When the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, he begins in chapters 1 – 3 to teach believers about our new lives as the children of God: how we are forgiven, adopted into God’s Family, we are redeemed from the slavery of sin, loved by God, strengthened with His power, and we are recipients of the riches of Christ Jesus.
Paul continues in chapter 4 to urges us, as believers, to walk in unity in our new way of life and as the Body of Christ. Paul wants us to be equipped as the Church, or as the Body of Christ, to be able to work together as one in Christ Jesus as we utilize the gifts Christ has given us so we can do His work and build up His Church. “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son (Jesus) that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” (v. 11-13)
As we seek for “Unity in the Body” (v.1-16) each of us must no longer live as “Gentiles”. This means that we must completely let our old sinful lives go and live out our new lives of salvation. Within this place we are living as Christ’s Word teaches us to live, and as Christ Himself lived as the walking example for our walking lives. We must allow the Holy Spirit to guide our souls (our minds, wills, and emotions), otherwise, this world and Satan will fill our souls with darkness, harden our hearts against the Trust, and cloud our judgement to operate against the Word. If the world and Satan guide us, we will not have shame and we will live our lives for this world in lust, pleasure, deception, and impurity. Let’s keep our new nature on and allow the Word of Christ to flow in, through, and out of us, just as we were created to be like God, Himself, Who is righteous and holy.
Ephesians 4:17-24 (NLT)
Living as Children of Light
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being the Head of our Body, Your Church. Help us, Lord, to work together to grow in our faith, as Your Church, so that we can mature in You, and work to grow Your Kingdom. Help each one of us, Your Church, to continue to be guided by Your Word. Holy Spirit, please continue to renew our thoughts and attitudes. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.