17 “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.” (Ephesians 4:17–19 (ESV)
Ephesians 4:17-19 is not only reminiscent of the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:1 but it is also reminiscent of what Paul wrote in Romans 1:18-32. The Apostle Paul, in outlining the pattern of behavior the Ephesians Christians should continually avoid, he is also reminding them of their prior pagan condition (Ephesians 2:1-12).
Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “While the letter to the Romans shows God as giving Gentiles over to a reckless and wanton life (Romans 1:24-31), Ephesians presents the same progression from the human side: those who have turned aside ‘have given themselves up.’ Similarly, in Exodus, God is said to harden Pharaoh’s heart (Ex. 4:21; 7:1-3, but Pharaoh hardens his own heart (Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34).”
Sin and sanctification are not stationary. With a sinful thought pattern and lifestyle, the sinner digresses into further and further wickedness and sinfulness. The same is true for the spiritual Christian. With a righteous thought pattern and lifestyle, the believer in Christ progresses into further and further holiness (2 Peter 1:3-11).
Which pattern of thinking and behavior characterizes your life?
Soli deo Gloria!
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 