CHRISTIANS BEING SNAKES THAT SHED THEIR SKIN IS AN APT DESCRIPTION OF WHAT PUTTING OFF THE OLD NATURE IS ALL ABOUT. That A Person Would Be Considered A Snake Is Acceptable When Referring To A Used Car Salesman Or A Politician In Many Circles, But Not A Christian. What many people do not realize is that Jesus came not for the righteous but sinners.

What is Ephesians chapter 4 verses 22–32 in The Holy Bible speaking about?

is it Paul speaking and to who is he speaking to and is this a prison letter? Can someone please break down The verses for me and what do they mean it's just a little confusing to me.

Happy Riches Answer requested by Jamar Grimsley

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The evidence suggests that this is Paul speaking from prison in Rome.

• Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:22–32)

Like a snake that sheds its skin, the Apostle Paul taught the Ephesians that they need to repent from evil ways and ungodly desires and exercise faith towards God, which forms the elementary teaching of Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 6:1). Understanding that God is at work in the individual is essential for all who call upon the name of the Lord (Philippians 2:12–13). The discarding of the old nature is the transformation of the individual and this is what true spiritual worship entails (Romans 12:1–2).

In the event a person does get angry, as long as this is righteous anger, there is no likelihood of sin. Many people think that their unrighteous anger is justifiable, but this is not what the apostle is talking about. Unrighteous anger emanates from an ungodly disposition that forms part of the old nature. Therefore, in the event that you are angry, recognize that this is probably from your old nature and has nothing to do with Lord Jesus Christ, for anger is not inclined to kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness. Paul points this out in his letter to the Corinthians, the Colossians and the Galatians.

• For I fear that perhaps I may come and find you not what I wish, and that you may find me not what you wish; that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. (2 Corinthians 12:20)

• But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)

• Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19–21)

James, the Lord’s brother, succinctly states what Paul is saying in Ephesians, when he writes:

• Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:19–21)

Once a person has received the implanted Word of God, then God is able to work within and will do His utmost to bring a person to recognize the truth (John 8:31–32). During this time, each one who has opened the door of their hearts (Revelation 3:20) to receive Lord Jesus Christ is being empowered to become proven children of God (John 1:12). This is not an automatic process, rather it is one that requires our co-operation. Hence, we read Paul saying that we need to put off our old nature. Although, this would be better phrased, “allow God to take off your old nature”, or “hand over to God your old nature”, for the transformation that takes place within requires the renewal of our minds and exercise of our will to disregard evil for good. This is why we read in Hebrews that mature Christians have had their faculties trained to distinguish good from evil, but those to the letter is addressed are told that they need to milk not solid food, because they are still spiritually immature (Hebrews 5:12–14).

Spiritual Growth Has Nothing To Do With Learning Impotent Dogma And Rituals