"Ephesians 4:22 commands Christians to ""lay aside the old self which is being corrupted by the lusts of deceit."" The old idolatrous self pursued desires outside of the parameters of God. Lusts of deceit typically promise immediate gratification but hide costs over the long term, resulting in repetitive satisfaction of seemingly innocuous lusts. Corruption nevertheless sets in. Repetition ossifies lusts, and the old self is practically defined by the lust which is now an habitual practice. The periodic drinker becomes a drunkard, the occasional gossiper an egregious slanderer, the ""recreational user,"" a full blown drug-addict. The costs are now plainly evident, but the fool characteristically doubles down, and rationalizes his slavery. (""I can quit anytime I want, he loudly protests"") The fool originally contracted the lusts of deceit to serve the old self; now lusts are the master and the old self the servant, who has been thoroughly corrupted by the lusts of deceit. The Scriptures address this root of deception: ""The foolishness of fools is deceit."" (Proverbs 14:8) The practice of engaging lusts (foolishness) among fools reinforces self-deception. In any event, the foolishness of fools doesn't instantly leave when saints confess Christ. The episode notes that the old self is presently BEING corrupted by the lusts of deceit. All Christians are in the process of sanctification in which the Holy Spirit helps the believer identify with the new man in Christ, which is ""created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."" (24) This identification founded on TRUTH is the antidote to the DECEIT of fools. Believers then must regularly put on Christ, while they lay aside the old self, making no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Romans 14:17)
