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June 21 - Ephesians 4-6
FOCUS PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:17-24
Having explained the blessings of salvation and the unity of the church in the earlier chapters of Ephesians, Paul now turns to practical Christian living. He contrasts the old life of unbelief with the new life found in Christ and calls Christians to "put on the new man."
Paul begins by urging believers to no longer walk as the Gentiles walk. He describes the unbelieving world as living in the futility of their minds, darkened in understanding, and separated from the life of God because of ignorance and hardness of heart. Their spiritual blindness leads to moral corruption and a continual pursuit of sinful desires. This description is not merely an indictment of pagan society, but a reminder of what believers once were before experiencing God's saving grace.
The apostle's concern is that Christians not return to the patterns and values of their former way of life. Salvation is not simply a change in destiny; it is a transformation of character and conduct. Those who have come to know Christ have learned a completely different way of living. Paul states, "But you have not so learned Christ" (v. 20). Christianity is not merely accepting certain doctrines; it is entering into a personal relationship with Jesus that changes every aspect of life.
Paul then explains three elements of spiritual transformation. First, believers are to "put off" the old man. The old man represents the sinful nature and the habits associated with life apart from God. It is corrupted by deceitful lusts and leads to spiritual destruction. Christians must deliberately reject sinful attitudes, behaviors, and thought patterns.
Second, believers are to "be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (v. 23). True change begins internally. The Holy Spirit works through God's Word to reshape the believer's thinking. As the mind is renewed, values, priorities, and desires are transformed. This ongoing renewal enables Christians to view life from God's perspective rather than the worlds.
Third, believers are to "put on the new man." The new man is the new nature given by God at salvation. Unlike the old man, it is created according to God's image in righteousness and true holiness. This new identity reflects the character of Christ and empowers believers to live in obedience to God.
These verses emphasize that the Christian life involves both divine grace and human responsibility. God provides the new nature, but believers must actively choose to live according to it. Daily surrender to Christ allows the new man to become increasingly evident in thoughts, words, and actions. Christians that conversion is more than a one-time event; it is the beginning of a lifelong transformation. As believers put off the old man, renew their minds, and put on the new man, they increasingly reflect the likeness of Christ and demonstrate the power of the gospel in a fallen world.