What is the meaning of Ephesians 4:20? But • The little word signals a sharp contrast with the Gentile lifestyle just described in Ephesians 4:17-19. • Scripture often uses “but” to pivot from darkness to light—see 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people…”. • The Spirit calls believers to recognize that their past mindset no longer defines them; Romans 6:17-18 highlights the same turn: “But thanks be to God…you became obedient from the heart”. This is not the way • Paul refers to the empty, callous, impure path of verses 17-19. • That way is marked by: – Futility of mind (v. 17) – Darkened understanding (v. 18) – Sensuality and greed (v. 19) • Colossians 3:7 reminds believers, “When you lived among them, you also walked in these ways”, underscoring that such conduct is now off-limits. • Titus 2:11-12 echoes the call: grace “instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions”. You came to know • “Know” is relational, not merely intellectual. John 17:3 defines eternal life as knowing the Father and the Son. • This knowledge involves: – Hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17) – Responding in faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) – Ongoing obedience (1 John 2:3-6 “By this we know that we have come to know Him…”) • It is experiential: 2 Corinthians 5:17 states that anyone in Christ “is a new creation”, proving real transformation accompanies real knowledge. Christ. • He is the center and measure of Christian living. Colossians 2:6 commands, “Just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him”. • Following Christ entails: – Renewed thinking (Ephesians 4:23) – Putting on the new self (Ephesians 4:24) – Manifesting His character (Romans 8:29 “conformed to the image of His Son”). • The verse anchors morality in a Person, not in rules. Imitating Christ guards against drifting back to old habits (Hebrews 12:2). summary Ephesians 4:20 plants a decisive marker between who believers were and who they now are. The contrast word “but” declares a break from futile living. “This is not the way” forbids sliding back into the empty lifestyle of unbelief. “You came to know” stresses a personal, transformative relationship established by faith. “Christ” stands as the model, motive, and means of the new life. Because His saving truth has been personally embraced, believers are empowered—and obligated—to walk in a manner worthy of Him. |
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