Pondering Paul’s Epistles – Ephesians 4:17-32

There are a few things that stand out to me from this passage:

1) No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace (vs. 17-19) – Paul is talking to people who were at one time just like those described here – separated from God, ignorant, hard hearted, darkened in their understanding of the gospel, engrossed in sinful lifestyles. And yet, God brought about transformation in their lives through the proclamation of the Word that pierced their hearts. This is good news as we look around and see people who “seem” beyond the reach of God. We must never forget that God can change even the most hardened heart.

2) As believers, we must put a priority on learning and living out God’s Word  (vs. 20-24) – We have been given new identities in Christ. The old is gone, the new has come. It is God’s Word that informs and transforms us to be the people God has re-created us to be… “like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

3) If we have been changed then our lives should look like they have been changed (vs. 25-32) – Paul points out a few areas here that ought to look different. Our speech should be different – no more lying, no more irrational outbursts of anger. Instead our mouths should be used to encourage and build others up. Our lifestyle should be different – as new creations we should display kindness and compassion to others. We should offer forgiveness to others. We should love others not fight others.

What Paul is saying here is that Jesus makes a difference, He changes us! And if there is no change then perhaps we haven’t been changed. Reality check!