This sermon, delivered from Ephesians 4:17-32, calls believers to embrace the transformative power of Christ in their lives. Pastor Léveillé challenges us to move beyond mere belief and allow Jesus to reshape our thoughts, words, and actions. Through the grace of God, we are invited to live a new life that reflects the character of Christ, leaving behind the emptiness of our former ways and pursuing holiness, truth, and love.
Stop Walking Like the Old You (Ephesians 4:17-19)
The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:17-19, urges believers to no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the vanity of their minds. Before knowing Christ, many live in spiritual darkness, alienated from God due to ignorance and hardness of heart. This old life is marked by futility, where pursuits like wealth or pleasure prove empty, vanishing like soap bubbles. Paul describes those outside Christ as past feeling, having given themselves over to shameless immorality and greediness. Their consciences, dulled by repeated sin, no longer sense the weight of their actions.
As Christians, we are called to a different path. If Christ lives in us, our lives should not resemble the patterns of those who do not know Him. We cannot justify sinful behaviours by claiming they are part of our culture or upbringing. Our standard is not our earthly origins but our heavenly citizenship in Christ. The old life, characterized by emptiness and separation from God, must be left behind, for Jesus has given us a new identity and purpose.
Learn to Walk in Christ’s Way (Ephesians 4:20-24)
Paul emphasizes in verses 20-24 that believers have not merely learned about Christ but have learned Christ Himself. Christianity is not just intellectual knowledge; it is transformation. Knowing facts about Jesus without allowing Him to change our hearts is a tragedy. Paul instructs us to put off the old man, corrupted by deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of our mind. This renewal is an ongoing process, where the Holy Spirit reshapes our thinking to align with God’s truth.
We are to put on the new man, created in righteousness and true holiness. This new nature reflects Christ’s character, replacing old desires with new affections. As we grow in our love for Jesus, our love for sin diminishes. Like a filthy garment, we strip off sinful habits and clothe ourselves with Christ’s righteousness. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continual journey of becoming more like our Saviour, driven by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
Replace Old Habits with New Ones (Ephesians 4:25-32)
In verses 25-32, Paul provides practical examples of how the new life looks, emphasizing the need to replace old habits with godly ones. Stopping sinful behaviour is not enough; we must actively pursue actions that reflect Christ’s character. Paul lists six specific areas:
- Stop Lying, Start Speaking Truth (v. 25): Put away falsehood and speak truth to one another, for we are members of the same body. Honesty builds trust and unity in the church.
- Don’t Let Anger Control You (vv. 26-27): Be angry but do not sin. Resolve anger quickly, before the sun sets, to prevent the devil from gaining a foothold in your life.
- Stop Stealing, Start Giving (v. 28): Those who once stole must work diligently, not just to provide for themselves but to give generously to those in need.
- Stop Corrupt Talk, Speak Edifying Words (v. 29): Replace corrupt speech with words that build up and minister grace to others, reflecting Christ’s love.
- Don’t Grieve the Spirit, Live in Harmony with Him (v. 30): Sin grieves the Holy Spirit, who seals us for redemption. We must live in step with Him, honouring His presence in our lives.
- Stop Bitterness, Show Kindness and Forgiveness (vv. 31-32): Let go of bitterness, wrath, and malice, and instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God in Christ forgave us.
Each of these commands involves putting off the old and putting on the new. For example, a thief does not simply stop stealing; they become a giver. A liar does not just stop lying; they speak truth in love. Forgiveness, in particular, is a gift we give, not because others deserve it, but because Christ has forgiven us. This transformation is only possible through the power of Christ living in us.
Conclusion
The gospel does not only save us from eternal punishment; it transforms us in the present. As believers, we are called to live differently, reflecting Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. The old life of emptiness and sin has no place in the heart where Christ dwells. By submitting to Him, we can put off old habits, be renewed in our minds, and put on the new man, created in righteousness. Let the world see Jesus in us, not through our words alone, but through a life transformed by His grace.
