Ephesians Chapter 4 verses 17 - 32 in The Amplified Bible “The Christian Walk”

Introduction

In Ephesians Chapter 4 verses 17 through 32, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to live in accordance with their new identity in Christ. He contrasts the old way of life, characterized by darkness and ignorance, with the new way of life, marked by righteousness and holiness. Paul provides practical instructions for living as followers of Christ, emphasizing the importance of renewing the mind, putting off the old self, and putting on the new self created in the likeness of God. This passage serves as a roadmap for Christian living, guiding believers in how to walk worthy of their calling and glorify God in their daily lives.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

Verses 17-19: Walking in Ignorance and Darkness - So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls], for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart. And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callous and unfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand].”

Paul begins by admonishing believers not to live like the Gentiles, who walk in the futility of their minds, alienated from the life of God due to their ignorance and hardness of heart.

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This passage highlights the contrast between the old way of life, characterized by spiritual blindness and separation from God, and the new way of life found in Christ. It reminds believers of the danger of reverting to worldly patterns of thinking and behavior.

Verses 20-24: Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New Self - “But you did not learn Christ in this way! 21If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, 23and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].”

Paul urges believers to put off the old self, corrupted by deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of their minds. They are to put on the new self, created in the likeness of God, with righteousness and holiness.

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This passage emphasizes the transformative power of Christ in the believer's life. It calls believers to actively participate in the process of sanctification by renewing their minds and embracing their new identity in Christ.

Verses 25-29: Practical Instructions for Christian Living - Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ]. [Zech 8:16] 26Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. [Ps 4:4] 27And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness]. 28The thief [who has become a believer] must no longer steal, but instead he must work hard [making an honest living], producing that which is good with his own hands, so that he will have something to share with those in need. 29Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].?

Paul provides specific examples of how believers should conduct themselves in light of their new identity. He exhorts them to speak truthfully, control their anger, refrain from stealing, speak edifying words, and avoid grieving the Holy Spirit through bitterness and malice.

RelevanceTo Today’s Believers: These verses offer practical guidance for living out the Christian faith in everyday life. They emphasize the importance of integrity, self-control, and building up others through words and actions.

Verses 30-32: Living in Forgiveness and Love - “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [but seek to please Him], by whom you were sealed and marked [branded as God’s own] for the day of redemption [the final deliverance from the consequences of sin]. [Eph 1:13, 14; Phil 3:20, 21] Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.”

Paul encourages believers to rid themselves of all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice, and to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving toward one another, just as God in Christ forgave them.

Relevance To Today's Believers: This passage underscores the centrality of forgiveness and love in the Christian life. It challenges believers to extend grace and mercy to others, reflecting the forgiveness they have received from God through Christ.

Summary

In Ephesians Chapter 4 verses 17 through 32, the apostle Paul calls believers to live in accordance with their new identity in Christ. He contrasts the old way of life, characterized by ignorance and darkness, with the new way of life, marked by righteousness and holiness. Paul provides practical instructions for Christian living, urging believers to renew their minds, put off the old self, and put on the new self created in the likeness of God. This passage serves as a roadmap for Christian living, guiding believers in how to walk worthy of their calling and glorify God in their daily lives. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, self-control, forgiveness, and love, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of the gospel they profess.

If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!