Ephesians 4:17 NLT: “With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.”
When reading your Bibles, one of the most important things to remember is “context.” The same words can have different meanings in different situations. Paul is not condemning all Gentiles any more than he would exalt all Jews. There are, after all, good Gentiles and bad Jews!
Who Paul is condemning are those living a wild and sinful life, living only for their own pleasure, living only for the world. Do not emulate those who are hopelessly confused. We already know right from wrong, since God’s New Covenant writes God’s Laws on our hearts. God has given each of us his value system. We call it a conscience! If we stop and think for a minute, we already know when we shouldn’t do something.
Many in the world nowadays are “hopelessly confused.” Wars are being fought, and entire races of people are falling victim to genocide. As followers of Jesus, we have been given a higher standard. Live like the Lord says in his Bible!
Norton Lawellin
Jesus In the City Fellowship
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