Ephesians 4:20 - But you did not learn Christ that way;
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What does "Ephesians 4:20" mean?
Ephesians 4:20, "But you did not learn Christ that way," is a pivotal verse that contrasts the new life Christians are called to live with the previous life of the Gentiles mentioned in the preceding verses (Ephesians 4:17-19). To understand its meaning, let's break it down in context:
Ephesians 4:17-19 (the "that way"): Paul describes the Gentiles as living in spiritual darkness, ignorance, hardness of heart, sensuality, and greed. Their thinking is futile, and they are alienated from the life of God. They have given themselves over to immorality. This is the "that way" Paul is referring to. This behavior is a result of living separate from God.
"But you...": This signals a contrast. Paul is speaking to the Ephesian Christians, emphasizing that their experience and calling are different.
"...did not learn Christ that way": This is the key phrase. It suggests several important things:
Learning Christ is a Process: It's not merely intellectual assent to a set of doctrines. It involves a deep transformation that affects the way you live, think, and behave.
Christ's Teaching is Opposed to Worldly Values: The ways of the world (as described in verses 17-19) are antithetical to the teachings and example of Christ. To truly learn Christ is to reject those ways.
A Transformed Life: Learning Christ is not just about knowing about Christ, but knowing and experiencing Christ in a way that changes your whole life.
In essence, Ephesians 4:20 means:
"You, the Christians in Ephesus, have not been taught or trained in Christ in a way that allows you to continue living in the ignorance, sensuality, and moral decay that characterizes those who don't know God. Your instruction in Christ has led you to something better and radically different."
Deeper implications and Connections:
Following verses (Ephesians 4:21-24): These verses explain how they learned Christ: by hearing about him, being taught in him, putting off their old self (their former way of life), being renewed in the spirit of their minds, and putting on the new self, which is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Emphasis on Transformation: The verse highlights the transformative power of the Gospel. It's not just about being forgiven; it's about becoming a new person in Christ.
Practical Application: The Ephesians (and us) are called to live a life that reflects the teachings and example of Christ. If our lives resemble the description in verses 17-19, we need to examine whether we have truly "learned Christ."
In short, Ephesians 4:20 is a challenge and an encouragement to Christians to live lives that are consistent with their profession of faith. It calls us to reject the values of the world and embrace the transforming power of Christ, which leads to a life of righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:20 - But you did not learn Christ that way;
What does "Ephesians 4:20" mean?
Ephesians 4:20, "But you did not learn Christ that way," is a pivotal verse that contrasts the new life Christians are called to live with the previous life of the Gentiles mentioned in the preceding verses (Ephesians 4:17-19). To understand its meaning, let's break it down in context:
Ephesians 4:17-19 (the "that way"): Paul describes the Gentiles as living in spiritual darkness, ignorance, hardness of heart, sensuality, and greed. Their thinking is futile, and they are alienated from the life of God. They have given themselves over to immorality. This is the "that way" Paul is referring to. This behavior is a result of living separate from God.
"But you...": This signals a contrast. Paul is speaking to the Ephesian Christians, emphasizing that their experience and calling are different.
"...did not learn Christ that way": This is the key phrase. It suggests several important things:
Learning Christ is a Process: It's not merely intellectual assent to a set of doctrines. It involves a deep transformation that affects the way you live, think, and behave.
Christ's Teaching is Opposed to Worldly Values: The ways of the world (as described in verses 17-19) are antithetical to the teachings and example of Christ. To truly learn Christ is to reject those ways.
A Transformed Life: Learning Christ is not just about knowing about Christ, but knowing and experiencing Christ in a way that changes your whole life.
In essence, Ephesians 4:20 means:
"You, the Christians in Ephesus, have not been taught or trained in Christ in a way that allows you to continue living in the ignorance, sensuality, and moral decay that characterizes those who don't know God. Your instruction in Christ has led you to something better and radically different."
Deeper implications and Connections:
Following verses (Ephesians 4:21-24): These verses explain how they learned Christ: by hearing about him, being taught in him, putting off their old self (their former way of life), being renewed in the spirit of their minds, and putting on the new self, which is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Emphasis on Transformation: The verse highlights the transformative power of the Gospel. It's not just about being forgiven; it's about becoming a new person in Christ.
Practical Application: The Ephesians (and us) are called to live a life that reflects the teachings and example of Christ. If our lives resemble the description in verses 17-19, we need to examine whether we have truly "learned Christ."
In short, Ephesians 4:20 is a challenge and an encouragement to Christians to live lives that are consistent with their profession of faith. It calls us to reject the values of the world and embrace the transforming power of Christ, which leads to a life of righteousness and holiness.