Being Different
Ephesians 4:17-32
Know – what the Word says
Main idea of the passage: Paul explains that a new life in Christ should look different when lived out in a lost world.
Explanation: The greatest way to point out a difference between two things is to simply compare and contrast them. It has long been noted that the best way to see whether or not a stick is crooked is to lay it next to a straight one. In verses 17-19, Paul describes the lives of people who are dead in their sins, without Christ, and “darkened in their understanding.” He then contrasts these people with the believers in Ephesus, who he describes beginning in verse 20. Never assuming that his entire audience has heard a clear presentation of the gospel, he alludes to those who may not have in verse 21.
Verses 22-24 illustrate a new life in Christ in language similar to that of putting on a new suit or dress. Immediately following this description of an individual’s transformation in Christ, Paul turns his attention to the difference believers should experience in their relationships with one another in verses 25-32. Truthfulness, righteousness, forgiveness, control of one’s tongue, and hard work are a sampling of the virtues and behaviors Paul chooses to list.
Live – what the Word says
Main application of the passage: A true follower of Christ’s life and relationships should be abnormal when compared to a lost world.
Application: Different, odd, radical, weird, unusual, abnormal, freakish. These are not words most of us like to be described by. We prefer words like nice, organized, smart, successful, professional, talented, gifted, well-liked, witty, etc. However, have you ever stopped to think about which list of adjectives were most often used about Paul and the rest of those early followers of Christ? It would not have been the latter. As Christians in the southeastern U.S., we live in a dangerous time and place. Not because we are overtly persecuted for our faith in Christ, but rather because we are not. Even our unchurched neighbors compliment us on our faithfulness as long as our relationship with Christ makes us feel safe and they feel unthreatened. This, however, is exactly the opposite of the Christianity outlined in the New Testament. Granted, we are supposed to be law abiding citizens characterized by kindness and gentleness. But we are also supposed to be following our King with reckless abandon. We should live each day having “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Paul’s plea for righteous living that does not fit in this world is as needed today as it was when he first challenged the believers in Ephesus.
D.J. Horton– Lessons by D.J. Horton, pastor of Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church, Spartanburg, since 2004. Horton is a graduate of Auburn University and New Orleans Seminary.