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Part 3 - An Introduction into the ethics of the apostle (Ephesians 4:1 – 6:20)
The new man created after God (Ephesians 4:20-24)
Ephesians 4:20-24
4:20 But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:
that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph. 4:20-24).
Paul desired to introduce a new culture into the multi-cultured society of the Roman province of Asia. The model for his new world view was and is Jesus Christ personally. In his letter Paul testified to the church leaders and members that they had come to know Jesus Christ, whether through longer instruction or by way of their own spiritual experience. They had come to know the true Jesus and were standing on the firm ground of historical truth.
However, a knowledge of the person of Jesus Christ and His teaching is not enough. There must be consequences. The old life-style of sin needs to be rejected and put off. That means a sorting out of one´s own corrupt past, carried out on the basis of the teaching of Jesus. There needs to follow a rich-in-prayer repentance and a zealous learning about the way of life, which is offered and commanded by Jesus. All this together forms the basis for the merciful forgiveness of all guilt and sin through the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Without this justification no sinner would dare attempt a new beginning for his life.
There follows the sobering recognition that no person is able to make himself holy. Only in fellowship with Jesus and in the power of His Holy Spirit does he experience that the Lord gives him light, strength and grace to live a new life. This new way-of-life is characterized by the love of Christ, His truth, humility and purity. A person who believes needs to put on Jesus, the new man, and then live in His Spirit and in His power.
This renewal does not come about in one hour to the next, but needs time, power, reform and the correction of brothers and sisters. Just like a child, the beginner in the life of faith needs to learn humility and how to live in purity. He needs to live in the power of his Lord and allow the Father of all spiritual children to make him anew. The mind and spirit of such a person will be renewed. He comes to learn the righteousness of God and His holiness and practices living therein. Slowly he is transformed into the likeness of his Father in heaven.
Prayer: Father in heaven, we worship You and shout for joy, because You have erased our old inherent and corrupt being through the atoning death of Your beloved Son. By grace you have justified us through Him. Help us to put on Jesus and to wilfully take upon us His way of life. Let our walk in Him be realized by the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
Questions:
- Which model for life does the new Christian culture follow?
- How can a person practically put on Jesus and live as He lived and loved?