Note 1 at Eph. 4:17: The Greek word used for "say" in this verse is LEGO. It was used 280 times in the New Testament and was translated a variety of ways. However, it usually referred to speaking in a systematic or set discourse (Strong). That is the way Paul uses it here. Verses 17-20 describe the lifestyle of the unbeliever in an orderly progression. In this example Paul admonishes that Christ and His doctrine do not in anyway reflect this kind of conduct. To the Ephesians he states, "But you have learned nothing like that from Christ" (Phi., v. 20).

Such evil conduct is the result of: (1) the vanity of the mind (v. 17), i.e. the absence of any purpose; (2) having the understanding darkened (v. 18) [purposelessness is the direct result of darkness]; (3) separation from God's life (v. 18), which is spiritual death; (4) blindness or hardness of heart (v. 18); (5) being past feeling (v. 19), i.e. having no conscience; and (6) given over to lasciviousness, uncleanness and greed (v. 19).

Note 2 at Eph. 4:17: The word "therefore" refers back to Paul's previous statements (see note 2 at Gal. 5:1, p. 1078). Paul had stated that the only way Christ's body would ever reach its full stature was through every individual member doing his part (see note 32 at Eph. 4:16, p. 1120). That's the reason Paul is arguing for the believers to "straighten up." If they won't do it for themselves, they should think about the other believers and a lost world who needs them.

Note 3 at Eph. 4:17: The word "Gentile" literally meant anyone who was not a Jew (see note 45 at Mt. 6:32, p. 136). Before Christ's atonement, Gentiles were "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (see note 2 at Eph. 2:12, p. 1105). They were lost. These Ephesians had been lost Gentiles but now they were saved Gentiles. Paul is telling them not to live like their lost neighbors.

The application for us today is that we should not live like unsaved people. Then Paul proceeds to explain the root areas where unbelievers are ensnared.

Note 4 at Eph. 4:17: The Greek word PERIPATEO was translated "walk" twice in this verse. The figurative meaning of this word, which is employed here, is "to live, deport oneself, follow." Paul is speaking of lifestyle.

Note 5 at Eph. 4:17: The Greek word that was translated "vanity" here is MATAIOTES. It means, "(literally), inutility; (figuratively) transientness; (morally), depravity" (Strong). Thayer describes it as "what is devoid of truth and appropriateness; perverseness, depravity."

The word "inutility" is a compound word which literally means "not to utilize." Paul is saying that lost people don't use their brains. This is quite a statement. In fact, one of the criticisms against Christians by those who are unsaved is that faith is foolish. We are the ones who are often characterized as "brainless." But faith isn't foolish. In fact, a truly thinking person would have to come to the conclusion that there is a God and that He intervenes in the affairs of men (see note 6 at 1 Cor. 1:21, p. 863).

A person who really thought things through would embrace the truths of scripture even if he didn't do it because of a reverence or love for God. Sin isn't smart. It's stupid. Ask those who are in jail, or dying of A.I.D.S., or have destroyed their marriages or ministries because of sin, what they were thinking when they did such things. They will tell you they weren't thinking. At the moment, they were driven by passions, not logic.

The word "transientness" is talking about passing through or over things, such as transient workers. It's the opposite of abiding or dwelling. Paul is saying that lost people don't focus on anything for long. They don't meditate. They love to be entertained by others so they don't have to think. They can't stand to be still or quiet and confront the issues. The word "amuse" is a compound word consisting of "a" which is an absolute negative and "muse" which means to think. The word literally means "absolutely no thinking." They have to be amused so they don't have to listen to their pain inside.

These things that Paul is saying about the lost are all too true of Christians too. If we think like the world, we will get the same results as the world. We need to change the way we think. The Christian's heart is perfect. It's our head that gives us problems. The battle is in the mind.