Ephesians 4:20 – “That, however, is not the way of life you learned.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul makes a sharp contrast between the sinful lifestyle he just described in the previous verses (Ephesians 4:17-19) and the new life that believers have in Christ.

• “That, however,” – This phrase signals a shift in Paul’s argument. He has just finished describing people who are spiritually blind, morally corrupt, and completely given over to sin. Now he turns back to the believers in Ephesus and reminds them that this is not who they are anymore.
• “Is not the way of life you learned” – Paul is reminding them that Christianity is not just about believing—it’s about learning a whole new way of living. When they became followers of Christ, they were taught to live differently from the sinful world around them.

This verse is a wake-up call. Paul is saying:
“You have been taught the truth. You know better. You are no longer part of the world’s corruption—so don’t live like you are!”

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 60-62 while in prison in Rome. The church in Ephesus was made up of former pagans who had lived in a city filled with idol worship, sexual immorality, and greed. Many of them had once participated in those sinful practices, but when they came to Christ, they learned a new way of life.

Paul is reminding them that their conversion wasn’t just a religious ritual—it was a transformation. Christianity was not just a belief system to add to their old way of living; it required a complete change in thinking and behavior.

In that time, many people followed Greek and Roman philosophies that taught pleasure, self-indulgence, and personal success were the greatest goals. Paul is saying:
“You didn’t learn that from Christ. He taught you something completely different.”

Theological Implications

This verse teaches some important spiritual truths:

1. Christianity involves learning and growth – Faith is not just a moment of belief but a lifetime of learning and transformation.
2. Following Christ requires rejecting the world’s sinful ways – Believers cannot mix their old life with their new one in Christ.
3. Jesus is our teacher – Paul is pointing to the fact that believers are disciples—they must be taught by Christ and shaped by His truth.

Paul’s words challenge the idea that someone can believe in Jesus but continue living the same sinful lifestyle. If a person has truly come to Christ, their life should reflect it.

Literary Analysis

This verse serves as a transition between the old sinful life (Ephesians 4:17-19) and the new life in Christ (Ephesians 4:21-24).

Paul uses the contrast between:

• The Gentile way of living (darkness, sin, separation from God)
• The Christian way of living (truth, righteousness, holiness)

The word “learned” suggests that Christianity is not just about emotions or experiences but about receiving instruction and applying it. This shows that growing in faith requires active learning—reading God’s Word, listening to teaching, and following Christ’s example.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
• Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.”
• Matthew 11:29 – “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
• Colossians 3:9-10 – “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a challenge to believers today. Many people say they follow Christ but continue living like the world. Paul is saying, “That’s not what you were taught!”

• If you are struggling with sin – Remember that Christ taught a different way of life. You don’t have to go back to the old ways.
• If you feel pressure to conform to the world – Paul reminds you that you were not called to live like the world. You were called to be different.
• If you want to grow in faith – Make sure you are actually learning from Christ through His Word, prayer, and godly teaching.

Christianity is not just about believing the right things—it’s about living differently because of what you believe.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He teaches His people. He does not leave them lost in sin—He provides truth, instruction, and guidance so they can live holy and fulfilling lives.

Just as a loving parent teaches a child right from wrong, God teaches His children how to live in a way that leads to life and joy.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate teacher of the Christian life.

• He personally taught His disciples how to live (John 13:15).
• He calls believers to learn from Him (Matthew 11:29).
• He transforms lives through His truth (John 8:31-32).

To follow Christ means to be His student—learning from His teachings, following His example, and applying His truth to daily life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What are some worldly ways of thinking that you were taught before coming to Christ?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that you can believe in Jesus but not change your lifestyle?
3. Are you actively learning from Christ? What steps can you take to grow in your knowledge of Him?
4. How can you help new believers learn the difference between the world’s ways and Christ’s ways?
5. What are some areas of your life where you still need to reject old ways and embrace Christ’s teaching?