Living Christian Ethics

Paul writes to the church at Ephesus about living a Christian life – Ephesians 4:17-32

In this passage, Paul highlights the radical transformation that comes with life in Christ. Paul calls believers to reject the old way of living—a life marked by sin, futility, and separation from God—and instead embrace their new identity, which reflects God’s righteousness and holiness. This transformation is evident in how they speak, think, and treat others. Paul provides practical examples of this new life: truthful communication, controlling anger, working honestly, using words to build others up, and showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

At the heart of this passage is a call to unity and love within the body of Christ. As believers, we are not just individuals but members of a community, and our actions—whether positive or negative—affect the entire body. Paul’s exhortation is a reminder that our lives should reflect the character of Christ, who forgave us and empowers us to live in righteousness, love, and holiness.

Verses 17-19: The Old Life of Futility

Paul begins this section by warning the Ephesians not to live as the Gentiles (non-believers) do. In his context, “Gentiles” refers to those who are outside the covenant of faith, who live apart from God. Paul emphasizes that such a life is marked by futility of thinking, darkened understanding, and separation from the life of God. This is due to a hardening of their hearts and a loss of sensitivity to moral and spiritual truth, leading them to indulge in sensuality, impurity, and greed.

The futility of thinking refers to the emptiness and purposelessness of a life lived apart from God. Without the truth of Christ, the thinking of those who do not know God is ultimately fruitless. Paul is warning believers that returning to their old ways of thinking leads to spiritual blindness and moral decay.

Verses 20-24: Putting on the New Self

In stark contrast to the old way of life, Paul reminds the Ephesians that they have been taught differently in Christ. The new life they have learned involves putting off the “old self,” which is corrupted by deceitful desires, and embracing a new identity in Christ.

• “Put off your old self”: This imagery is often compared to changing clothes. Just as we take off dirty, worn-out clothes, Christians are called to discard their former sinful behaviors and attitudes.
• “Be made new in the attitude of your minds”: Transformation begins with the renewal of the mind. Romans 12:2 echoes this idea, calling believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. A new mindset is foundational to living a new life in Christ.
• “Put on the new self”: The new self is marked by righteousness and holiness, reflecting the character of God. This is not something believers can achieve on their own; it is the work of God in them through the Holy Spirit.

Verses 25-28: Living in Truth and Integrity

Paul then provides practical examples of how this transformation plays out in everyday life:

• “Put off falsehood and speak truthfully”: Honesty is foundational to Christian community. Since believers are all members of one body, falsehood disrupts unity and trust. Paul calls for truthful communication because it builds the bonds of fellowship.
• “In your anger do not sin”: Paul acknowledges that anger itself is not inherently sinful, but it can easily lead to sin if not controlled. He advises not to let anger fester (“do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”) because unresolved anger gives the devil a foothold, an opportunity to cause division and harm.
• “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer”: Paul addresses the transformation of one’s work ethic. Instead of taking from others, believers are called to work honestly and productively, not just for their own benefit, but also so they can help those in need.

Verses 29-30: The Power of Words and the Holy Spirit

Continuing his focus on how Christians should interact with others, Paul addresses the use of speech:

• “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths”: Words have great power to harm or heal. Paul urges believers to refrain from negative, hurtful, or vulgar speech. Instead, their words should be used for building others up, offering encouragement and support that meets the needs of those who hear them.
• “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit”: This verse reminds believers that their actions, especially how they treat others, affect their relationship with God. The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, and when they live contrary to God’s will—through sin, discord, or harmful speech—it grieves the Spirit.

Verses 31-32: Letting Go of Harmful Attitudes and Embracing Kindness

In these concluding verses, Paul provides a list of negative emotions and actions that believers should “get rid of”:

• Bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and malice: These are destructive attitudes and behaviors that harm relationships and disrupt community. Paul calls for their removal from the lives of believers because they are contrary to the love and unity that should characterize the body of Christ.

In contrast to these negative behaviors, Paul instructs believers to:

• “Be kind and compassionate”: Kindness and compassion reflect the character of Christ. These virtues foster unity and peace within the community of faith.
• “Forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”: Forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian message. Since believers have received God’s forgiveness through Christ, they are called to extend that same forgiveness to others. This reflects God’s grace and promotes reconciliation and healing in relationships.

Christian living can be summed up as a life of faith, love, and obedience to God, rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It involves aligning one’s thoughts, words, and actions with the teachings of Scripture and following the example of Christ.