Ephesians 4:20 - But
you have not so learned Christ
Much
is said in Paul’s writings about revelation and how he experienced a dramatic
and personal unveiling of Jesus. The Lord revealed himself to Paul. Later Paul
was caught up into the third Heaven and was given abundant revelation; insight
and understanding that was imparted to him instantaneously. Revelation is
instantaneous but learning is a process. Paul had both revelation and a process
of learning in his life. The Ephesians also apparently, learned Christ. They were
taught and they acquired knowledge over a period of time. Learning is all
important to life. Children must not just be taught, they must learn. We do not
want to pass a child into the next grade because they were simply in the same
classroom as everyone else and heard all the same teaching. No! Did the child
learn? Sadly, our culture has given us the wrong impression. We have been
taught to pass tests instead of learn. We emphasize the passing of the test, so
we cram for the exam and because it is fresh on our minds, we can remember the
necessary answers and obtain a passing grade. The answers were in our mind but
not in our life. If we actually learn what we need to learn, the passing of the
test will be a consequence not a goal. Learning and developing in character and
skill should be the goal. Passing the test and getting the good grade will be
the result.
Let’s apply that to our walk with God. We are not to simply pass
tests or even acquire information. We might be able to quote multiple verses of
Scripture but that is no guarantee that we have learned. Learning is the
discipleship word. We are not just a pupil but an apprentice. If we think like
that we will get a better picture of what God wants for us. He wants us to not
simply have book knowledge or head knowledge but he wants us to be trained as
apprentices so we can acquire the necessary skills to succeed. We must learn
Christ. We must learn him, which means that we learn a person. When you associate
closely with a person you eventually take on the characteristics, attitude and
habits of that person. Jesus had said to his disciples earlier, ‘Take my yoke
upon you and learn of me’.
Just as it is necessary to learn Christ it
is also important how you learn. Paul said that they ‘had not so learned’ Christ. They had not learned
Christ in the manner in which some others had learned. We must be true to the way
that the Lord has led us and the way that he has taught us. In what manner have
you learned Christ? Obviously, we are open to more learning and to different
ways of learning but it is important that we honour our roots. Honour those who
have shown you the way of the Lord. Honour the history of your walk with God by
continuing to learn from it. God knows us. He knows exactly how to speak to us
and how to deal with us so that we may learn and thereby be changed and experience
greater levels of freedom. Every parent and school teacher knows that each
child is different and has a unique way of learning. Our walk with Christ is a
lifelong process of learning. As we grow and mature, he teaches us a little
more and shows us another aspect of his character and grace. There are tests in
life and there are things that we face that are very difficult, for sure.
However, let’s be sure to not simply go through the experience but let’s be
sure to learn Christ in the middle of it all, take on his attitude and
characteristics and be changed into the same image by his power and by his
grace.
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