Reflecting on Spiritual Ignorance, the Gospel Message, and the New Life in Christ
Over the past several years, a recurring spiritual message has echoed in my heart: “My people do not know my Word.” At first, I dismissed it as just a passing thought. But as I observed the struggles and confusion among Christians today, the weight of these words only grew heavier. In churches, homes, and conversations, I’ve noticed a troubling absence—the absence of the gospel message itself and the knowledge of Christ. Many claim the name of Christ, but few seem anchored in the life-changing truth of God’s Word. This reflection explores the depth of that spiritual ignorance, the urgent need for gospel clarity, and the transformative call found in Ephesians 4:20.
Scriptural Foundation: The Call of Ephesians 4:20
Ephesians 4:20 stands as a dividing line between two realities: the old self and the new self in Christ. The apostle Paul writes, “That, however, is not the way you learned Christ!” (Ephesians 4:20, ESV). He’s drawing a stark contrast between the life we once lived and the new life offered in Jesus. Paul reminds the Ephesians—and us—that knowing Christ is more than religious information. It’s a living relationship that demands transformation.
The Old Self: Corruption and Deceitful Desires
The “old self” is marked by patterns shaped by the world: selfishness, bitterness, lust, pride, and the endless pursuit of things that never satisfy. Paul describes this as “corrupted by deceitful desires.” These desires promise fulfillment but deliver emptiness. To follow Christ, we must first recognize these patterns in ourselves and acknowledge the call to abandon them. This is not just a moral upgrade; it’s a radical surrender of all that is false and destructive.
Learning Christ: Beyond Knowledge to Transformation
Paul’s language is intentional: we are to “learn Christ”—not merely learn about Him. There is a difference between knowing facts and being changed by truth. Spiritual ignorance is not just a lack of information; it’s a lack of transformation. The gospel is not just a message to be heard but a reality to be lived. Many today settle for surface-level faith, never allowing Christ’s truth to reshape their hearts and minds.
The New Self: Created in Righteousness and Holiness
The new self, Paul says, is “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This is the identity we receive in Christ—a life marked by purity, love, and a hunger for what is good. This is not something we achieve on our own. It is the work of God’s Spirit, making us new from the inside out. Our part is to receive, to believe, and to walk in this newness daily.
The Transformation Process: Renewing the Mind
Transformation is not automatic. Paul calls us to “be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” This involves a conscious, daily choice to reject old patterns and embrace the truth of God’s Word. It means letting go of lies we’ve believed about ourselves, others, and God. It means opening our hearts to the gospel—again and again—until it shapes our desires, choices, and character.
Real vs. Nominal Christians: The Apostolic Charge
Paul’s message to the Ephesians is as urgent now as it was then: there is a difference between real and nominal Christians. Real Christians walk in the light, allowing Christ’s truth to expose and heal every part of their lives. Nominal Christians hold onto the name but resist the transformation. The apostle’s charge is clear: “Put off your old self… put on the new self.” The world does not need more Christians in name only—it needs people who are visibly changed by Jesus.
The Necessity of Holiness: Reflecting God’s Likeness
True holiness is not legalism or cold religion—it is the beauty and power of Christ’s life in us. To be holy is to become like God, loving what He loves, hating what He hates, and living with a purity that draws others to Him. This is the fruit of truly knowing His Word. The absence of the gospel message leaves us powerless, but embracing Christ’s truth brings freedom and joy.
Call to Action: Embrace the New Nature
If you have sensed the emptiness of surface faith or the weight of spiritual ignorance, hear the Spirit’s call: “My people do not know my Word.” Let this be the moment you return to the gospel—allowing Jesus to make you new. Open the Scriptures. Invite the Spirit to renew your mind. Step out of the old and into the new. Live out the message you have received, so the world might see the reality of Christ in you.
Conclusion: Pursuing Genuine Transformation
The times are urgent, and the need is great. God is calling His people to move beyond shallow faith and into the depths of His Word. Ephesians 4:20 reminds us that the way of Christ is a way of transformation—a journey from darkness to light, from old to new, from death to life. May we answer the call, pursue true knowledge of God’s Word, and live lives that reflect the glory of our Savior.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
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