READING: Eph. 4:17-24: … But you have not so learned Christ …
Following the beautiful message about the church as the body of Christ, there now follows an admonition. Paul, speaking with authority from Christ, addresses the congregation.
They were once converted from paganism. Back then, they were godless, without faith, hope, and prospects. Their minds were darkened because they did not yet know the gospel of salvation. They lived worldly lives without God, just like unbelieving pagans. They were unaware of the gospel and led an empty, meaningless existence. They had no love for God but rather hostility.
Therefore, these unbelievers indulged in debauchery and immorality (Rom. 1:22ff). This description of unbelievers is also recognizable today in our unchristian society.
Paul wants to exhort the church of his and our time: should it not be completely different among you now that you have come to know Christ? Doesn’t this image of unbelief clash with Christ? Shouldn’t your thoughts, words, and actions be different now that you are a believing follower of Christ? Haven’t you come to know Him from God’s Word through preaching? Don’t you now know Him as your Redeemer who wants to cleanse you from sins and a sinful life?
Now that you have accepted Christ, can your life be anything other than renewed by Him? If you truly love Him, it will show in a life that aligns with His.
Or has the Lord Christ been misrepresented to you: not as the Christ of the Scriptures? But if Christ has indeed been preached truthfully, then accept Him in this way and live according to that truth.
Put off the old self with its worldly desires, and put on the new self. Thus, you become the image of God again, that is, you conform to Him in holiness, according to His Word, and live for Him as He requires in obedience. Others will see that you know Christ and that He dwells in you.
Do you see the difference between believers and unbelievers?
Singing: Ps. 130:2