us in the previous verse, the Holy Spirit has been given to us as a seal and guarantee of our salvation. He somehow lives within us and is a constant witness to our thoughts and actions.

In today’s verse Paul expands on some of the things that grieve the Holy Spirit. Because He can’t be taken away from us, the Holy Spirit is ever present when we exhibit characteristics of our sin nature. When we act bitter, saying things that are sharply unpleasant to others, it grieves Him. When we get angry for the wrong reason and let it explode into an outburst of wrath, it grieves Him. When we are loud and clamorous, stirring up hate and resentment in others, it grieves Him. When we verbally attack others, impugning their reputation, it grieves Him. In fact, when we do anything “bad,” The Holy Spirit of God is grieved.

Application

None of us wants to cause sorrow for those we love and who love us. Since we possess the Holy Spirit of God at all times, let’s put on the “new man” and not grieve the One who has sealed us, who preserves us until our redemption is completed. Our reason for obedience is not to preserve our salvation, it is to please Him who saved us and who loves us!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:30 – Signed, Sealed, and Deliverable

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Will

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed unto the day of redemption.

Truth to Learn

All Christians are sealed with the Holy Spirit of God.

Behind the Words

“Grieve” is translated from the Greek verb lupeō, which is derived from the noun lupē, meaning “sorrow, heaviness, sadness, or grief.” Thus, lupeō means “to cause sorrow, heaviness, sadness, or grief.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood (a command) with the negative particle mē. It is also in the present tense and active voice, so it could be translated as “stop grieving!”

The words “you were sealed” are from the verb sphragidzō, which means “to stamp or seal with a signet or private mark.” The purpose of the seal was to show ownership and to prevent any unauthorized access or change to the contents. The word is expressed here in the aorist tense, indicating action completed in the past as a single event (not a process).

“Redemption” is from apolutrōsis. This is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of lutroō, meaning “to pay a ransom.” Apolutrōsis refers to “the payment of a ransom to obtain a release from captivity.”

Meaning Explained

Paul continues his teaching about what it means to “put on the new man.” He tells us here that one of the characteristics of putting on the new man is to “stop grieving the Holy Spirit of God.” The obvious question is, “What kinds of things grieve the Holy Spirit?” Based on the grammatical construction of these few verses, it appears that the following verse (verse thirty-one) elaborates on what Paul means. It includes bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor, evil speaking, and badness. We’ll cover these more as we talk about tomorrow’s verse.

Paul now tells us something about our relationship with the Holy Spirit. He tells us that we (Christians) were sealed by the Holy Spirit. In the Greek text is actually says that we were “sealed in the Holy Spirit.” Do you recall what Paul said earlier in this letter to the Ephesians?

in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13b-14)

At the moment we believed God’s truth about Jesus Christ paying for our sins on the cross, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. And, according to verse fourteen above, the Holy Spirit is our guarantee. When we got saved, God the Father sealed us by giving us the Holy Spirit. Not only is He God’s seal of ownership on us, but as our guarantee He can’t be taken away. And, today’s verse says we were sealed for (actually, the Greek says unto) the day of redemption. That day of redemption is the day in the future when Christ will present us to the Father as His spotless bride, paid for (redeemed) with His own blood. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit until that event takes place and nobody can remove or break God’s seal.

Application

There are many Christians today who believe that they can somehow “lose” their salvation. Paul tells us differently. God is the one who sealed us with His Holy Spirit and nobody can break or remove that seal, not even you! If you are saved, you are signed and sealed – and one day you will be delivered.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:29 – Constructive Words

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Will

Let no rotten word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for needed edification, that it may give grace to the hearers.

Truth to Learn

Our speech should build up, not tear down.

Behind the Words

“Let … proceed” is translated from the verb ekporeuomai, which is a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out of” and poreuomai, meaning “to travel, to depart, or to go.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. Since English doesn’t have a similar command form, the word “let” is used to provide this emphasis. Therefore, when you see the word “let” used with a verb in the Bible, it almost always implies a command type of directive, not a statement of permission.

The word “rotten” is from the Greek word sapros, which is based on the verb sēpō, meaning “to putrefy, to rot, or to perish.” Thus, sapros refers to that which is rotten or putrid.

“Word” is translated from the Greek noun logos, which refers to something said. However, it refers to more than just the word itself, but also to the thoughts behind the word.

“Needed” is from chreia, meaning “that which is needful, necessary, or useful.”

The word “edification” is translated from oikodomē, which we saw earlier in this chapter. It literally refers to “building a house.” Metaphorically, it refers to “building up” or “strengthening” someone or something.

Meaning Explained

Paul is teaching us about the “new man” with which we are to clothe ourselves. Characteristics of this new man include not lying, not being sinfully angry, not stealing, and now – being careful about our speech.

Usually when we read today’s verse we think that it applies specifically to cursing, or as we call it, swearing: the use of four-letter swear words or using the Lord’s name in vain. It seems, however, that Paul has a much broader concept in mind. He specifically refers to it as putrid, or rotten, words and thoughts. And, as we have already pointed out, in Paul’s typical style he tells what the proper thing is right after he tells us the improper thing. The proper type of communication is “that which is good for needed edification of those who hear.”

One of the advantages of this style of teaching is that it tells us a little bit more about what to avoid. The type of speech which we are to avoid is that which does not build up. In other words, any communication which tears down or which prevents building up is the rotten communication Paul refers to. Yes, it would necessarily include swearing, but it also includes insulting or belittling speech. It includes bragging about oneself. It includes intentionally deceptive words and any type of speech which blasphemes God. In other words, if the words you say don’t encourage or build up your brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t say them.

Application

Your mother may have taught you, like my mother taught me, when she said, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, then don’t say anything at all.” That sounds like Apostle Paul-talk to me.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:28 – Give or Take

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Will

The one stealing, let him steal no more, but rather let him labor, working what is good with his own hands, that he may have something to give him who has need.

Truth to Learn

Overcome the problem of stealing by giving to others.

Behind the Words

The words “stealing” and “steal” are from kleptō, from which we get our English word, kleptomaniac. It means “to take something that belongs to someone else without permission or legal right.”

“Labor” is translated from the Greek verb kopiatō, which basically means “to feel fatigue, especially from hard labor.”

“Working” is from ergadzomai, meaning “to be engaged in labor.” It usually refers to a specific trade or profession.

“Good” is from agathos, which refers to “the general characteristic of goodness or usefulness.”

The word translated “hands” is cheir, which originally meant the entire arm from the shoulder to the end of the fingers. Later, it referred only to the hand.

“Give” is translated from metadidōmi, which is made up of two words. The first is meta, indicating accompaniment (being with someone or something). It is different from sun, which implies a joining or a union between people or things, whereas meta implies simply being in the presence of someone or something. The other word is didōmi, meaning “to give.” Thus metadidōmi implies sharing something with those around you.

Meaning Explained

Back in verse seventeen Paul began teaching us how we are to behave as members of the body of Christ. First, he told us not to behave like the Gentiles who do not believe in God. Then, in verse twenty-two he began giving us guidelines on what our behavior should look like. We are to take off our sin nature and put on the new nature which God created for us. One of the characteristics of taking off the old man and putting on the new man is to stop lying and to tell the truth instead. Other characteristics of putting on the new man are getting angry for the right reasons and not letting anger last, leading you into sin.

Now he teaches us another characteristic of putting on our new nature. Literally, the Greek reads, “Let the one stealing, steal no more …” Not every Christian has an obvious problem with stealing any more than every Christian has an obvious problem with anger. We all have issues with these things to some degree, but some of us have an especially severe case of one or more of these. Some people have little respect for the property of others and take whatever they can, even though it doesn’t belong to them. Paul is speaking directly to these people, telling us that the solution is to create things ourselves that we can share with those who have greater needs than we do.

There are many excuses for stealing, from feeling like we deserve to have something more than someone else to simply wanting something and believing the owner doesn’t need it or won’t miss it. Whatever the excuse, Paul says, “Stop doing it!”

Application

If you have a problem with “borrowing” things from others (with no intention of returning them), you need to develop the habit of giving things to others who have less than you or giving your time to help the less fortunate. Can you do that?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:27 – Accusation and Defense

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Will

nor give place to the devil.

Truth to Learn

Satan accuses us of wrongdoing. Don’t give him more to say.

Behind the Words

The word “nor” is from mēde, which is made up of mē (implying qualitative negation) and de, meaning “but” or “and.” There is another Greek word translated “and.” It is kai, which connects two things, whereas de adds on, or annexes, one idea to another. Thus, the word mēde carries the idea of “and also don’t …”

“Give place” is translated from two separate words. The first is didōmi, meaning “to give.” The other is topos, which refers to “a place” or “a spot,” that is, a location occupied by a person or thing. Therefore, we see that “give place” means “to provide a location” or “to provide room for.” The form of didōmi (give) is present, active, imperative. So, Paul is saying “stop giving place” or “don’t be in the habit of giving place.”

“Devil” is from the noun diabolos. This word is based on the verb diaballō, which is made up of dia, meaning “through, with the idea of separation” and ballo, meaning “to throw.” Thus, the verb diaballō literally means “to throw through causing separation,” that is, “to say things which cause division.” It is most commonly used to express the idea of “slander” or “a false accusation.” The noun diabolos, which we have in today’s verse, refers to someone who makes false accusations about others. We have it here with the definite article (the), so it refers to the one specific and notorious false accuser, the Devil, who is also called Satan (adversary) throughout the Bible.

Meaning Explained

Paul has just instructed us not to sin when we get angry. Anger is not sinful in itself. It depends on who we are angry with, the reason for our anger, and how we express our anger. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, said this about anger:

Anyone can become angry, but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way — this is not easy.

Although Aristotle was not a believer in Jehovah, he nonetheless captured the essence of the difficulty of being angry without sinning. Since we have a sin nature, we have a tendency to be selfish and sinful when we get angry.

Paul then teaches us two things to keep in mind when we do get angry. First, we are to let go of our anger quickly. In yesterday’s verse we were told “do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” In other words, by the end of the day we should have let go of it. The other thing Paul teaches us when we do get angry is, “don’t give Satan an opportunity for an accusation.” From chapter one of the book of Job, we learn that Satan has access to God’s presence and he accuses God’s children. In Job’s case, there was no validity in Satan’s accusations. But, keep in mind that even when we do cross the line and let our sin nature get the best of us, “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.” (I John 2:1)

Application

There are times when we have every reason to get angry and to do so without sinning. However, when we experience sinful anger, we need to confess it and let go of it quickly. Satan has enough to say about us as it is. And remember that our defense attorney is perfect, He died to pay for our sins, and our sins have been thrown away as far as the East is from the West.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:26 – Sinless Anger

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Will

"Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

Truth to Learn

It’s God-like to get angry without sinning.

Behind the Words

“Angry” is translated from the Greek verb orgidzō. It is based on orgē which refers to “excitement of the mind,” that is, “violent passion, anger, vengeance, or wrath.” Orgidzō is expressed in the imperative mood, a form referred to as “permissive imperative.” It is not so much a command to be angry as it is expressed permission to be angry with conditions.

The verb translated “sin” is hamartanō, which is made up of the negative particle a (not) and a form of meros, meaning “a piece or a portion.” The root meaning of hamartanō is “to miss the mark (and therefore to not share in a portion of the prize).” It is almost always translated as “sin.” This verb is also expressed here in the imperative mood.

“Wrath” is from parorgismos, made up of para, meaning “beside” and orgidzō, which we looked at above, meaning “violent passion, anger, vengeance, or wrath.” Parorgismos refers to “extreme irritation or exasperation,” that is, something more temporary and not as deep seated and enduring as orgē.

Meaning Explained

Let’s start off today’s lesson with a definition of anger. Anger is an emotional response to someone or something that has offended or hurt us. The obvious question is, “What is good (or righteous) anger and what is sinful anger?” Having read the comments of numerous scholars, I can tell you with certainty that there is no simple answer. What we can do is look at examples of God’s anger, for God cannot sin.

When the Israelites were about to cross the Jordan River, Moses reminded them that while he was receiving the Ten Commandments from God, they turned away and made a golden calf. He said, “Even in Horeb you made the LORD angry, so that the LORD was angry enough with you to have destroyed you.” (Deuteronomy 9:8) God was angry because they rejected Him and worshipped false gods.

When Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees regarding healing a man on the Sabbath, Mark tells us, “And having looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’” (Mark 3:5) Christ was angry with the Pharisees because they refused to believe that He was God, capable of healing anyone at any time, without breaking the Law.

Reading through the book of the Revelation will repeatedly reveal God’s anger (wrath) with those who reject Him as God and His sovereignty as the Ruler and Judge of the earth. God gets angry when His majesty and sovereignty are rejected. If that is what makes God angry, it should also make us angry.

But, Paul takes it one step further. He teaches us that when we do get angry, whether it is righteous or sinful anger, we are not to hold on to it. The Jewish day begins at 6:00 in the evening (at sundown), so this verse would tell them, “Don’t carry anger over from one day to the next.” That’s good advice!

Application

Does it make you angry, for example, when you hear the name of our Savior used as a swear word? At the same time, are you willing to pray for that blasphemer? Be angry, but don’t sin!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:25 – A Body of Truth

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Will

Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," because we are members of one another.

Truth to Learn

Honesty is critically important within the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek word dio, which is made up of dia, meaning “through” and ho, meaning “which.” Thus we see that dio literally means “through which.”

The words “putting away” are translated from the Greek verb apotithēmi, which in verse twenty-two we learned means “to put away or to take off.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle in the middle voice. Therefore, it is literally translated as “having already put away from yourself.”

“Speak” is from the verb laleō, which refers to “the utterance of words” or “talking.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “neighbor” is translated from plēsios, which is derived from pelos, meaning “near.” Plēsios refers to “someone who is close by” either physically or emotionally.

“Members” is from melos, which refers specifically to “a limb or other part of a body.”

Meaning Explained

In the past few verses we have been instructed that we are to put away from ourselves our sin nature and its ungodly desires. In its place we are to put on the new nature which God created for us when we were saved. Now we are told, having put away the lie which was part of that “old man,” we are to speak truth with each other as part of the “new man.” Once again, we see the Apostle’s teaching style of getting rid of something and replacing it with something else. His point is that instead of focusing on “not lying,” we are to focus on communicating truthfully with each other.

Paul ends this verse with an interesting comment. He says that “we are (body) members of one another.” You may recall that earlier in this chapter he told us that each of us is specially gifted to perform a function within the body of Christ, that is, the church. In verses fourteen and fifteen he instructed us that we should no longer be immature Christians, deceived by the trickery of men. Instead, we were told that we should speak the truth in love as we help the entire body grow. Therefore, it appears that today’s verse is specifically aimed at our communication with others within the body of Christ.

In the fourth century, John Chrysostom, the archbishop of Constantinople, interpreted today’s verse this way.

Let not the eye lie to the foot, nor the foot to the eye. If there be a deep pit, and its mouth covered with reeds shall present to the eye the appearance of solid ground, will not the eye use the foot to ascertain whether it is hollow underneath, or whether it is firm and resists? Will the foot tell a lie, and not the truth as it is? And what, again, if the eye were to spy a serpent or a wild beast, will it lie to the foot?

Application

It is critically important that we exercise our spiritual gifts within the church to build up the body. It is just as critical, however, that we do so with complete honesty, not trying to deceive, but doing all that we do as an expression of love for our fellow Christians.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:24 – It’s Your Choice

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Will

and that you put on the new man which, according to God, was created in true righteousness and holiness.

Truth to Learn

We have a choice in how we live our lives.

Behind the Words

The words “put on” are the translation of the Greek verb enduō, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and a derivative of dunō, meaning “to sink.” So, literally, enduō means “to sink into,” in the sense of sinking into a garment. It means “to invest” with clothing, or “to put on” clothing, as we have in our translation here. It is expressed here in the middle voice, indicating action which we are to do to ourselves.

The word “new” in this verse is from kainos, which means “new” in the sense of being fresh or “brand-new.” There is another Greek word translated “new.” It is neos, which means “new” with respect to age. Neos is often translated as “young” or “younger.”

“Holiness” is from the Greek word hosiotēs, which refers to “being pious” or “being holy.” It is a reference primarily to the outward conduct and performance of religious duties. In the original Greek, the end of this verse actually reads: “in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul has some clearly identifiable characteristics in his writing and teaching. He is very fond of using a word repeatedly in different forms to drive home a point. He also is very careful in teaching what to do directly after he has taught what not to do. It is good for us to learn what we shouldn’t do, but it is even more important for us to learn what we should do instead. We are not supposed to focus on the bad, but on the good. If we were told not to think of an elephant, we would immediately think of an elephant. If, however, we are told to not think of an elephant and, instead, to think of an eagle, we can easily transfer our thoughts to the new object of focus.

That’s how Paul is teaching us in this verse. Two verses back he told us to “put off” our old man (our sin nature) and in today’s verse he tells us to “put on” the new man. Instead of us focusing on what we shouldn’t be doing, he instructs us to focus on what we should do. This new man that we are to put on is not just a cleaned-up version of our old man, and it’s not our old man before he got so old and corrupt. The new man is a completely new creation. Paul told the Corinthians:

So that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This new creation is our new nature, it is our spiritual nature which was created in Christ and, therefore, is Christ-like. Those who are not saved do not have this new nature; they are still under the control of their sin nature (their old man). We, on the other hand, have a choice; we can choose to let our sin nature control our thoughts and actions, or we can choose to live in a Christ-like manner because of our new man. And, in the current verse we are told the two primary characteristics of this new man: righteousness and piety (holy living).

Application

As a Christian you have a choice. You can choose to live like all of the unsaved people around you. Or, you can choose to live like Christ, as a witness to all those around you. How do you want to live your life?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:23 – Christians Growing Young

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Will

and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

Truth to Learn

God expects us to use our mind to become more like Christ.

Behind the Words

“Be renewed” is translated from the Greek verb ananeoō, which appears nowhere else in the New Testament. It is made up of ana, meaning “again” and neoō (from neos, meaning “new”), which means “to make new” or “to make young.” Thus, ananeoō literally means “to make new again” or “to make young again.” This particular Greek word implies “a continual renewal of youthfulness,” whereas a similar Greek word anakainousthai implies a singular “renewal from the old state to a new state.” Ananeoō is expressed here in the middle voice indicating action done by the subject (you) to the subject (you). Paul says we are to continually renew ourselves.

The word “in” does not specifically appear in the Greek text here as it does elsewhere (such as Ephesians 4:17). Nouns in Greek have different forms depending on how they are used. The form of the word “spirit” used here indicates that it is used as an indirect object. Therefore, it could just as accurately be translated as “in the spirit,” “to the spirit,” “through the spirit,” or “by the spirit.” We have to determine which it is by context. Since Paul is instructing us to take specific action here, “by the spirit” seems to be the best choice.

“Mind” is from the Greek word nous, which is probably derived from the base of ginōskō, meaning “to know.” Nous refers to “the intellect” or “the mind,” that is, the part of our being which is involved in learning and knowing truths.

You may wonder why we get so “caught up” in the various word meanings and grammatical forms of the original Greek. It is because we believe that the entire Bible is verbally inspired. In other words, we believe that the Holy Spirit worked through the human authors to write God’s message even in the use of the specific words and word forms. Thus, understanding more precisely what the words mean allows us to better understand exactly what it is that God is communicating to us.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse God (through the pen of the Apostle Paul) told us that we are to “take off” our old man, that is, our sin nature, and now we are told to continually make ourselves young again by the spirit of our minds. In Titus 3:5 we are told

not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

From which we learn that at the moment of our conversion we were “renewed” by the Holy Spirit. Now we see that in addition to that once-for-all renewing by the Holy Spirit, we are to continually renew ourselves (remember, the word is in the middle voice) by that renewed spirit of our intellect.

In other words, Paul is teaching us that salvation secures our eternal destiny, but we still have an ongoing responsibility to resist the desires of our sin nature and to do all that is in our power to learn how God wants us to live.

Application

We are not to waste our lives trying to stay saved (Paul teaches that once we are saved, we are eternally saved). Instead, we are to use our intellect to learn how to be more Christ-like and how to more completely surrender to God, for His glory.

In God's service, for His glory,