Follow Jesus Example: Triumph Over This Present World (Ephesians 4:17-19)

Struggling against the sensuality of this modern world? Follow Jesus example and find the way to victory.  In Ephesians 4:17-19, we see how imitating Christ can guide us through the temptations of sensuality.  Join me as we dig into this passage.  Let’s discover practical steps to navigate a culture obsessed with self-indulgence.

Ephesians 4:17-19 (NASB)

“So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.”

Let’s discuss where we can fall.

1. The Darkened Understanding

Having trouble understanding the concept of a “darkened understanding” mentioned in Ephesians 4:18? It’s spiritual blindness. It’s people who are unable to see the truth and meaning of life. Imagine trying to navigate through a dense fog. You are unable to see the path ahead. How can you expect to follow Jesus example?

You can’t discern the dangers lurking in the shadows. It’s like being trapped in a constant pursuit of success and material possessions. You think they will bring fulfillment. But you find only emptiness in the end. Not fun.

2. The Hardness of Your Heart

Finding it difficult to overcome the desensitization of your heart towards sin? You live in a society that glorifies immorality. It numbs us to its consequences. Maybe it feels impossible to disengage from sinful behavior. Sometimes it feels like you do not even want to follow Jesus example!

3. The Sensuality Trap

Finding it tough to break free from the trap of sensuality? This world is consumed by immediate gratification and self-indulgence. It’s easy to get ensnared by the allure of passing pleasures. Think of it as choosing to binge-watch Netflix instead of spending time with family or neglecting prayer. This entertainment leaves us empty and discontent.

Remember, brother, you are not alone in these struggles. Jesus is our perfect example. He gave us the Bible to guide us. It strengthens our walk in a world that seeks to pull us down. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into these challenges. And discover practical wisdom from God’s Word.

1. Enlightening The Darkened Understanding

The key to overcoming this spiritual blindness is to open your heart to the light of Christ. Let His truth illuminate your mind. Let His Holy Spirit guide your steps. How? By seeking wisdom in His Word. Meditate on His teachings. And surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading. In other words, follow Jesus example. He will break you free from the fog. Then you will live in the clarity of God’s truth.

OT Ref: Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
NT Ref: John 8:12 – “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world. The one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life.'”

2. Overcoming the Hardness of the Heart

Ok, take a moment to examine your heart. Confess any sins and ask for God’s forgiveness. Allow His love and grace to wash over you. Again, immerse yourself in His Word. Expect this to renew your mind and reshape your desires. Surround yourself with godly influences and seek accountability from fellow believers. Through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, your heart can be transformed, making it more sensitive to God’s leading and less susceptible to the allure of sin.

OT Ref: Ezekiel 36:26 – “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
NT Ref: Romans 12:2 – “And do not be conformed to this world. But be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

3. Escaping the Sensuality Trap

To escape this trap:
– Start by setting your priorities straight.
– Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (and all the other things will fall into place).
– Cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment.
– Find joy in the blessings God has already bestowed upon you.
– Guard your mind by filtering the influences you allow into your life. Look at what entertains you.
– And above all, fix your eyes on Jesus, who is the perfect example of purity and self-control.

Abide in Him and seeking His strength. Then you can resist the temptations of sensuality. That will give you true fulfillment in a life devoted to the things of God. This is how you follow Jesus example.

OT Ref: Psalm 101:3 – “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me.”
NT Ref: Colossians 3:2 – “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

Go Ahead, Follow Jesus Example!

My fellow pilgrim, I want to encourage you to take these truths to heart and apply them in your life. Don’t just passively read them. Ask God to activate them in you. Invite Him to do a mighty work within you. Let Him transform your understanding. Plead with Him to soften your heart. Beg Him to break the chains of sensuality.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. The Lord Himself is with you through His Holy Spirit. He will guide and empower you every step of the way. So, embrace the challenge, my friend! Press on with faith and determination. Set your gaze on Jesus. Fix your thoughts on His teachings. And let His example become the guiding light that illuminates your path.

Through prayer, the study of God’s Word, and surrendering to His Spirit, you can experience victory over the darkness, hardness, and sensuality that may hinder your walk with the Lord. Trust in His power and goodness, and be confident that He who started a good work in you will bring it to completion. So, go ahead, my dear friend, follow Jesus example, and let His grace lead you towards a life that is pleasing and fruitful in His sight.

Sharing is Caring

My friend, I would love to hear your journey in overcoming these struggles. Whether you have experienced success or failure, your story has the potential to inspire and encourage others walking a similar path. We are all in this together. We all strive to follow Jesus example. We all fail at times. We all want to succeed.

So, please, don’t hesitate to share your triumphs, challenges, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Together, we will grow. We support one another. And we bring glory to God through our transformed lives.

Share by talking with other Christian men. Tell them about this blog. They can benefit and be encouraged also to follow Jesus example. When you write to friends, add the link for them to read it. Bookmark the site. I try to publish often. Your support in leaving comments really motivates me to push on to our higher calling.

Digging Deeper: Follow Jesus Example

If you want to dive deeper into understanding and cultivating how to follow Jesus example, here are some resources that can help:

• ChristianBooks.com: This site has a plethora of books and study materials to deepen your Christian life.
• Amazon.com: Search for Christian literature and resources that will help you strengthen your faith.