10/27/24 - The Wardrobe of a Transformed Life - Ephesians 4:17–32 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Our text this Sunday focuses on the decisive action needed to overcome sin. I am reminded of the metaphor from C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce. The main character has a lizard on his shoulder which represents sin and temptation, constantly leading the man astray. One day an angel appears and says, “I can remove that lizard by killing it.” The lizard senses his approaching doom and begins to whisper excuses to delay the action. “I will be good from now on. I won’t go too far. You and I have been together for so long now.” The angel gives his response to the man, “This moment will define all moments to come. Are you ready?” The angel’s command to kill the lizard illustrates the need for immediate and complete rejection of sin in our lives, as delaying only strengthens its hold. The message stresses that confronting sin head-on will impact the rest of one's life and spiritual journey.

 

In the second half of Ephesians 4, the Paul contrasts the old way of living, characterized by darkened minds, hardened hearts, and reckless behavior, with the new life in Christ. Paul’s command to "put off the old self" and be renewed in mind is likened to changing a worn-out wardrobe, where believers must remove the familiar, sinful habits to embrace a new, righteous identity in Christ. The transformation begins in the mind, requiring believers to reject what was and actively pursue a life of what can be.

 

We need help with this, thankfully there’s practical guidance on how this new life should look—speaking truth, handling anger righteously, working honestly, and speaking words that build others up. Paul’s call is not just for external behavior changes, but for an inward renewal that results in kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. The takeaway is that Christians should not blend into the world like chameleons (to continue the reptile metaphor) but stand out as agents of change, dressed in the righteousness of Christ.