Ephesians 4:17-20 "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (18) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: (19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (20) But ye have not so learned Christ..."
We see Paul (by the inspiration of God) is now changing gears in that to this
point, he has written about doctrine and the preaching of the Gospel. Now he
turns to the application of the Word of God in our lives. He speaks to the
Ephesians, and to us, that "ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk,
in the vanity of their mind." It is easy sometimes to read right over a
word and think that you know what it means when in reality it goes much deeper
than a surface meaning. Paul is speaking concerning a "daily walk" as
we go through life. But the word, walk, carries the meaning of the manner in
which we behave ourselves. I'm telling my age, but when I was in elementary
school, citizenship was one of the most important grades that would be seen on
the report card. I was told that I might not be able to comprehend the depths
of math, but I better know how to conduct myself in class. One of the terms
used for citizenship was "deportment." We were taught how to behave
ourselves using good manners. I won't go off too much on that subject in
today's world, but the Holy Spirit is telling us that we are NOT to act like
the world.
One of the meanings of the word, walk, means to deport oneself or know how to
behave. The world is estranged from God and walks about in darkness, but we
have not so learned Christ as to walk in that darkness. The world lives
through the blindness of their heart, but we have been given a new heart in
Christ Jesus. The world has no feelings for anyone other than self, but in and
through Christ, we are to have compassion for others. The world says,
"Look out for Number 1." But in Christ, we have learned to love our
neighbor as ourselves. The world only wants more and more and can never
be satisfied with what they have. But in Christ we have learned, "It is
more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) Jesus tells us
"... ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the
world..." (John 15:19) In essence, Paul is saying to you and me that
though we live in this dark world, we can be lights to shine forth the glory of
God in the face of Christ Jesus. See 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 and Philippians
2:14-16. Therefore, we are to be careful as to how we walk, or deport,
ourselves in order that we will be proper ambassadors for Christ.
Stand up! stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you; Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor, And, watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger, Be never wanting there.
Stand up! stand up for Jesus! The strife will not be long:
This day the noise of battle, The next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh A crown of life shall be;
He, with the King of glory, Shall reign eternally.