223. True Learning.

But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus. - Ephesians 4:20-21.

THE distinction between the Christian and others: "but ye."

There must be this separation as long as the world is "the world."

The means of this distinction is our discipleship. We have learned Christ and learned him in a different way from that which satisfies many who profess to know him.

We have not so learned Christ as to be able to profess his name and yet practice lasciviousness.

We are converted into learners and are under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit. How we learn is a test question. Some have learned Christ and yet are not saved; others have not so learned him but are truly his disciples.

I. OUR LESSON. "Learned Christ."

This learning Christ is—

· Much more than learning doctrine, precept, or ceremony.

· Much more than knowing about Christ or learning from Christ.

It includes several forms of knowledge—

1. To know him as a personal Christ.

2. To know his nature and to treat him accordingly.

3. To know his offices and how to use them.

4. To know his finished work for God and for us.

5. To know his influence over men and to test it.

6. To know by learning Christ the way to live like him.

II. HOW WE HAVE NOT LEARNED IT.

1. So as to remain as we were before, unchanged and yet at peace.

2. So as to excuse sin because of his atonement.

3. So as to feel a freedom to sin because of pardon.

4. So as even to commit sin in Christ's name.

5. So as to reckon that we cannot conquer sin and so sit down under the dominion of some constitutional temptation.

6. So as to profess reverence for his name and character and then think little of the truth, which he reveals.

III. HOW WE HAVE LEARNED IT.

We know the truth and know it in its best light—

1. As directly taught by his own self and by his own Spirit.

2. As distinctly embodied in his life and character.

3. As it relates to him and honors him.

4. Consequently, as it is in him. Truth is in Jesus, indeed and of a truth, for in him everything is real.

5. Consequently, as it works a total change in us, and makes us like him in whom truth is embodied.

See, then, that we not only learn of Jesus, but we learn Jesus.

It is not enough to hear him and to be taught by him; we want to know himself.

Knowing him, we know the truth; for it is in him.