Introduction. In Ephesians 4:17, Paul “testified” to those Christians that they should not walk as the other Gentiles walk. The word “testify” is defined “to summon as a witness” and then “to bear witness” or “declare.” He wanted to strongly impress on them the charge to not conduct themselves like others now that they were Christians. This is spoken in a section of Ephesians (chapters 4-6) that deals with the practical aspects of living as a Christian.
The former manner of a Gentile’s life is discussed elsewhere (Romans 1:21; 1 Peter 4:3-4), but is fully developed in this passage. Conversion is a radical change from an old life of sin to a new life without the intention to sin. If being a Christian doesn’t correct the evil in someone’s life, there is something wrong with its application.
Their Former Life
They walked in the futility of their minds.
This expression mean “empty, fruitless, or useless” thinking.
The word “vanity” in the scriptures means more than mere emptiness. It denotes moral wrong, being applied usually to those who worshiped vain idols and then those who were alienated from the true God.
They had their understanding darkened.
They may have been wise according to the world’s standards (Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 1:18-21), but sin renders one incapable of understanding God’s righteousness.
Therefore, it makes it very difficult for one to realize his own condition (Proverbs 12:1; 21:2).
They were alienated from the life of God.
Paul had previously explained this condition in Ephesians 2:1-3.
They were separated from a life that is like God, of which He could not approve. This is true in regard to sinners everywhere.
They were ignorant and blind in their hearts.
Ignorance leads to sin (1 John 2:1; Psalm 119:11). A knowledge of God is essential to coming to God (Romans 10:9-17).
“Hardness” is perhaps a better word here than “blindness.” The Greek word porosis comes from another word that was used to describe a stone that was harder than marble.
Sin hardens the heart and makes it insensible to the truth and unable to appreciate the righteousness and goodness within it (2 Peter 2:14).
They had given themselves over to lewdness and uncleanness.
They were past feeling or completely insensitive and callous to moral unrighteousness. They had reached a point where they didn’t care and no longer tried to hide their sins. Therefore, they voluntarily submitted to sin (Romans 6:16).
“Lewdness” is an “absence of restraint, indecency, or wantonness.” The primary idea is shameless conduct. They have lost their ability to blush and may even flaunt their wickedness. People of this type often brag about their “honesty” as they shamefully advertise their sins.
Furthermore, they progressively indulged in every kind of impurity and possessed a continual lust for more (2 Timothy 3:13; James 1:15).
Their Conduct in Christ
They were to put off the old man.
The Gentiles were taught a different way by Christ — the religion of Christ commands them to abandon such a course of life.
“Put off” means to lay aside or renounce. The unrenewed man is not under the direction of reason and sound sense, but is controlled by his passions and desires.
We have limited the word “lusts,” but the original word denoted any passion or propensity of the heart. It may include greed, ambition, the love of pleasure or of gratification in any way. The heart is by nature under the control of these feelings.
Lusts are “deceitful” because they lead us astray. They promise more than they perform. All who yield to them find at last that they flatter but betray.
They were to put on the new man.
“Renewed in the spirit of your minds” means simply to be made new in respect to your heart and mind. This is how the gospel was always intended to function. Man would be made whole from the inside out and not from orchestrated, societal change.
The “new” man refers to the renovated nature (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). It is a great change that allows us to resemble God in righteousness and holiness (Hebrews 12:14). This phrase proves that when man was created, he was a holy being. Religion renews and restores mankind to that pure, original state.
Being a Christian, then, requires that one “puts off” certain sinful activities and “puts on” righteous activities. Paul gives several specifics:
Put away lying.
Lying is a universal vice among the world. It is done with the intent to deceive. This may be done in speech or in action. Even one’s silence may be deceptive if it endorses a false statement.
The scriptures consistently condemn all lying (John 8:44; Proverbs 20:14; 21:6; James 3:14). God hates lying and all liars will meet the same fate (Proverbs 6:17; Revelation 21:8).
Be angry and don’t sin.
This speaks of a “righteous indignation” (Mark 3:5; John 2:13-17). Paul followed the example of Jesus (Acts 13:8-10; 17:16). He who is unconcerned when the truth is attacked is not demonstrating love, but a lack of concern for what really matters.
This is to be directed toward evil and not toward people (1 Peter 2:22-23). This anger must be temporary. If harbored, it is dangerous. Misdirected and uncontrolled anger is vicious (Genesis 27:43-45; Proverbs 29:22; James 1:19-20).
A Christian is in control of their emotions (Psalm 37:8; Proverbs 16:32). Otherwise, it gives the devil room in which to work.
Steal no longer.
Thievery has always been a temptation to man. God took notice of it in the Ten Commandments and He still condemns it now (Exodus 20:15; 1 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Peter 4:15).
Work is honorable (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Work is for the purpose of providing for one’s own (1 Timothy 5:8) and then to have something to give (Romans 12:13).
Watch your speech.
The context deals with the fair treatment of others. Paul probably had in mind speech that effects others, i.e. gossip, lying, false witness, accusations, etc. (James 4:11).
Speech is to be controlled and used wisely (Matthew 12:37; Colossians 4:6; James 1:26; 1 Peter 3:10).
Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit.
Any of the sins Paul forbade in these verses would grieve the Holy Spirit in the heart of any Christian committing them.
By breaking the laws of God, we make “sad or sorrowful” the Holy Spirit. The actual meaning of the word is “to treat others so as to cause grief.”
The “day of redemption” is the day of judgment in which our redemption will be completed.
Put off bad dispositions toward others.
The conditions of the inward life as are indicated by the prohibitions listed here are the bane of earthly existence:
Bitterness — the settled disposition of one who is resentful.
Wrath — strong, sudden, and explosive antagonism.
Anger — a long-lived and settled indignation.
Clamor — a yelling and insulting anger.
Evil speaking — speaking anything against God or man.
Malice — delighting in inflicting hurt or injury.
It is deplorable that many Christians have never learned to live above the behavior condemned by Paul.
Be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.
Nothing blesses mankind more than ordinary kindness which is the most extraordinary endowment that any Christian possesses.
“Tenderhearted” means “compassionate” and “possessing a good heart.” It only occurs here and 1 Peter 3:8.
One of the longest parables the Lord taught was about forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). It concluded with these words: “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Conclusion. Amazingly, this short passage from Ephesians 4:17-32 tells us how to act, walk, and speak. God expects us to do as He directs. Have you been born into the family of God? If you have, then walk worthy of the gospel. If you haven’t walked worthy, then our invitation is extended to give you the chance at hope.
