Walking Through Ephesians
“Walking Through Ephesians - Day 9”
Categories: Walking Through EphesiansEPHESIANS 4:17-32
What does Christ look like? Do you think you could pick Him out in a crowd? How would you recognize Him? What would you look for?
As we continue our walk through Ephesians, Paul ends the fourth chapter pointing to the image of Christ – not a picture of Jesus like the blue sash, long-haired Jesus we often see in children’s pictures. Here Paul is pointing to Christ through His people, those saved by the gospel, who are in the “likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (v. 23). The goal of God for His people is that we become more and more transformed into the image of Christ.
The image of Christ we are called to imitate is very different from the example the world has set for us. That example took us down a dark and destructive path in life. But notice what Paul says in v. 20 – “You did not learn Christ in this way, if in deed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him just as truth is in Jesus.” To become more like Jesus, we don’t look to the world for that instruction and guidance. The “Jesus” they would suggest would be far different from the true Christ. If we want to become more like Jesus then we need to go to the school of Christ – to look to His words and example and imitate them.
Paul describes what that looks like through this chapter. One walking in the example of Jesus:
§ Speaks the truth, not lies (v. 25)
§ Is in control of their anger, refusing to hold grudges (v. 26)
§ Doesn’t take from others but works hard – not just for themselves but for others (v. 28)
§ Doesn’t speak unwholesome words, but speaks words that give grace to the listener (v. 29)
§ Listens to and follows the wisdom of the Holy Spirit found in Scripture (v. 30)
§ Sets aside feelings of bitterness and wrath, controlling the angry tongue (v. 31)
§ Responds to pain and injury with kindness, a soft-heart that is willing to extend forgiveness (v. 32)
Do you see Jesus when you look in the mirror? Do you see Him in your habits? In your thoughts? In your words? In your relationships? Perhaps the greater question is, “Do others see Jesus in you?” It doesn’t come overnight. And it doesn’t happen naturally. It takes work. It takes instruction. So take up the Word of God and let’s go back daily to the school of Christ!
“Gracious Savior I thank You for the perfect example of Your wonderful Son. Help me to come to Your words daily and learn more of Him. Stamp His image on my heart and help me to daily strive to become, in word, deed, thought and heart more like my blessed Redeemer.”
