PUTTING OFF AND PUTTING ON Ephesians 4.22-32

The apostle Paul has written the first three chapters of Ephesians to display the vast inheritance that is ours. We are rich beyond all imagination; yet, many of us are living in a spiritual poor house, shackled by the inability to see our riches. We read these chapters and see them only as a note of encouragement, not as release from the poor house. For many of us, it’s not so easy to see, and even harder to admit, that we need some help getting our old rags off, and finding clothes for a new life. Few of us ever ask for help, and many of us refuse it when it’s offered. Paul exhorts us to take hold of life.

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to

their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of

malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4.22-32

Understanding the Principle of “Putting Off” And “Putting On,” Ephesians 4.22-24.

Implement the Practice of “Putting Off” And “Putting On,” Ephesians 4.25-28. 1. Become A Person of Integrity; Put Off the Lie, Put On the Truth, Ephesians 4.25.

2. Become a Disciplined Person; Put Off the Destructive, Put On the Constructive, Ephesians 4.26-27.

Be honest, admit your anger.

Identify the cause, the loss, the pain, or the offense.

Forgiveness is essential.

Plan what you will do about it. 3. Become a Generous Person; Put Off Stealing, Put On Sharing, Ephesians 4.28.

Message Outline

4. Become a Thoughtful Person; Put Off Destructive Words, Put On Beneficial Words, Ephesians 4.29.

Our Words Should Be Constructive (Not Destructive).

5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3.5-6

Our Words Should Fit the Need.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12.18

Our Words Should Give Grace.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt. Colossians 4.6

The Key to All Christian Behavior, Ephesians 4.30.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4.30

The Road of the Fully Forgiven, Ephesians 4.31-32. As long as we live in this world, we’ll have pain that we didn’t cause and sorrow we don’t deserve. Life in this world is not fair, and we don’t like it. We can’t change it, and in most cases, we can’t even the score with those who have hurt us. But, we can silently punish them within our own hearts.

However, We Have a Choice! The Answer Is In Being Forgiven, Matthew 18.21-35.

Digging Deeper into Ephesians This Week This week’s passages:

Monday – Ephesians 4.25-32 Tuesday – Ephesians 4.1-6 Wednesday – Ephesians 4.7-16 Thursday – Ephesians 4.17-24 Friday – Matthew 18.21-35 Weekend – Ephesians 4.25-32 Each day you can read the day’s passage and then respond to the following questions. You might find it beneficial to use a journal or notebook.

1. Read the passage prayerfully, listening for the voice of God and asking him to speak to you. 2. Record or write down the word, phrase, or verse that God impresses upon you. 3. Reflect and write down what it is about this word, phrase or verse that is meaningful to you. 4. Respond by writing down what you think the Lord wants you to do in response to his word (“Be doers

of the word and not hearers only” James 1.22).

Hoehner, Harold W. 2002. Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. Hughes, Robert B. and Laney, J. Carl. 1990. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Hughes, R. Kent. 1990. Ephesians: The Mystery of the Body of Christ. Wheaton: Crossway Books.

O’Brien, Peter T. 1999. The Letter to the Ephesians. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4.30

The big idea this week…The effectiveness of any good change in

our lives depends on our daily interaction with the Holy Spirit.