In Ephesians 4:17-25, Paul compares the lives of pagans to the lives that God calls Christians to live. Paul insists that believers put off their old way of living in favour of becoming truly human.

Pagans refuse to acknowledge God’s proper place. For them, becoming truly human is impossible. This is because they have cut themselves off from God’s saving grace. It also follows that they cannot direct their lives towards the intended purpose of life with God, reconciled to others.

Questions for Reflection

1. Have I ever been tempted to view salvation as cheap grace, where God forgives me but doesn’t really expect me to change?
2. Have you ever met someone whose life seemed to reflect God’s grace and love? What was it about them that made you sense it?
3. Do I tend to respond to things without thinking them through? If not, what steps have I found helpful to discipline myself to think about my responses? 

More from this series

1. Blessed and Adopted (Ephesians 1:3-14)
2. Understanding the Authority of Jesus (Ephesians 1:15-23)
3. From Death To Life (Ephesians 2:1-10)
4. Diversity Without Hostility (Ephesians 2:11-22)
5. A Message of Wisdom (Ephesians 3:1-13)
6. The Fullness of God (Ephesians 3:14-21)
7. The Bond of Unity (Ephesians 4:1-16)