(17) This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,    

(20) But you have not so learned Christ, (21) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:  (22) that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, (23) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, (24) and that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul.  In our verses today Paul describes the change in our thinking and behavior from being in Christ – a new relationship to the world. As faithful Christians we are to be holy – apart from this world while living in it. We still have our corrupt nature but are learning a new way to live in truth; the absolute truth that is Christ. We were dead in our sin – lifeless until Christ and not knowing any other way to live. But we have the gospel and in Christ, as His witness, we are to walk in the Spirit.  Our belief should guide our behavior – all our behavior – we cannot separate our relationship with God from our relationship with others.

Our verses today are introduced with a great and solemn reminder – Paul is saying not only  that faith in Christ demands a radical change in the lifestyle of the believer, Paul is saying that these words are also from Jesus.  Coming to Christ is not just the experience of faith, it is learning Jesus.  These words cover truth foundational to Christian thinking and conduct.

Sanctification and salvation are the work of God but they require mans response.