ignorance that is in them

by David Long

"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that Ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But Ye did not so learn Christ; if so be that Ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: that Ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; and that Ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth" (Eph. 4:17-24). Here's the message: stop living like the world. Notice the phrase, "alienated from the life of God." How? Through ignorance and a hard heart. Notice the lifestyle that produces: lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness.