Note that Ephesians 4:17-19 in comparison to 4:20-32 provides insights into the typical life of idolatrous Ephesian Gentiles. For a clarity that is committed to the context of Paul's statements, consider these thoughts. Paul's contrast is between the typical lifestyle of an Ephesian who understood nothing about the living God and the typical lifestyle of an Ephesian who belonged to the living God. The contrast is between the character and integrity of the Ephesian who belonged to idolatrous gods and the character and integrity of the Ephesian who belonged to the living God. Learning about Christ introduced an Ephesian to God (Ephesians 4:20, 24).
How did Ephesians who had no knowledge of the living God live? How were idolatrous character and integrity expressed by their lifestyles? In Ephesians 4:17-19, Paul provided some specific insights into the idolatrous mind set. Again, the Ephesian 4 contrast is between the non-Jewish person who worshipped idols and the non-Jewish person who left idolatry to follow Jesus Christ.
Carefully note Paul's contrast began with the internal changes rather than external acts. Paul emphasized that the change began in the believer's mind. For example, he told Christians in Rome that transformation began with the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:1-2). He said a renewed mind responded to God's mercy through changed behavior. He emphasized the importance of the renewed mind in Ephesians 4:23.
Changed actions not produced by changed thinking express forms of inferior control. For example, a prison can control prisoners' actions. Yet [in many instances], that control is externally imposed, not internally motivated. Belonging to God is freedom (see Galatians 5:1, 13-15), not imprisonment. God through Christ liberates believers. His liberation gives believers freedom "to be" someone they were not able to be and "to serve" because of what they became. God's objective is the believer's transformation. Transformation requires a renewing of the mind. A new mind produces changed behavior. Transformation requires allowing God to teach us what godly character and integrity are.
In Ephesus, how did idolatry's mind set impact the perspective of idol worshippers? Their thoughts were futile. Their concepts concerning the meaning and purpose of life fell far short of life's meaning and purpose in Christ. As a result, they did not understand the purpose of physical existence. Their ignorance of God was so basic that (1) it resulted in their inability to understand God's acts in Christ and (2) it produced insensitive feelings. They were incapable of feeling what they should feel. They surrendered themselves to (1) gratification of physical desires and (2) greed even if it meant insensitivity to the struggles and sufferings of others. They are so captured by self-gratification and self-indulgence that they surrendered to complete selfishness. Their concepts of character and integrity did not include concern for others.
Many godless qualities were compatible with their concepts of character and integrity. It was okay to deceive, to be ruled by anger, to exploit others by stealing, and to be controlled by destructive emotions (bitterness, rage, confusion, slander, and hate). Note these qualities began in the mind (thinking) of the person.
Refresh your memory by reading Ephesians 4:22-24. In the past these were people who worshipped idols. Their idolatrous lifestyle was the foundation of their "old self." Their renewed mind (a new way of thinking about and looking at existence) resulted in putting on a "new self." This "new self" was created in God's likeness. God produced that "new self" in them through the righteousness and holiness of truth. The ongoing result: a growing separation between the way they used to live as idol worshippers and the way they now live as believers in Jesus Christ.
Read Ephesians 4:25-29.
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Lesson 11