MESSAGE TEXT
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
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INTRODUCTION
Our new life in Christ is not automatic. With intentionality, there are some things we must set aside and some things we must implement – and do this with a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives. To put off the old self means every area of your life is examined, and every area of your life is re-oriented.
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Paul talks about changing to a new way of life in terms of taking off one set of clothes and putting on another.Paul says that Christians are to put off the conduct associated with their former life apart from Christ, something he calls “deceitful desires” (v. 22). And we are to put on a new pattern of behavior, just as we might put on a new dress or suit. The purpose of Ephesians 4:25-5:2 is to show how we can put off the old self and put on the new in some practical ways.
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PROPOSITION
Paul offered five examples of what living the new life means in the context of relationship with others. Putting on these behaviors will heal a fractionalized community. In these verses Paul presents several attitudes or actions that have to go… and the positive attitudes or actions that must replace them. In each case, he presents a reason for doing so—either the basis for the change or a benefit reaped from the change. The specific issues treated are truth, anger, theft, speech, and love.
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OUTLINE
To really understand and appreciate what Paul is giving to us here, there are three things that set the tone:
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The Devil’s Foothold (4:26-27)
(and 1 of the 5 exchanges)
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The Holy Spirit’s Grief (4:30)
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The Savior’s Love (5:1-2)
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MAIN POINTS (Today and Next Week)
Exchange lying for speaking truth
Put off deception. Put on truth. (v.25) Reason? One Body
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Exchange unrestrained anger with timely reconciliation
Put off delay. Put on self-control. (v.26-27) Reason? Devil foothold
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Exchange stealing for sharing
Put off stealing. Put on work. (v.28) Reason? Share with others
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Exchange corrupt communication with edifying words
Put off corrupt speech. Put on wholesome communication patterns. (v.29-30) Reason? Spirit is not grieved
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Exchange natural vices for supernatural graces
Put off bitterness. Put on forgiveness. (v.31-32; 5:1-2) Reason? God is kind and gracious.
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CONCLUSION
Bleeding, suffering, and dying on a Roman cross, Jesus lifted up his voice just before death. In this instance, he was not teaching his disciples near a warm fire and a spread of good food. He was not talking with a confused but well-meaning guest about the nature of his gospel. He was not before world leaders or local rulers, unblinkingly declaring his Lordship and kingly reign to them. (Owen Strachan)
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No, in this moment, Jesus was before his enemies, his accusers, his leering killers. It was this hostile group that Jesus looked out on, and it was over this group that Jesus pronounced the immortal words: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
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The world has never been the same since.