Ephesians 4: 17 -24

Walking in the Newness of Life

Bible Passage: Ephesians 4:17-32

Summary: In this passage, Paul contrasts the old self, characterized by futility and darkness, with the new self, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness. He emphasizes the transformation that should take place in the lives of believers as they embrace their new identity in Christ.

Application: This message serves as a reminder that Christians are called to live transformed lives that reflect their new identity in Christ. By abandoning old habits and embracing new behaviors, believers can better embody the grace and love of Christ in their daily lives, providing hope and encouragement amid struggles and weaknesses.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that true transformation in the Christian life requires both a conscious decision to put away old behaviors and actively cultivate new, godly practices. It reinforces the necessity of community and the Holy Spirit in this process of sanctification.

How this passage could point to Christ: The call to put off the old self and put on the new self finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who is both the means and the model of our transformation. He embodies the righteousness and holiness that believers are called to as a reflection of God's character in their lives.

Big Idea: Living a transformed life in Christ means laying aside our old ways and embracing a new nature that reflects God's love and righteousness.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the Greek text of Ephesians 4:17-32 to explore the nuances of the concepts of 'old self' and 'new self.' The Logos library can provide valuable resources on lexical studies and contextual backgrounds that can enhance your understanding of these terms. Additionally, reviewing commentaries will help address potential exegetical challenges, especially on the implications of the phrases that call for both removal of old behaviors and the adoption of new ones.

1. Recognize the Receding Darkness

Ephesians 4:17-19

Perhaps you could explore how these verses highlight the futility of the old life, marked by hardened hearts and ignorance. Emphasize that ignoring God leads to a life of separation from His love and wisdom. Point out that the transformation begins by recognizing and turning away from these old, harmful patterns. Recognize this imagery of darkness to light as underscoring Christ's illuminating work in our hearts.

2. Renew in Christ’s Image

Ephesians 4:20-24

Maybe focus on the process of renewal, specifically the clear call to put away the 'old self' and embrace the 'new self' created to be like God. This passage suggests that transformation involves both discarding old habits and adopting a new identity in Christ. Emphasize that Christ is the model of this new self, embodying the holiness and righteousness believers are called to.

3. Reflect New Habits Now

Ephesians 4:25-28

You could highlight practical steps that Paul gives for living out this new life. Discuss the importance of honesty, managed anger, and diligence, contrasting them against deceit, rage, and laziness. Emphasize that these instructions are not mere rules but reflections of the new nature believers have in Christ, who empowers and guides them in truth and productivity.

4. Respond with Redeeming Words

Ephesians 4:29-32

Consider discussing how believers' speech and attitudes should reflect their transformed nature. Highlight the call to build others up with kind, forgiving, and loving words, modeled after the forgiveness and grace we've received in Christ. Address how this lifestyle not only benefits others but also aligns us more closely with Christ’s example of love.

King James Version Chapter 4

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

presentation of the old man (4:17–19)

a. His nature (4:17–18).1

1 Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 636.

Do not walk as gentiles do or as you once walked

a. in the Futility of their mind (without aim or goal)

b. their understanding was darkened (alienated and separated from the life of God

c. alienated because of their ignorance of God

d. because of the hardening of their hearts (insensitive to God and His Ways_

b. His practice (4:19).

4:19. Because of their lack of sensitivity these Gentiles gave themselves over (“abandoned themselves”; cf. Rom. 1:24, 26, 28) to sensuality (aselgeia, “licentiousness”; cf. Mark 7:22; Rom. 13:13; 2 Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:2, 7, 18; Jude 4), a life without concern for personal standards or social sanctions. Their purpose (eis) was to practice every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more (lit., “in greed”), indulging in self-gratification without regard for others. This is a horrible picture of sinful people’s selfish and perverted ways.11 Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 636.

.BUT. THANK GOD

  2. presentation of the new man (4:20–32)

a. His position (4:20–24).1

1 Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 636.

In contrast (de) with the “old man” (vv. 17–19) believers did not come to know (lit., “learn”) Christ that way. Their minds are no longer darkened; their lives are no longer alienated from God; their hearts are no longer hardened and impure. Christ is the Subject (you heard of Him) and the Sphere (you were taught in Him) of a believer’s learning. This teaching and learning is in accordance with the truth, because He is the Truth (John 14:6). The content of this learning is twofold: (1) A believer has put off the old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires (cf. Eph. 4:17–19). Self-centered lusts are deceitful because they promise joy but fail to provide it. (2) He has put on the new self which has been created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, which is based on truth (v. 24). This truth contrasts with the deceitfulness of lustful living (cf. vv. 14–15). Believers have been made new in the attitude of their minds; they are no longer futile in their thinking, darkened in their understanding, and ignorant (vv. 18–19). These are not commands, for the construction here (and in the parallel passage in Col. 3:9–10) is not imperative. They are facts that believers have learned, as is also seen in Romans 6:2–10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. Believers are new people in Christ, and hence they can no longer live as Gentiles live, as the next exhortations state11 Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 636–637.