Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Eph 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
This powerful section of Holy Scripture describes the state of mind of who Paul calls “other Gentiles.” In context, Paul is referring to those who aren’t saved, and rebelliously so. We can assume this by their behavior as written in this Text.
In verse 19, there are two noteworthy descriptions of these people in their sad state. They are “past feeling” and they have “given themselves over” to sin.
“Past feeling” literally means to become desensitized. It comes from a Greek work that means “apathetic.” Additionally, to give oneself over means to surrender or deliver over oneself. Sadly, these Gentiles were apathetic to sin and unrighteousness and had totally surrendered to it.
Here is my question: It is possible that the church sometimes does the same?
It is possible that the church of the living Christ can, through coldness of spirit, carnality of the mind, and rule of the flesh, become somewhat desensitized to the commands and precepts of her Lord? It is possible that we who are indwelt by the Spirit can sometimes act like those are are not?
When personally addressing His churches in Revelation, Jesus said through the Apostle John:
- Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
- Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
- Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
- Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
- Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
- Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Does the description of “lukewarm” denote a desensitizing to the things of God? Isn’t the Lord after a zealous church? Does Jesus want us to feel about Him the way He feels about us?
Look around. Look at how often we approach the Word in haughtiness and pride instead of holy fear and trembling. Look at how often we have the nerve to boldly teach contrary to what is clearly written.
The Apostle Paul describes God “giving men over” to their lusts due to their own disobedience. Is it even in the realm of Kingdom possibilities that God may be judging His church in a similar manner, allowing lying spirits (1 Kings 22:22) and strong delusion (2 Thes 2:11) among us? May the Lord’s church NEVER have to endure such a judgment…
- Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
- Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
- Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
- Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
- Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
- Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
- Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
- Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
- Rom 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
- Rom 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
- Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
- Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
- Rom 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
- Rom 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
- Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
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Oh Lord, we know You won’t leave us nor forsake us. But we also know that you reprove and discipline those whom You love. Oh Great King, break our hearts for Thy Word. Open our Eyes! Restore our fear and trembling, as well as a fervent love for Thee.
Help us.