Note 13 at Eph. 4:22: In every other place in the New Testament where the scripture speaks of the death of the old man, it is spoken of as having already taken place (Col. 3:9-10; Rom. 6:6; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; see ref. e at this verse). Therefore, this putting off of the old man which is spoken of here, is to be taken as the turning from the habits and lusts which our old man deposited in us (see note 8 at Rom. 6:6, p. 778). In fact, Paul qualified his statement in this very verse. He said he was speaking of our former manner of conduct (see note 8 at Eph. 2:3, p. 1102), not the old sin nature itself. In effect, he is saying, "Don't go on living as if that old self was still alive."

Just as in verse 24, putting on the new man is not speaking of getting a new man, but rather letting that new self dominate our actions. Likewise, in this verse, putting off the old man is not speaking of still having an old man. It is referring to denying the lusts which were taught us by our old man when he was still alive.