Ephesians 4:17-31

August 22, 2012

Why do we walk in humility with gentleness? Because were one body caring for itself. And in this way, were different from the Gentiles and from our old way:
17This

I say therefore, and testify in the Lord,

This is a solemn testimony, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Vanity means devoid of truth. We dont want to make the mistake of thinking that walking like the Gentiles automatically only means hedonism. Hedonism is a fruit of their vanity, but they might also seem very religious. Theres a lot of good Christian philosophy and wisdom that isnt of God. They have a form of godliness but they deny its power. To walk in vanity (error) is a contradiction to the truth which we claim to profess. They dont know it because,
18Having

the understanding darkened,

Their spiritual understanding is without light. They dont know Christ. Consider these two verses: Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every mans conscience in the sight of God. 3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (II Cor. 4:1-6). Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural

man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (I Cor. 2:12-14). We say that the word of the Lord is a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path (Ps. 119:105). We believe that were taught by God, and that He commands His light to shine in the darkness for us, but the Gentiles have their understanding darkened so that they grope around like blind men without knowing which way to go. being alienated from the life of God To be alienated means to be cut off from fellowship. I cant help but think back to 1:4-12 and 2:1-22; look at what God has done to bring us near! But of them it says they are being alienated, through the ignorance that is in them, Now think about this: Hes building His body till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God (:13). The natural man doesnt know God or His commands neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (I Cor. 2:14). They are alienated from the life of God because they are ignorant; they dont know the truth, because of the blindness of their heart: It doesnt just mean blind; it means callused or stubborn: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (I Tim. 4:1-2). They dont know God, and they dont want to know Him. Peter describes them as being willfully ignorant (II Pet. 3:5).
19Who

being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. They have no heart for God or conscience of morals. They happily throw themselves into sin and cant get enough of it: For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4).

20But

ye have not so learned Christ; 21If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: Whatever they say about Gods grace you know that Christ didnt teach you that. Being free doesnt mean (anomos; I Cor. 9:21)we have the law of Christ and it teaches us the truth:
22That

ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; If 2:1-10 is true, then this is the actual result: were transformed in our lifestyles and in our thinking.
24And

that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Do you see the foundation for it? If were of God then we live like God in righteousness and true holiness. How is this done?
25Wherefore

putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27Neither give place to the devil. 28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you. http://newgracebaptist.blogspot.com/