“But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus” (4:19-20).
The adversative “but” indicates that Paul thinks better of them. The “you” is emphatic bringing this lesson home with no lack of clarity. Once the person and purpose of Christ has come to dominate one’s heart and mind, he/she will no longer be comfortable with this old way of living.
When one receives Christ his/her life is no longer dark, their minds are no longer controlled by vanity, and they are no longer alienated from God. The implication is clear. Christians are to put away all immorality and thinking which is impure and thus inappropriate for one who is indwelt by Holy God.
The phrase “if indeed you have heard Him,” was not intended to cast doubt upon the salvation experience of the first century recipients of this letter, it was rather designed to call them to verify the truth of this statement. They had accepted that Jesus is the only source of truth and therefore their life must reveal His character through obedience to all His teachings.
I am afraid that many Christians continue to struggle with the flesh because we have failed to allow Christ to continue to teach us. We neglect prayer and Bible study and then wonder why we continue to live in a manner that does not reveal the One who indwells us. Are you spending adequate time with the Truth?
Prayer: Forgive me when my life does not indicate the Truth that I affirm with my lips. Amen