In the Old Testament, even though Gentiles were often seen by Israel to be outside of God’s covenant, we know that God’s plan from the very beginning was to bless all nations (Gen 12:3 & Isa 49:6). It isn’t until the New Testament, and through the Gospel message of Christ Jesus, that we witness the Gentiles, who were anyone that was not Jewish, being grafted into God’s Family. “And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same Body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus”. (Eph 3:6)
In today’s passage, Paul was urging Gentile believers to no longer live their old Gentile lives, when their minds were filled with darkness, their hearts were hardened, and they wandered far from God. He wants them to recall how within this place they were lustful, shameful, and living impurely for their own selfish desires. Paul encourages them to remember what they learned about Christ Jesus, and how they are to throw off their old sinful nature and former way of living. Instead, Paul points them back to the Holy Spirit, Who lives within them, and Who wants to renew their thoughts and attitudes. Paul tells the Gentile believers to put on their new nature, in Christ Jesus, and to live out their righteous and holy lives.
Friends, we are Gentile believers, and Paul’s message is alive and well today, as it is meant for you and for me! When we feel hopelessly confused, that is NOT because Jesus is causing hopeless confusion within us, that is the work of the enemy stirring within the darkness of our former lives and attempting to disconnect us from Christ Jesus. Remember Paul’s prayer for us, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit”. (Rom 15:13) As believers, we need to ask the Holy Spirit, daily and sometime many times throughout each day, to renew our thoughts and attitudes to come into alignment with the thoughts and attitudes of the Spirit, because that is all a part of our Christ nature, where we are righteous and holy, because He is righteous and holy and we are welcoming Him to live in and through us.
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 helping each one of us to turn away from our ways of living. Through our salvation in You, our minds, hearts, and lives are renewed. Holy Spirit, help us to reflect Your Truth, as we want to live out Your righteousness and holiness. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.