(Eph 4:17) ”This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,  (18)  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: (19)  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”  “Lasciviousness”,  uncontrolled desire of the flesh. When it says here they are without feeling, it is referring to “right moral feeling” as opposed to filthiness. It is not that one does not love its own, but feeds the flesh, not withholding from it whatever it desires. That is man today. He comes first and foremost in his life. The saved are to think of their flesh as dead, now that the spirit within them is alive (Romans 6). And through the power of the Holy Spirit live unto God!

(Eph 4:17) “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (18)  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:”  This verse should serve as warning that if we have the light, we should respond to the light. I am afraid that there are those who seek to convince themselves of being saved who have never had a time and place where they repented of their sins and asked the Lord to save them totally upon what Jesus has done on the cross. If you had such a time and place, it would have changed you then and there. It is not coming back years later and turning over a new leaf. The change is supernatural and takes place the moment Jesus saves you. I plead with you to be honest with yourself before God.  

 (Eph 4:17) “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (18)  Having the understanding darkened,….”  When lost man turns his back on what light he has within him (the truth that God exists, has made all things), he moves his mind and heart further and further along the road of darkness. How can we help them? Not through argument, but through the power of the Word of God itself. Saying to them, “I think”, has no power, for why should they put what you think above what they think? Read and quote the Word of God. God is the authority and the Spirit of God will bear witness to it. 

(Eph 4:17) “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,”  According to Romans Chapter 12, verses 1 and 2,  you and I need to reprogram our minds to accept what God says and agree with what God says. We are to do this to the degree that we bring our thinking in align with God’s. This means we should avail ourselves to every opportunity of reprogramming. We do this in Sunday School, Preaching Service, Evening Service, Wednesday Nights, and the daily reading of the Bible. If we love our Lord and wish not to sin against Him; moreso, to serve Him, we must move from vanity of thought to agreement with God.  

(Eph 4:17) “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,”  Think of the word, “Gentiles”, as the unsaved of the world. “Vanity” is useless thinking before God. Put together, the world thinks differently than God thinks. The world justifies itself, its actions. The saved are to bring both their thoughts and actions in line with the revealed Word of God. 

(Eph 4:16)  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”Today’s mentality is, “If I am not in church, it does no harm.” Wrong! The New Testament teaches we are one body, each necessary to its growth! Anyone who has ever lost a body part can tell you that part matters. Lose your little toe and see how well  you can walk without it. Every time you put yourself first and go somewhere else or stay home, you literally, spiritually, hurt your church.

 (Eph 4:15)  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16)  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”  In context, we started off with those in authority ministering to us the Word so that we might be edified, growing in Christ. Now, as we grow in the “head” – Christ, we are each able to supply what our church (the people) needs. Are you growing in the Lord and sharing in the uplifting of your brothers and sisters in the Lord? 

Eph 4:14) “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”  Although you and I  are always to speak the truth (no lies or distortions of the truth on any subject) in love, the text here is referring back to verse 14, growing in the truth of doctrine. The idea is that we grow and share that truth to those who resist it in a loving way. Remember, we wrestle not against people, but against spiritual wickedness (Chapter 6).  Rule of Thumb: try your best to share as you believe the Lord would share it in your place.