Life Together Walk Worthily - New Man, New Apparel Ephesians 4:25–32 Put off the Old Self Be Renewed in our Minds Put on the New Man Righteousness Holiness Put Off | Put On | Benefits/Why 1. Lying for Truth (vs. 25) “The lie” Sin against God and the Body of Christ John 8:44 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. Colossians 3:9-10 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: “When you tell the truth, you are imitating God. When you lie, you are imitating Satan.” 2. Rage & Resentment for Righteous Anger (vs 26-27) "Sinful anger, on the other hand, lingers. It holds a grudge. It seeks retaliation, revenge, and harm toward those who anger us. " “Proper anger is a sign of spiritual life and health. But if anger is held or nursed, it becomes highly personal.” “Our anger spoils us. It has been said that anger is an acid that destroys its container.” Chappell “The longer you let a broken relationship go without reconciliation, the easier it will be for Satan to drive a wedge into the relationship, creating division and disunity in the body of Christ” Romans 12:17–19 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 3. Stealing for Generosity & Working (vs. 28) Paul reminds the believers of the need for honest work. We are created to work. Work is a gift from God. 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. Proverbs 28:19 19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. “Work as hard as you can, make as much as you can, then give as much as you can.” John Wesley 4. Corrupting Speech for Edifying (vs.29) “[U]nwholesome talk” literally means “rotten, putrid or filthy.”8 This includes obscene language, but the emphasis is on decay-spreading conversation which runs others down and delights in their weaknesses. - Hughes "Corrupt talk does not nourish you; it makes you sick. And corrupt talk comes from a corrupt heart. " Chappell “Owner’s Manual for the Church” – Bryan Chappell Your Relationship to Jesus is Different “When you become a Christian, you do not merely learn about the teaching of Jesus; you develop a relationship with Him.” - Merida Subject Teacher Atmosphere Your Relationship to Sin and Holy Living is Different Put off the Old Self Be Renewed in our Minds Put on the New Man Colossians 3:8–10 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Romans 12:1–2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Don’t Live Like Lost People (Pagans) “There must be the complete abandonment of the old way of living” Hardness of Heart Darkness of Heart Deadness Recklessness — unrestrained abandonment to sin.* How Can We Not Live Like Lost People? We are to think differently We are to respond to the truth differently We are to act differently from the pagan culture. The Law is Critical Evangelism is Imperative Life Change is Possible Attributed to John Stott's work on Ephesians “Spiritual gift.” It is a God-given ability or skill that enables a believer to perform a specific function in the body of Christ with effectiveness and ease. Leaders are to Equip the Saints The Saints are to Do the Work of the Ministry Equipping Serving Building Up How Should a Church Grow? Attacks spiritual infantilism Selfish Individualism is a mark of Immaturity. Maturing Christlikeness Rooted in the Scripture Growing in the Knowledge of Jesus Christ Demonstrating Spiritual Maturity Making Much of Jesus Schaeffer – “There are no little people in the kingdom of God and there are no little jobs” Doctrinal Stability "Truthing” in Love Loving People enough to tell the Truth Loving the Truth enough to tell it Healthy Service