Have you ever felt like faith can become more about routines, appearances, or rules than a real relationship with Jesus? The phrase “You have not so learned Christ” comes from Ephesians 4:20, where Paul reminds believers that following Jesus is supposed to change the way we live from the inside out. In plain words, Paul is saying, “That old way of living is not what Jesus taught you.”
Faith Is More Than Looking Religious
Real faith is not just going to church, quoting Scripture, or knowing the right words to say. Those things can be good, but they are not the whole picture. To truly “learn Christ” means we come to know Him personally and allow His truth to shape our thoughts, choices, attitudes, and relationships. Faith becomes authentic when what we believe begins to show up in how we live.
Taking Off the Old and Putting On the New
In Ephesians 4:22–24, Paul talks about putting off the “old self” and putting on the “new self.” Think of it like changing out of dirty clothes after a long day. The old self is the part of us that holds on to bitterness, dishonesty, pride, selfishness, and habits that pull us away from God. The new self is the life God is creating in us—a life marked by truth, kindness, forgiveness, humility, and love.
This kind of change does not happen because we try to look perfect. It happens as we keep surrendering our hearts to Christ. God renews our minds, teaches us a better way, and helps us become more like Him day by day.
Walking in Love Every Day
Ephesians 5:1–2 tells us to imitate God and walk in love, just as Christ loved us. That means faith is not only something we talk about; it is something people should be able to see in us. It shows up when we forgive instead of holding grudges, tell the truth instead of hiding behind excuses, serve instead of seeking attention, and show compassion even when it is inconvenient.
Walking in Christ’s love does not mean we will never struggle. It means we keep choosing His way over our old way. It means we ask, “Does this reflect Jesus?” before we speak, react, post, decide, or respond.
Staying Grounded in a Distracted World
We live in a noisy world. Social media, opinions, pressure, and constant distractions can easily shape our thinking if we are not careful. That is why we must keep coming back to the truth of Jesus. The world may tell us to follow our feelings, protect our image, or chase whatever makes us comfortable. But Christ teaches us a better way—a way of truth, love, holiness, and purpose.
Authentic faith requires us to slow down and ask hard questions: Am I becoming more loving? Am I letting God change my heart? Am I living differently because I know Jesus? These questions help us move beyond surface-level religion into a deeper walk with God.
The Call to Authentic Faith
To walk in the authenticity of faith means we stop pretending and start yielding. It means we bring our real struggles, real weaknesses, and real desires before God and let Him work in us. God is not looking for people who only appear spiritual. He is shaping people who are willing to be honest, humble, and obedient.
“You have not so learned Christ” is a loving reminder that we were not taught by Jesus to live empty, careless, selfish lives. We were taught to live as new people—people who reflect His heart in everyday places: at home, at work, in church, in conversations, and even when no one is watching.
Conclusion
Following Christ is not about acting perfect; it is about being transformed. It is about leaving behind the old ways that once controlled us and learning to live the new life Jesus gives. When we walk in truth, love, forgiveness, and humility, our faith becomes more than words—it becomes a witness.
So today, let us ask God to help us truly learn Christ—not just in our minds, but in our hearts and actions. Let us put off what no longer belongs to us, put on the new life He has given, and walk in a faith that is real, humble, loving, and full of purpose.
Minister A Francine Green I June 2026