1. The Command to “Put On the New Self” and the Nature of Sin
In his exposition of Ephesians 4, Pastor David Jang focuses on the exhortation given by the Apostle Paul: “put on the new self” (Eph. 4:24). This means that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ should take off the “old self” — the former way of life that was “being corrupted by its deceitful desires” (Eph. 4:22) — and now, with a renewed mind and heart, live as a being created in “true righteousness and holiness” in the likeness of God. This exhortation appears throughout the New Testament, especially in Paul’s epistles. For instance, 2 Corinthians 5:17 highlights the transformation of the believer who is “in Christ”: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This “new creation” refers to being born again, and living as the new self signifies a transformative impact on our very existence and ethical life.
However, to become the “new self” described in Scripture, we must first confront the issue of sin. In John 16:8, Jesus teaches that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment. Then in verse 9, He succinctly defines the core of sin as “because they do not believe in Me.” Thus, unbelief in Jesus Christ is the essence of sin. In His farewell discourse, Jesus gave this concise but profound definition of sin, while the Apostle Paul, in his various letters, further expounds on its specifics and on humanity’s fallen nature. Romans 1:29-31, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Colossians 3:8-9, and 1 Timothy 1:9-10 offer lists of sins, showing just how extensively human beings are permeated by sin.
Because of sin’s power, human beings inevitably live self-centered lives. Scripture, starting from Genesis, testifies to our dark condition, and it is not difficult to see how deeply evil manifests itself in everyday life. Sin is disobedience before God and also brings about destructive consequences in our relationships with others. In this context, Pastor David Jang has repeatedly shared a message during his evangelistic ministry along these lines: “If you do not truly understand sin, you can never rightly grasp the magnitude of grace.” Recognizing the seriousness of sin leads us to see our desperate need for God’s great love and salvation; depending completely on that grace, we can indeed live as the new self.
When Paul exhorts, “put on the new self,” he is calling for a transformation of our character, ethics, and overall behavior. Many individuals believe in Jesus Christ with their hearts and confess Him with their mouths (Rom. 10:9-10), yet often experience little change in their actual lives. This is because sin’s roots run deep, and human desires and old habits do not easily disappear. Therefore, Ephesians 4 does not simply call us to “take off the old self and put on the new self” as an abstract slogan; rather, it outlines this transformation through concrete ethical instructions. The first directive is to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Eph. 4:25). The second is to “in your anger do not sin” (Eph. 4:26). Then follow further prohibitions against stealing, using corrupt speech, grieving the Holy Spirit, harboring “all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander,” and instead calls believers to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other” (Eph. 4:28-32).
Paul’s teaching indicates that sin goes beyond mere “unbelief in Jesus”; it manifests as evil actions in our daily lives, destructive words, lusts and greed, violence and hypocrisy, and other expressions of total depravity. At the same time, because we have become the new self, we are urged to cast off these fruits of sin and instead bear the fruits of truth, love, kindness, forgiveness, holiness, and piety.
The phrase “new self” resonates with Jesus’ emphasis on being “born again” in the Gospels (John 3:3-5). In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus declared, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” This rebirth is not a second physical birth but a spiritual rebirth, a new life imparted by God. Consequently, the new birth (regeneration) happens entirely by God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit, not by our own effort or merit. Paul explains this in Ephesians 2:8: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Even after being born again, however, remnants of sin still work within us. We must therefore continually “take off the old self” and “put on the new self” in our daily lives. Galatians 5:24 proclaims: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” But this does not mean all our problems vanish instantly; it calls for a sustained decision to deny ourselves. In the life of a believer, if we do not daily crucify ourselves, the old habits and sinful tendencies inevitably resurface.
Paul’s concept of living as the “new self” does not merely mean refraining from sin in a passive way. He urges the believers in Ephesus to “build others up” with words of grace (Eph. 4:29) and to “do good” instead of evil (Eph. 4:28). That is, we must follow the love and justice of God revealed through Jesus Christ, and “live as children of light” (Eph. 5:8) in the world. It is not enough to remove the negative; we must replace it with God’s goodness.
A crucial point here is that once you know God, who is the truth, you must forsake all falsehood (Eph. 4:25). Small or large, deceit is emblematic of sin. The Ninth Commandment says, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” (Exod. 20:16), in the same vein. Through sermons and writings, Pastor David Jang has repeatedly pointed out that today’s media environment and social climate are filled with lies, exaggerations, and misinformation. He stresses that Christians must speak truth and stand firm on what is right. If the church community does not stand firmly on the truth, its mission to be the salt and light of the earth could crumble.
Ultimately, the command “put on the new self” in Ephesians challenges us to embrace the power of the gospel, which solves our fundamental sin problem, and to live a life transformed by it. Sin is not limited to unbelief or a few wrong actions; it affects our entire being—our social life, relationships, and spiritual walk. Therefore, the salvation we receive through the gospel uproots sin and, by the help of the Holy Spirit, leads us to pursue righteousness and holiness. After explaining the doctrine of salvation, Paul guides the Ephesians on how to live accordingly—a lifestyle summarized in the core message: “Put on the new self.”
Why must we continually cast off sin? The most fundamental reason is that God is holy (Lev. 19:2; 1 Pet. 1:16). Because He is holy, His people must also be holy. This is a consistent declaration across both Old and New Testaments. In the New Testament, Jesus says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). God created us in His image, and even after humanity’s fall, He refused to abandon us and instead offered salvation. If we serve such a God and belong to Christ, we ought to forsake falsehood and evil and pursue truth and goodness. In 1 John 1:5, the Apostle John declares, “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all,” urging us to walk in the light.
The contrast between light and darkness here symbolizes the opposition between sin and righteousness, falsehood and truth, death and life, Satan’s kingdom and God’s kingdom. As Christians, we have been brought into the kingdom of light (Col. 1:13). Therefore, we must live in every sphere of life in a way that aligns with this identity. Otherwise, though we claim outwardly to be new, we may remain the old self on the inside and fall into hypocrisy. Paul often had to rebuke issues within the church because remnants of old ways—lies, divisions, theft, sexual immorality—still lingered among believers. But those who have come to know the truth must “put off” these old habits of sin (Eph. 4:22) and move forward into a renewed humanity shaped by God’s character.
Pastor David Jang also emphasizes in his sermons and writings that “holiness” and “sanctification” extend far deeper than merely adhering to external rules. It involves the transformation of the unbelief and sinful nature entrenched in the human heart through the blood of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. People sometimes imagine that strong willpower alone can defeat sin, but Scripture declares that humanity cannot completely break free from sin by its own strength. Only Christ’s atoning work and the indwelling Spirit can bring about genuine, foundational change.
Thus, the command to “put on the new self” in Ephesians 4 is both a sobering warning to renounce sin thoroughly and an uplifting declaration of hope that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can now walk in holiness and righteousness. This becomes the foundation for our life of faith and the manifestation the redeemed community must exhibit to the world.
2. The Problem of Anger and the Tongue: “In Your Anger Do Not Sin”
Among the specific admonitions in Ephesians 4 that many believers pay special attention to is this instruction: “In your anger do not sin” and “do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Eph. 4:26). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches “do not be angry” in a very absolute way, whereas Paul here acknowledges that there can be legitimate occasions for anger in our human experience. But he firmly warns that anger itself may not be sin, yet uncontrolled anger can easily lead to sin and disastrous outcomes.
Sometimes, anger can be righteous indignation. When Jesus drove out the merchants who profaned the temple courts (Matt. 21:12-13; John 2:15-16), He expressed fury at the desecration of God’s holiness. This exemplifies “holy anger” or “just wrath” against sin or injustice. It can be problematic if we remain numb to the world’s evil or injustice and feel no sense of grief or indignation. The real issue is that even “righteous” or “justified” anger can quickly open the door to sin if it goes unchecked.
Scripture contains cautionary tales of individuals who let anger devastate their lives. A prime example is Cain (Gen. 4:1-16). Cain became enraged because God accepted Abel’s offering but not his own. The Lord warned Cain, “Why are you angry? … sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it” (Gen. 4:6-7). Cain ignored this warning and, in his fury, murdered his brother Abel in the field. This was the first homicide in human history, leading Cain into a cursed, wandering existence. This starkly shows that unchecked anger can result in tragic, sinful consequences.
Another example is the Old Testament prophet Jonah. Jonah 4 describes how, when the people of Nineveh repented after hearing God’s warning, Jonah became extremely angry, declaring, “I’m so angry I wish I were dead” (Jon. 4:9). His anger was entirely unjustified—he should have rejoiced as a prophet that they turned from destruction, yet he fumed because Nineveh did not perish. God used a plant-eating worm to wither the vine that had given Jonah shade, and thus rebuked him: “You have been concerned about this plant … and should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh?” (Jon. 4:10-11). Here is a case of baseless anger, arising solely from self-centered displeasure that “things didn’t go my way.”
In today’s world, many people suffer from “rage disorders” or struggle with anger issues. This affects various age groups, including youth, who may resort to violence or extreme speech over minor provocations. Pastor David Jang, in several educational programs and sermons, has warned that if human hearts are not deeply governed by God’s Word, anyone can be swept away by extreme anger or despair. Such anger can destroy oneself, damage interpersonal relationships, and wreak havoc on one’s journey of faith.
Therefore, the apostle’s instruction in Ephesians 4:26—“In your anger do not sin, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”—is exceedingly practical. Feeling anger is a natural human emotion, but it is not enough to say, “Don’t get angry” as a mere moral directive. Paul follows up by saying, “and do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph. 4:27). When anger takes hold, it often feeds resentment, hatred, violence, scheming, and deceit, thereby “giving the devil an opportunity” to act.
One major pathway that turns anger into sin is the tongue. Ephesians 4:29 states, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up … that it may benefit those who listen.” Likewise, James 3 describes the tongue as “a world of evil” (James 3:6). Just as a small spark can set a great forest on fire, so the tongue has enormous destructive potential (James 3:1-12). Words can bring life or death. The problem is that, in moments of extreme anger, our speech is often the first place we err. Many times, ill-considered words spoken in the heat of rage can inflict deep wounds and escalate conflicts, even within the church.
Hence, Ephesians 4:26-29 provides concrete, real-life wisdom. First, beware that even if you are angry, do not let your anger lead you to sin. Second, seek to resolve your anger before day’s end. Third, do not harm others with words but, instead, speak graciously and redirect your conversation to bring blessing. This is how believers should manage anger in daily life. When anger begins to fester, it is crucial to address it promptly. Otherwise, conflict and bitterness may deepen, giving the devil a foothold. A “foothold” means the devil invades the heart, inflames our anger, and intensifies negative emotions. At this point, violence can erupt, and the consequences may reach into the spiritual realm and cause grave harm.
Some point to Hebrews 12:2 as a practical method of controlling anger: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross … and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Despite the extreme pain and shame of the cross—bearing the sins of all humankind—Jesus did not choose anger or despair but love and obedience. As a result, He was exalted to the right hand of God. When we look to Jesus, we discover an alternative to anger: we can choose compassion, love, forgiveness, and endurance.
Moses in the Old Testament is another figure who learned hard lessons from anger. Raised in Pharaoh’s palace, Moses saw an Egyptian assaulting a Hebrew slave and, in a moment of fierce rage, killed the Egyptian (Exod. 2:11-15). This derailed Moses’ life. He had to flee to the wilderness, where he spent forty years tending sheep—a period that tempered his heart. Eventually, Moses was described as “a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Num. 12:3). Rather than using brute force, he became a leader who guided God’s people with meekness. He was thereby able to fulfill the extraordinary mission of leading Israel out of Egypt. Moses’ example shows that humility, not anger, is what God uses for mighty works.
Summarizing these lessons, we see that anger, as a human emotion, can never be completely eradicated. However, if it is neither controlled nor addressed properly, it quickly becomes sin and brings destruction on ourselves and others. Pastor David Jang has stated: “Rather than suppressing emotions such as anger, we must bring them honestly before the gospel. When we examine ourselves through the Word and prayer, healing and restoration can finally begin.” Instead of merely commanding “just hold it in,” we must shine the light of Scripture into our hearts and let the Holy Spirit root out the source of our anger.
In Ephesians 4:31, Paul concludes: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” “Bitterness” (malice) is like venom that quietly poisons the soul. “Brawling” indicates fighting and turmoil, while “slander” refers to defamation and malicious gossip. All these behaviors stem from anger and hatred. Thus, Scripture makes it clear that anger, even if initially “righteous,” is extremely dangerous and must not be left unchecked.
Therefore, whether in church, at home, or at work, when conflicts arise, we should remember the teaching of Ephesians 4. We must not sin in anger and should deal with it before the day ends. Essential to this is forgiveness. Its basis is: “Forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). If we have received God’s infinite love and forgiveness, we are obliged to forgive others.
Hence, the command “put on the new self” clearly applies to problems of anger and the tongue. Paul does not merely say “remove anger” in a passive sense; he also instructs believers to “build others up” through gracious words (Eph. 4:29). When we forsake words of rage, complaining, and slander, and instead choose words of truth, love, encouragement, and praise, the Holy Spirit can work powerfully in that community, and we experience a glimpse of God’s kingdom. While anger may be natural, it is never justified if it leads to sin. Paul’s counsel is profoundly relevant both practically and spiritually.
Ultimately, we can only keep the instruction “In your anger do not sin” when we abide in a greater love. We recall the cross of Jesus Christ, who, for sinners like us, endured humiliation and torment, choosing love and mercy rather than anger. This is the essence of the Christian life and the mark of the new self. Absent an ongoing meditation on Christ, our anger quickly becomes sin. But when the Holy Spirit rules our hearts, we can shut the door on anger and instead choose love. Such love in action is precisely what it means to “put on the new self.”
3. Practical Ethics and the Fulfillment of Love: “Be Kind and Compassionate to One Another”
Near the end of Ephesians 4 (Eph. 4:28-32), the Apostle Paul enumerates the ethical imperatives that “those who have put on the new self” must practice. He first says, “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands” (Eph. 4:28), clarifying that the purpose of honest labor is so they “may have something to share with those in need.” In other words, believers should not simply refrain from stealing but should also labor diligently, not just for themselves but to help the poor and needy. If the essence of sin is “taking and exploiting,” then the life of the new self must demonstrate the opposite principle—“giving and sharing.”
The Eighth Commandment, “You shall not steal” (Exod. 20:15), and the Tenth Commandment, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house” (Exod. 20:17), can be expanded in this way. Stealing is not limited to taking someone else’s property but includes depriving others of their rightful opportunities or advantages. Whether within or outside the church, exploitative practices, unlawful gains, or even ethically dubious but legally permissible profit can be considered stealing before God. If a believer’s life is truly changed, they will not only stop stealing but also go further—working so they can share their resources with those in need. In Acts 20:33-35, Paul gives a farewell address in which he mentions how he supported himself by the work of his own hands and helped the needy. This is Paul’s personal testimony of living out the very principle he advocates.
Paul then continues with, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up … that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29). The words we speak reveal the marks of the new self. As the Apostle James explains, the tongue, despite being a small member, is like a rudder controlling our entire life, or a tiny spark capable of burning a large forest (James 3:1-6). If the Holy Spirit dwells in us, that presence should be evident in our speech—leading us to speak words that impart grace.
Paul warns, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph. 4:30). The Holy Spirit is a personal being who grieves when we sin or commit evil. Since the Holy Spirit has sealed us for the day of redemption, living as the new self means walking in step with Him, not against Him. When we give in to corrupt desires, anger, deceit, and vulgar speech, we ignore the Spirit’s gentle voice, hindering or reversing our spiritual growth.
Finally, Ephesians 4:31-32 sums up what must be “put off” and what must be “taken on.” We must “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Eph. 4:31). In their place, we must “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). This verse represents the pinnacle of the new self’s ethical calling. The standard is high: Christ’s forgiveness on the cross.
Why does Paul so strongly insist on mutual forgiveness? Because when division and strife arise in the church, forgiveness is the first virtue that needs to be restored. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matt. 6:12). If I do not forgive those who sin against me, my own prayer for forgiveness lacks sincerity. In Matthew 18, Jesus illustrates the necessity of forgiveness through the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. The servant, forgiven an enormous debt, fails to pardon a fellow servant’s small debt, and Jesus uses this scenario to reemphasize the importance of forgiving others (Matt. 18:21-35).
Pastor David Jang often references Ephesians 4:32 when addressing church conflicts or communal problems, stressing that “forgiveness does not arise from our own goodness or moral virtue but becomes possible only when we look to the cross of Jesus Christ.” From a human standpoint, we often wonder, “Why should I forgive first? They are the ones at fault.” Under the light of the gospel, however, we realize that we, too, are sinners saved by Christ’s sacrifice. Therefore, we have no right to withhold forgiveness from others. Embracing this perspective fosters exactly the kind of community life Paul envisions: “Be kind and compassionate to one another.”
Paul does not simply say “Forgive, because it’s a good thing”; he grounds forgiveness in God’s action: “just as in Christ God forgave you.” This is a hallmark of Christian ethics, which goes beyond human decency to imitate God’s own character. We love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). We forgive because God, in Christ, forgave us. Thus, the saving grace of God becomes both the reason and the power behind a believer’s capacity to forgive, love, and serve.
“Putting on the new self” is often challenging in practice because of our inherent sinfulness and selfishness. Yet the gospel is “the power of God that brings salvation” (Rom. 1:16) and overcomes our fallen nature. If the Holy Spirit dwells in us, then we can practice love, forgiveness, kindness—things naturally impossible for our sinful nature. This application is vital in everyday Christian living. Minor quarrels or clashes of opinion in the church can escalate into major conflicts if anger and slander are allowed to fester, but when believers treat each other with genuine kindness, many disputes are resolved quickly. This is why Paul insists we must put away “all bitterness, rage, and anger.”
Moreover, we should remember that among the fruit of the Spirit are love, patience, kindness, and goodness (Gal. 5:22-23). Rage, hatred, and malice are works of the flesh, whereas kindness, mercy, forgiveness, and love are fruits of the Spirit. A community determined to live as the new self must abound in these Spirit-produced virtues. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). For the church to truly shine as God’s community in the eyes of the world, it must be filled not with anger and strife but with love and forgiveness.
We must not misunderstand love as mere sentiment. In Scripture, “love” (agapē) implies sacrificial commitment to the other’s well-being. Ephesians 5:2 calls believers to “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.” Christ’s love was demonstrated through total self-sacrifice. The completion of love is forgiveness and self-giving, and this fully reveals the nature of the new self.
To achieve this, we must begin by dealing with sin, discarding our anger, rejecting falsehood, and breaking habits of theft, greed, obscene speech, slander, and every other evil. In place of these, we must actively practice compassion for others, engage in charitable work, speak words of grace, and forgive as we have been forgiven. Thus, Ephesians 4:32—“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”—must govern church life, personal life, and family life as a fundamental precept.
Pastor David Jang often stresses that the church community should never neglect “the weak, the wounded in spirit, and those struggling with brokenness” and should readily show them compassion and care. That, he says, is precisely the path Jesus showed us, the place where the gospel’s power becomes visibly real. While the world focuses on the strong, the successful, and the gifted, the church must be diligent in caring for orphans, widows, the despondent, and the marginalized. Ultimately, the new self depicted in Ephesians 4 culminates in this practice of kindness and compassion.
Finally, it is crucial to recognize that we cannot accomplish this solely through our own strength. That is why in Romans 8, Paul states that living according to the flesh leads to death, whereas living according to the Spirit leads to life and peace (Rom. 8:5-6). Only through the Spirit’s work can we truly live as new creations, avoid grieving Him with sinful behavior, show compassion, and forgive one another—thus becoming a community of Christ. The church becomes a city on a hill, a shining beacon, when the fruit of the Spirit manifests in everyday relationships.
Ephesians 4 ends with the exhortation: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other” (Eph. 4:32). This remains a challenge the earthly church must continually embrace. Every believer must crucify personal anger, greed, and falsehood so that the church can serve the world in a healthy manner. This responsibility is weighty, yet it is also a path of grace we can walk by the Spirit’s enabling. The gospel truth—“just as in Christ God forgave you”—empowers us to persevere. Remembering Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, God’s boundless love, and forgiveness, we realize we cannot condemn or exclude anyone. Instead, we lift one another up, cover each other’s shortcomings, and grow together in the Spirit. This is what Paul envisions as “the life of the new self,” the heart of Christian ethics, and the radiant testimony the church must offer the world.
In essence, Ephesians 4 demonstrates how profoundly Christian doctrine and ethics are interwoven. After exploring the doctrine of salvation and the mystery of the church earlier in the letter, Paul swiftly turns to show how these doctrines must result in practical, everyday ethics. Living as the new self is not just about having a “new status”; it also requires a transformation of “character” and “conduct.” We must discard sin, anger, lies, and slander, and practice kindness, compassion, and love, thus fulfilling what it means to be “in Christ.”
This is not only for the church in Ephesus. We also stand before the same command and are called to be new creations today. As Pastor David Jang has repeatedly emphasized in sermons and lectures: the church does not take its call from the world, but from God who has set us apart to be holy. Therefore, we have the responsibility to live worthy of that calling. Though it is a demanding duty, there is grace to fulfill it through the Holy Spirit.
Thus, when we meditate more deeply on God’s love, look to Christ’s cross, and continually examine ourselves in the Spirit, the mandate of Ephesians 4—“put on the new self”—becomes a tangible reality. Consequently, we choose good works over evil, words of grace over destructive talk, and, above all, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in our mutual relationships. Then those within and outside the church can witness that we truly are children of God. In that moment, a portion of God’s kingdom is revealed, and the gospel is powerfully proclaimed. This was Paul’s vision for the Ephesian church, and it remains our hope and mission today, the sacred calling of the church in every generation.