How does Ephesians 4:20 encourage us to grow in our Christian faith? Learning Christ: The Heart of Growth Ephesians 4:20 – “But this is not the way you came to know Christ.” • “Came to know” is relational, not merely academic. • Growth begins with a living, personal encounter with Jesus Himself (John 17:3). A Clear Contrast with the Old Life Verses 17–19 describe the futility, darkness, and impurity of life without Christ. Verse 20 interrupts: “But…” • The gospel re-sets our trajectory. • We are no longer defined by ignorance or hardness of heart. • Knowing Christ obligates and empowers a different lifestyle (2 Corinthians 5:17). What Ephesians 4:20 Invites Us to Do 1. Remember how you first learned Christ. – Rekindle gratitude for salvation (Colossians 2:6–7). 2. Reject any pull back to the old patterns. – Put off the “former way of life” (Ephesians 4:22). 3. Renew your mind daily in His truth. – “Be renewed in the spirit of your minds” (Ephesians 4:23). 4. Replace old habits with Christ-like ones. – “Put on the new self” (Ephesians 4:24). 5. Rely on the Holy Spirit for ongoing change. – “Walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). Practical Ways to Grow • Schedule undistracted time in Scripture; treat it as meeting with a Person, not checking a box. • Memorize key verses that confront your specific old-self tendencies. • Join believers who will remind you how you “came to know Christ” and call you higher (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Serve in a ministry that stretches faith; growth often accelerates in obedience. • Keep short accounts with God—confess sin quickly, believe His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Companion Scriptures • Romans 12:2 – Renewal of the mind. • Colossians 3:9–10 – Putting off the old self, putting on the new. • 1 Peter 2:2 – Longing for pure spiritual milk to grow. • Philippians 1:6 – Confidence that He will finish the work He began. Ephesians 4:20 stands as a decisive pivot: because believers have personally learned Christ, we can—and must—keep growing into His likeness. |
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