Prayer:

Father, take our minds and form them into a reflection of your beauty and purpose. Here on earth as we shall be in heaven later. Create in us a mirror to shine forth your love. Make us willing to be different than other folks so we can assume your heart for the benefit of everyone we intermingle with and your glory here on earth.

Key Word - "renewed"

Renewed is an old verb in the Greek language. It means to make new (young) again; though only here in this verse in the New Testament. Christians are supposed to be new creations, and while it is indeed possible; the working out of our salvation experience seems to reflect the "old man" more than the "new man". While there is a transition time as far as God is concerned, we should at least be striving towards the goal of changing into His image. Interestingly enough, the Greek word in this chapter means to be almost child-like in scope, and the concept espoused here in Ephesians 4:17-24 is to rid ourselves of old behaviors in our personality that are in contention with the Spirit of Jesus. By taking on His heart attitude we receive His heart of joy and peace. We become Christ-centered or renewed when we listen and take heed to the following verses:

Paul states the main theme of his discourse in this section. We Christian Gentiles should live differently than other non-Jews. That which non-believing Gentiles consider important in their lives may not be relevant for our lives. Paul states [Gk. Lays before us, testifies to us] that non-believers follow a path of emptiness [vanity] toward spiritual things.

We need to filter everything we feel is important through the Lord Jesus Christ, and inquire about His will in the varying situations we meet daily. We have this biblically visible assurance that Christ’s ways are better than our ways, and He wants the best for His children.

Unbelievers are folks who, because their mental attitude is darkened [Gk word obscured, or shaded], they are thus a stranger to God’s ways through the ignorance [Gk word agnoia] of their blinded [Gk word calloused] hearts. The Greek word agnoia [where we get the word agnostic from] for ignorance, is marvelous here in this portion of Scripture. While studying scripture texts it is amazing what words the Apostle Paul uses to write the Holy Spirit’s thoughts. Of course it really isn’t Paul writing these words…is it?

These unbelievers are grieved out; they are passed feeling even a questionable desire towards God and have surrendered themselves to filthy, wanton, lascivious behavior. The Gk word word for work here definitely has a commercial innuendo associated with it. No matter what the problems we may face in our lives we should always believe there is hope for anyone who does evil, impure or greedy actions.

In sharp contrast to pagan life, Paul states here that we are not to simply know the doctrine of Christ, but Christ Himself. It is a process of not merely getting to know the person of Christ, but we should be applying the principles of Scripture to our daily activities so we are decidedly different from unbelieving Gentiles.

If indeed the truth [Gk. manifested unconcealed] is in us, then from his teachings we should grasp the need to work on our own faults. We should not expect others to accept us as we are, but accept us as we shall be after we finish working out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Isn’t it amazing how the scriptures fit together?

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Christ’s child-like teachings which strengthens and clears our minds should help us cast down our deluded, antique, worn out, shriveled, and withered cravings.

"The spirit" is the human spirit, having its seat in and directing the mind. Furthermore, the apostle's object is to set forth the moral self-activity of the Christian life. Therefore, the "spirit" here is the higher principle by which the mind governs. The renewal takes place, not in "the mind," but in "the spirit" of it. The change is in the spirit of the mind; in that which gives the mind both its bent and its material of thought. It is not simply in the spirit as if it lay there in dim and mystic quietude; but it is in the spirit of the mind; in the power which, when changed itself, radically alters the entire sphere and mental acuity of the judgments we make. Our mind should then, without negative thoughts, be refreshed, and sensitive to the needs of others. We should desire to make an impact upon our lives, and those folks we interact with for the cause of Christ.

We should then simply sink into a garment of righteousness which God has created that is freshened with piety, and equity of character. After the pattern which God gives graciously to us, in our new life in Christ, we are destined to be shining examples of God’s handiwork of righteousness and holiness which are attributes of truth.