Written ~ 08-27-2023
Ephesians 4:25-32
“So, stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of bitterness, rage, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
OH yes! Paul has done it again! He has captured the minds of believers by giving us simple to understand, but incredibly important instructions on how we should live our lives for the Lord. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus, and it’s a good thing he did, because now we have all of his wonderful letters to help us change our hearts and help us serve the Lord with a pure heart.
I think the best way to look at all of these instructions; is to break them down one by one…
- Stop telling lies
- Tell the truth
- Do not let anger control you
- Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry
- Quit stealing
- Do not use foul or abusive language
- Do not bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit
- Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander
- Be kind
- Be tenderhearted
- Forgive one another
When we read the words of Paul, he writes in such a way that makes it easy for the reader to know what he’s referring to, there’s no mincing of words. He doesn’t write in parables or secretive text. No, he lays it all out there so we can learn by these instructions and live for the Lord with confidence! Even the brand-new believer can understand the directions Paul has laid out for us in these verses.
Point number one, “stop telling lies.” Do you know anyone who has the audacity to lie about everything? They believe you won’t be disappointed in them if they are telling you what they think you want to hear. It seems to be a crossed wire in their brain, they lie perpetually, instead of just telling the truth. When we lie, there has to be a whole conjured up story behind the lie. Soon, depending on how many different versions are told, the lie will come to light. It is much more disappointing when a lie comes out than if the person just told the absolute truth from the very beginning. The problem with habitual lying is the lack of trust that’s being built up, anything that person has to say is not believed, even when it might actually be the truth. When we come to know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, our minds need to be clear, as we study and meditate on the Word of God, there is no room for lies. Truth is what sets you free. Point number two is “tell the truth.” When our hearts have been given over to the Lord, we must remember, He is truth. We can’t go to the Father in heaven with the lies we tell others; it just would not fly with Him. So, if God knows the truth of our hearts, it’s the best idea to remain truthful in everything you do and speak. As Christians we are to work together to further the Kingdom of God, proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ. There is no room for lies, truth will always come out, lies will always unravel, it’s important to remember that in the long run truth always wins.
Point number three, “Do not let anger control you.” Anger is a tough one, isn’t it? There are so many situations that anger our hearts, anger our very souls, we feel the heat building from deep within. One of the definitions of anger is: a threatening or violent appearance or state. Anger can rear its ugly head quite quickly if you don’t subdue it immediately. How do we do that? There will always be things in our lives that make us angry, but, point number four says, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Everyone is different, so the way we handle anger is going to be different in all of us. It is imperative though, that you devise a plan that quickly diffuses anger, so you don’t let the sin of anger gain control. Are you holding onto anger, thinking you are diffusing it by ignoring what’s upsetting you? By doing that you risk the very high potential for the devil to attack. He can use that subdued, unresolved anger in ways that could be much more damaging than if you had just dealt with the anger from the onset. What ways help you control anger? Ways that have really worked. Have you gone for a walk to clear your head? Have you put on worship music to bring your focus back on the Lord? Ask yourself how Jesus would react? Do you cry out to God immediately before allowing the anger to take control? As Christians, our hearts should not be filled with anger. If your heart is filled with unresolved anger, there must be an acute reason. And that reason needs to be dealt with, whether it’s counseling or deep, repentant prayer. Our hearts need to be cleared of such things. Talk to someone, ask for help.
Our next point, number five, is “Quit stealing.” Most of us would probably say that we would never consider being a thief and stealing something that appeals to us. But…There are many definitions for the word “steal.” Most of the time we think of the physical picking up of an object and taking it without permission. But I noticed the definition of “steal” also means this: to gain an advantage; to grab attention from another especially by anticipating an idea, plan, or presentation; to steal one’s thunder; to claim credit for another’s idea. Ah, “to steal one’s thunder.” When we are working along side others to further the Kingdom of God, has there ever been a time where you have felt you wanted to take the ideas of another person to make yourself look better than the rest? It may not be that you are stealing a valuable possession, but stealing the focus off of someone else so you can get all the glory. In verse 4:28 it says,
“Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.”
If you and I are consciously giving our all, working hard for the Lord, generously helping and we are humble in our service to the Lord, we shouldn’t have time to steal someone else’s thunder. But if you actually are physically stealing items that appeal to you! Stop it! What does stealing gain you? A guilty conscience? The chance of being caught? Nothing good comes from stealing, in whatever form.
Point number six, “Do not use foul and abusive language.” I am always surprised, shocked really, when I hear a Christian using foul language. I find the use of foul language reveals what’s in a person’s heart. If the words that come out of your mouth need to include cuss words, it’s time to examine your heart. Why do you, as a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, need to use such filthy language? Do you praise Jesus and cuss with the same mouth? Yes? Why? You might think, oh they’re just words, they don’t mean anything. Oh, but they do. They really do. I am always astonished by the habitual use of the words “Oh My God” from those that I know to be Christians. I find the use of “Oh My God” to be a direct disregard to the Holiness of our Father in Heaven. One of the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:7) says,
“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse His name.”
James 2:10 says,
“For the person who keeps all of the commandments except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s commandments.”
Think about it, really think about it. The language you use, no matter how “innocent” you think it is, represents Christ living within you. Verse 4:29 continues by saying,
“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
I find having to listen to foul language, especially from a Christian, as extremely offensive. I’m very sensitive to it, it doesn’t just go in one ear and out the other, it settles within my spirit and grieves my soul. Verse 4:30 says,
“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.”
If you and I are representing the Lord Jesus Christ here on earth. Our actions, our language speaks volumes to others and how they will perceive Christ. If we continue to bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit, when the identity we should be portraying is Christ Jesus within us, then our witness is being tarnished. Each of us as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ need to be mindful of our actions. If the only thing the world can learn about Christ is through you, what would they learn?
The remaining points are found in verses 20:31 and 32,
“Get rid of bitterness, rage, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
In summary to all we have learned in the previous verses, Paul is reiterating what the believer needs to be conscious of in their own lives. We need to get rid of all types of evil behavior. Seeking the Lord and reading the Scriptures will help us understand, with much more clarity, what it means to live for the Lord. Being kind, tenderhearted and having a forgiving spirit are just a few ways to shape our lives after Christ’s heart. God has forgiven us, He did that through the sacrifice of His own Son by having Him die on the cross for the sin of the world.
Let’s consider what we have learned today as a beginning point. It’s a fresh blueprint for our lives. Start by making small changes, built on the foundation of God’s Word, by doing so, you will see your life begin to flourish, your life will begin to take shape. And all who see you will see the Lord in you.
~AMEN~