WALKING NOT AS OTHER GENTILES WALK

WALKING NOT AS OTHER GENTILES WALK

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 4:17-24

Key Verse: “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind.” — Ephesians 4:17 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:14-16; Colossians 3:5-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 1 John 2:15-17; Galatians 5:16-25; 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Description: This message teaches believers to abandon the ungodly patterns of the world and live transformed lives that reflect their new identity in Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION

The Christian life is a call to live differently from the world. When a person receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, that person enters a new relationship with God and receives a new identity in Christ. Although believers still live among people who do not know God, they are no longer expected to follow the sinful values, attitudes, and practices that characterise life apart from Him. Salvation changes our relationship with God, and that new relationship must be reflected in the way we think, speak, behave, and make decisions.

In Ephesians 4:17, Apostle Paul solemnly charges believers not to walk as other Gentiles walk in the vanity of their minds. In this context, Paul is referring to the ungodly conduct of people who live without submitting their lives to God's truth. He is not teaching that every non-Jewish person is wicked, nor is he condemning people because of their ethnic background. Rather, he is contrasting the old life of spiritual darkness with the new life that believers have received through Christ. The following verses describe the futility of a mind separated from God, the darkening of understanding, alienation from His life, and a loss of sensitivity to righteousness.

The command to walk differently remains relevant today. Believers face pressure to conform to worldly standards in relationships, business, entertainment, speech, morality, and the pursuit of success. However, God calls His people to live according to His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must not imitate the world simply because its practices are popular or widely accepted. Instead, we must put off the old man, renew our minds, and put on the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. Our lives should demonstrate that we belong to Jesus Christ.

1. THE BELIEVER MUST ABANDON THE VANITY OF THE WORLD'S THINKING

Paul begins by warning believers against walking in the vanity of the mind. This describes thinking that is empty of God's truth, disconnected from His purpose, and directed towards values that cannot produce lasting spiritual life. When people reject God's authority, they may pursue things that appear attractive but ultimately fail to satisfy the deepest needs of the soul.

The world often measures success by wealth, status, popularity, physical appearance, pleasure, and human approval. These things may have a legitimate place when kept under God's authority, but they become dangerous when they replace Him. Believers must learn to evaluate life through Scripture rather than allowing popular opinion to determine what is right or desirable.

a) We must reject thinking that ignores God (Romans 1:21)

Paul explains that people who knew God but failed to glorify Him or give thanks became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts were darkened. When God is removed from the centre of our thinking, our judgement becomes distorted.

A person may possess academic qualifications, professional skills, and impressive achievements while remaining spiritually unwise. True wisdom begins with recognising God, honouring His Word, and submitting our decisions to His authority. We must ask whether our thinking reflects God's truth or merely the assumptions of the surrounding culture.

b) We must renew our minds through God's Word (Romans 12:2)

The Bible commands believers not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation occurs as we allow Scripture to correct our thinking and shape our values.

If the world teaches dishonesty as a necessary business strategy, God's Word calls us to integrity. If society celebrates revenge, Christ teaches forgiveness. If people make selfish ambition their highest goal, Scripture calls us to humility and service. A renewed mind learns to distinguish what is popular from what is pleasing to God.

c) We must refuse to measure ourselves by worldly standards (Galatians 6:4-5)

Paul instructs believers to examine their own work rather than boast through comparison with others. Constant comparison can produce pride when we appear successful and discouragement when others seem to be progressing faster.

God has given believers different gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities. We must therefore avoid building our identity around another person's achievements, possessions, or recognition. Our responsibility is to be faithful to God and use what He has entrusted to us for His glory.

d) We must set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2)

Paul tells believers to seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and to set their minds on heavenly things. This does not mean neglecting family, work, education, or other earthly responsibilities. It means allowing eternal values to govern our daily priorities.

When our minds are set on Christ, we begin to value holiness above popularity, integrity above dishonest gain, and obedience above temporary pleasure. We still pursue legitimate goals, but we do so under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 1:8-20)

Daniel lived in Babylon, a foreign environment with values and practices different from those of his faith. Yet he resolved not to defile himself with the king's food. He remained committed to his convictions while demonstrating wisdom, respect, and excellence. Daniel's example teaches us that believers can live faithfully in an ungodly environment without adopting its ungodly values.

2. THE BELIEVER MUST REJECT SPIRITUAL DARKNESS

Ephesians 4:18 describes people whose understanding is darkened and who are alienated from the life of God because of ignorance and hardness of heart. Spiritual darkness is more than a lack of information. It involves a condition in which people fail to understand, accept, or obey God's truth.

A person may know what Scripture says and still refuse to submit to it. Repeated rejection of truth can harden the heart and weaken the conscience. Believers must therefore remain teachable, responsive to the Holy Spirit, and willing to repent whenever God's Word exposes something that needs to change.

a) We must walk in the light of God's truth (Psalm 119:105)

The psalmist declares that God's Word is a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path. Scripture provides guidance for our decisions and reveals the path that honours God.

Without biblical guidance, we can be misled by emotions, popular opinion, false teaching, and personal desires. We must read and study the Word consistently, seeking to understand its meaning and apply it to our circumstances. God's truth helps us recognise the difference between righteousness and sin.

b) We must guard our hearts against hardness (Hebrews 3:12-13)

The writer of Hebrews warns against an evil heart of unbelief and urges believers to encourage one another daily so that none becomes hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Hardness of heart can develop gradually when a person repeatedly ignores conviction, justifies wrongdoing, or refuses correction. We must not treat sin lightly or assume that repeated disobedience has no consequences. When God corrects us through His Word, we should respond with repentance rather than excuses.

c) We must remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)

Paul commands believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit works in us to guide, teach, strengthen, and transform us. Our conduct should therefore be consistent with the new life He has given us.

When we knowingly persist in dishonesty, bitterness, immorality, or other sinful practices, we act contrary to the holiness God desires. We should maintain a responsive heart, confess our sins, and follow the Spirit's leading in accordance with Scripture.

d) We must pursue understanding through the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. God's Word equips believers for every good work.

Spiritual understanding grows as we learn Scripture carefully and allow it to shape our conduct. We must not depend entirely on feelings, dreams, popular religious claims, or the opinions of others. Every teaching and spiritual impression should be tested against the truth of God's Word.

Biblical Example: King Saul (1 Samuel 15:1-23)

Saul received a clear instruction from God but chose partial obedience and later attempted to justify his actions. Samuel confronted him and explained that obedience was better than sacrifice. Saul's failure warns us that religious activity cannot replace obedience to God's Word. A believer who wants to walk differently must remain humble enough to receive correction and obey the Lord fully.

3. THE BELIEVER MUST REFUSE TO BE CONTROLLED BY SINFUL DESIRES

Ephesians 4:19 describes people who, having become insensitive, gave themselves over to lasciviousness and worked uncleanness with greediness. Paul is warning against the destructive progression of persistent sin. When people repeatedly ignore God's standards, they may gradually lose their sensitivity to wrongdoing and become increasingly controlled by sinful desires.

The Christian must not allow the desires of the flesh to become the governing force of life. Temptation can come through the mind, the eyes, relationships, money, power, or the desire for pleasure. We must recognise these dangers and depend on the Holy Spirit to help us resist them.

a) We must flee sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

Paul declares that God's will is our sanctification and that believers should abstain from sexual immorality. God calls His people to honour Him with their bodies and relationships.

We must reject sexual practices that contradict Scripture, including adultery, fornication, and the deliberate cultivation of lust. This requires clear boundaries, wise choices about media and relationships, and a willingness to seek accountability when necessary. Holiness is not merely avoiding public scandal; it is honouring God in private as well as in public.

b) We must guard our eyes and thoughts (Matthew 5:27-28)

Jesus teaches that sin begins not only in outward actions but also in the intentions and desires of the heart. He warns against looking upon another person with lustful intent.

Believers must be careful about what they repeatedly watch, read, imagine, and entertain in their minds. We cannot always control every thought that first enters our minds, but we can choose whether to nurture sinful thoughts or turn our attention towards what is pure and pleasing to God.

c) We must resist greed and the love of money (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Paul warns that the desire to become rich can lead people into temptation and destructive desires. He explains that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

Money itself is not evil, and Scripture commends honest work, responsible provision, and generosity. The danger arises when the pursuit of wealth becomes more important than obedience to God. Believers must reject fraud, exploitation, bribery, and dishonest gain, choosing instead to work with integrity and remain content in the Lord.

d) We must walk in the Spirit rather than fulfil the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16)

Paul commands believers to walk in the Spirit so that they will not fulfil the desires of the flesh. The Christian life requires more than determination; it requires daily dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

When temptation comes, we must turn to God in prayer, remember Scripture, remove ourselves from situations that encourage sin, and seek help from mature and trustworthy believers when needed. We should not deliberately remain in environments that repeatedly weaken our spiritual convictions. Through the Spirit's help, we can learn to choose righteousness over sinful desire.

Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 39:7-12)

When Potiphar's wife repeatedly tempted Joseph, he refused to sin against God. He did not attempt to negotiate with temptation or convince himself that his actions would remain secret. When the pressure increased, he fled from the situation. Joseph's example teaches us that resisting sin sometimes requires decisive action, clear boundaries, and a willingness to endure temporary loss rather than disobey God.

4. THE BELIEVER MUST PUT OFF THE OLD WAY OF LIFE

Ephesians 4:20-22 contrasts the believer's former life with the life learned in Christ. Paul reminds the church that they did not learn Christ in the manner of the ungodly world. Having heard and been taught the truth in Jesus, believers are to put off the old man, which is corrupted by deceitful lusts.

Coming to Christ involves a genuine change of direction. We cannot claim to be following Jesus while deliberately preserving habits and attitudes that contradict His teachings. Although spiritual transformation is progressive, it must be real. We must continually reject the old patterns of sin and embrace the new life God has provided.

a) We must abandon our former sinful practices (Colossians 3:5-8)

Paul instructs believers to put to death sinful practices and to put away anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy communication. These commands show that our new life in Christ must affect both private conduct and public relationships.

We must identify the habits that previously controlled us and refuse to make peace with them. This may involve abandoning dishonest practices, breaking destructive patterns of behaviour, changing harmful associations, or seeking help to overcome entrenched habits. God's grace does not encourage us to remain in sin; it empowers us to live differently.

b) We must reject falsehood and embrace honesty (Ephesians 4:25)

Paul commands believers to put away lying and speak truthfully to one another because we are members of one body. Dishonesty damages trust and weakens the relationships that should strengthen the Church.

We must be truthful in business, ministry, family life, and personal communication. We should not exaggerate achievements, manipulate others with false information, or conceal wrongdoing to protect our reputation. When we fail, we should take responsibility, confess the truth, and seek to make things right.

c) We must deal with anger in a godly manner (Ephesians 4:26-27)

Paul acknowledges that anger can arise but warns believers not to sin through it, to resolve matters promptly, and not to give the devil an opportunity.

Anger must not become an excuse for abuse, threats, revenge, or uncontrolled speech. We should learn to pause, pray, communicate respectfully, and seek reconciliation where possible. Addressing offences wisely and promptly helps prevent resentment from developing into destructive bitterness.

d) We must stop destructive speech and practise edifying communication (Ephesians 4:29)

Paul teaches that no corrupt communication should proceed from our mouths, but only words that build others up according to their needs. Our speech should minister grace rather than spread corruption.

Gossip, slander, insults, cruel jokes, and malicious accusations can injure individuals and divide families and churches. We must ask whether our words are true, necessary, appropriate, and helpful. A transformed believer uses speech to encourage, instruct, correct with grace, and strengthen others.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

After encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus declared his intention to give to the poor and repay those he had wronged. His response demonstrated that genuine repentance produces practical changes. Zacchaeus did not merely express admiration for Jesus; he showed that his encounter with Christ affected his attitude towards money, justice, and other people.

5. THE BELIEVER MUST PUT ON THE NEW MAN

Paul does not merely instruct believers to abandon the old life; he also teaches them to put on the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24). Christianity is not simply a list of things we must stop doing. It is a new life in which our character, desires, and actions increasingly reflect the nature of Christ.

Putting on the new man means allowing the Holy Spirit to develop godly qualities in us. We must replace lying with truth, bitterness with forgiveness, selfishness with generosity, destructive speech with edifying words, and sinful desires with righteous conduct. The goal is not outward respectability alone but genuine transformation from within.

a) We must walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4)

Paul teaches that believers are buried with Christ through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, they should walk in newness of life.

Our past does not have to dictate our future when we belong to Christ. We are called to live according to the new life He has given us. This requires daily choices that agree with our identity as people who belong to Jesus, rather than returning to the practices that once controlled us.

b) We must put on compassion, kindness, and humility (Colossians 3:12)

Paul instructs believers to put on the qualities of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering. These characteristics reflect the way Christ treats people and should become increasingly visible in our relationships.

We must learn to be considerate, patient, approachable, and willing to serve. Humility enables us to accept correction, while compassion helps us respond sensitively to the struggles of others. These qualities demonstrate that our faith is changing our hearts and shaping our behaviour.

c) We must practise forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)

Paul commands believers to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven them. Forgiveness is an essential expression of the new life in Christ.

We must not allow offences to determine the direction of our lives. Forgiveness does not mean pretending that wrongdoing is acceptable or removing every necessary boundary. It means surrendering personal vengeance to God and refusing to let bitterness rule our hearts. Where appropriate, we should seek reconciliation through truth, repentance, and responsible action.

d) We must demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25)

The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These qualities reveal the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.

As we walk in the Spirit, we become better equipped to respond to provocation with patience, temptation with self-control, and difficulties with faith. Spiritual maturity is not measured only by gifts or public ministry but also by the character that develops through our daily surrender to God.

Biblical Example: The Samaritan Woman (John 4:7-30, 39-42)

After her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman went into the city and told others about Him. Her encounter with Christ changed her response to the people around her and made her a witness to His identity. Her story illustrates how an encounter with Jesus can redirect a person's life and lead to a new purpose.

6. THE BELIEVER MUST STAND APART FROM THE WORLD WHILE REACHING THE WORLD

Walking differently does not mean withdrawing from every person who does not share our faith. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be kept from evil while remaining in the world (John 17:15-18). Believers are called to live among people, serve their communities, work honestly, demonstrate compassion, and proclaim the gospel without adopting sinful practices.

We must therefore distinguish between separation from sin and isolation from people. God calls us to holiness, but He also commands us to love our neighbours and make disciples. Our lives should be so consistent with Christ's teachings that we can engage with others respectfully while remaining faithful to God's truth.

a) We must refuse to conform to ungodly patterns (1 Peter 1:14-16)

Peter tells believers not to fashion themselves according to their former lusts but to be holy in all manner of conduct. Our new identity requires a new standard for living.

We must not justify sin simply because it is common in our society or accepted by influential people. Whether in business, relationships, entertainment, or public life, we must ask what honours God. Our commitment to holiness should be firm without becoming proud or contemptuous towards those who need to know Christ.

b) We must be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16)

Jesus calls His followers the light of the world and instructs them to let their light shine before others so that people may see their good works and glorify the Father.

Our conduct should make the goodness of God visible. Honesty in business, faithfulness in marriage, kindness to neighbours, diligence at work, and compassion towards the needy can all demonstrate the values of Christ's kingdom. We should live in such a way that our testimony supports the gospel we proclaim.

c) We must avoid harmful influences (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Paul warns that evil communications corrupt good manners. This teaches us to take seriously the influence of relationships and environments on our character.

We should choose close companions wisely and avoid relationships that consistently encourage us to compromise our faith. At the same time, we should treat unbelievers with respect and seek opportunities to share Christ with them. The goal is not to despise people but to remain spiritually grounded while reaching them with the truth and love of God.

d) We must proclaim Christ through our conduct and witness (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Peter instructs believers to be ready to give an answer concerning the hope within them, doing so with meekness and fear while maintaining a good conscience.

Our witness involves both what we say and how we live. We should be prepared to explain our faith from Scripture, answer questions respectfully, and demonstrate Christlike character. A believer who lives differently can become a powerful testimony to the transforming grace of God.

Biblical Example: Esther (Esther 4:13-16; 5:1-3)

Esther lived within the Persian royal court, a setting in which she faced complex pressures and responsibilities. When her people were threatened, she accepted the risk of approaching the king and used her position to seek their deliverance. Her example shows that believers can operate within society and use their opportunities for good while acting with courage and responsibility.

CONCLUSION

Walking not as other Gentiles walk is a call to abandon the sinful patterns of life apart from God and embrace the new life we have received in Jesus Christ. We must reject empty thinking, spiritual darkness, sinful desires, dishonesty, bitterness, and every practice that contradicts God's Word. At the same time, we must renew our minds, cultivate Christlike character, practise righteousness, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our transformation should be visible in our homes, relationships, workplaces, churches, and communities.

Today, examine your walk with God and identify any area where worldly values have influenced your thinking or behaviour. Do not excuse sin because it is common, popular, or convenient. Return to God's Word, seek the help of the Holy Spirit, repent where necessary, and take practical steps towards change. You are called to live in the world without being governed by its sinful standards. Let your life demonstrate that you belong to Christ, so that others may see His transforming grace and glorify your heavenly Father.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, deliver me from every worldly mindset and renew my thoughts according to Your Word, in Jesus name.

2. Lord Jesus, help me to recognise and reject every habit and practice that contradicts my new life in You, in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, keep my heart sensitive to Your conviction and prevent me from becoming hardened through persistent disobedience, in Jesus name.

4. Father, give me grace to resist sexual immorality, greed, dishonesty, and every sinful desire that seeks to control my life, in Jesus name.

5. Lord, empower me to put off the old man and put on the new man created in righteousness and true holiness, in Jesus name.

6. Father, help me to control my anger, guard my speech, forgive offences, and pursue peace in my relationships, in Jesus name.

7. Holy Spirit, develop Your fruit in me and make my character increasingly reflect the nature of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to stand firm in my faith without compromising Your truth, even when I face pressure from the world, in Jesus name.

9. Father, make my life a shining testimony of Your grace and use me to bring others to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

10. Lord Jesus, establish me in holiness, obedience, and spiritual maturity, so that my daily walk will bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall not be controlled by the ungodly patterns of this world; your mind shall be renewed by God's Word, and your life shall increasingly reflect the wisdom of Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. Every destructive habit that contradicts your new identity in Christ shall be confronted through repentance, obedience, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, in the mighty name of Jesus.

3. Your heart shall remain tender towards God, and you shall respond promptly to the conviction and correction of the Holy Spirit, in the mighty name of Jesus.

4. You shall receive grace to overcome temptation, reject sinful desires, and honour God with your body, thoughts, words, and actions, in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. You shall put off the old patterns of dishonesty, bitterness, malice, and destructive speech, and you shall walk in righteousness, forgiveness, and truth, in the mighty name of Jesus.

6. The fruit of the Holy Spirit shall become increasingly evident in your life, and your character shall reflect the love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control of Jesus Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

7. You shall stand firm in your convictions when the world pressures you to compromise, and you shall have the courage to obey God above the approval of people, in the mighty name of Jesus.

8. Your home, ministry, workplace, and relationships shall be influenced by the values of God's kingdom as you walk in wisdom, integrity, and Christlike love, in the mighty name of Jesus.

9. Your life shall shine as a testimony of God's transforming grace, and through your words and conduct, others shall be encouraged to seek and follow Jesus Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

10. You shall continue to grow in holiness, spiritual understanding, and obedience, walking worthy of your calling and bringing glory to God in every area of your life, in the mighty name of Jesus.