I am sure most of us are familiar with John 14:6 where Jesus referred to Himself as the Way, Truth and Life. However, I want to look at something Paul wrote in Ephesians.
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NKJV)
In this passage Paul made two very interesting little statements. First, the truth is in Jesus, secondly, Paul said we are to be renewed in the spirit of our minds.
What is he referring to in making these statements? This short passage is in essence saying the same thing as Galatians 4:19. The truth of walking with Jesus is encountering Him within. As we deepen our relationship with Jesus through experiential knowledge of Him, rather than information about Him, we are renewed in the spirit of our minds and Christ is formed and made manifest within us. This presentation of how to know Jesus permeates Paul’s writings. I have already referenced Ephesians and Galatians. Look at the oft quoted verse below.
27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)
The risen living Christ active within us is the heart of the gospel. If you read through Romans chapters 6-8 you will find this same message in different language. Paul’s message was all about knowing Jesus and being firmly rooted in the reality that our Christian walk is about getting to know, learn from and depend on the one living within us at the new birth. Paul knew no other form of Christianity. For Paul it wasn’t complicated. In fact his concern was that we would get caught up in complicated teaching in place of knowing Jesus. Look at what he wrote to the Corinthians.
3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)
Our Christian walk is a call to simplicity. If it is becoming increasingly complicated who did Paul say was behind it? We are called to the simplicity that is found IN Jesus. Is simplicity working in our lives?
