Ephesians 4:25-5:4

In the previous twenty three verses of this chapter, Paul gives us a number of general instructions which include, walking in unity, exercising of gifts, putting off the old man and putting on the new man created by God. In these following verses, Paul gives very specific instructions on how we should live as a body. However, many of you may be thinking, "Oh good, I'm glad we finally got to this part". We should be cautious not to seek to set aside our doctrinal foundations for a list of tasks. We must do what we do based on the reasoning and understanding that God has revealed to us.

Eph 4:25-32

25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

• Lying is a destructive, awful sin. It is something that God abhors. If a body tolerates lying the members will degenerate from unity to chaos. A body of members must be able to rely on each other and take each other at their word. Are you characterized as someone who can be believed simply by your word? Or, are you the type of person that others must always interpret what you say so as to make a judgment about your truthfulness. We should desire to not be considered one who " is in their own little world" or " is a big talker".

26 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

27 nor give place to the devil.

• It is interesting to note that this reference to anger is in the imperative. Anger is a valid emotional response that should be present in a believer. But we must remind ourselves that this anger can easily become unrighteous, thus the other imperative in the verse "...and do not sin". This kind of righteous anger is easily confused with the prohibited anger mentioned in verse 31. So how does this kind of anger differ from the other?
  • Concerned about the Holy things of God.
  • Is able to provide an immediate solution.
  • Does not lead to bitterness or hatred.
  • Does not give the Devil a foothold.

• There are numerous examples of God as well as his people demonstrating this proper kind of anger. Num. 25:7-15, Psalm 106:30; 1 Samuel 15:33; Matt 21:12
  

28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

• Those Ephesians who were thieves are commanded to stop stealing. When the natural man evaluates himself, he feels good if he is not a thief or murderer. However, there are many things that we steal and may never know it. We can steal from our employers by not working a full day. We can steal from God by not tithing.

• In contrast to stealing, Paul instructs that we should work with our hands. We should all have some form of manual labor even if you have a desk type job for an occupation. Paul is really telling us here to avoid idleness. We were built to be busy doing things, but our society's goal is to have more vacation and to retire early. Hard work produces the blessing of having enough to share with needy.

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

• Our lack of wholesome speech, thought and concern for others is grievous to God. Some have wrongly thought that the Spirit of God dwells in you except when He is grieved. But note that Paul says we were sealed for the day of redemption by the Spirit. We should seek those things which are honorable to God.

• We are not just talking about avoiding a list of swear words. The types of things Paul instructs us to avoid are unedifying speech. This could include gossip, sarcasm, dirty humor or careless speech, just as examples.

• Forgiving one another is something to be practiced.

CHAPTER 5

1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

• Dear children look up with admiration to their earthly father and desire simply to please him. They seek to imitate him in all that he does and crave his attention. Are we characterized as this kind of a tender hearted child with regard to our relationship with God?

2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;

4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. (NKJ)

• These are things which God abhors and therefore so should we. It is easy to become hard and callous toward these vile sins but we must ask God to soften our hearts such that we are repulsed by these things. (Even covetousness?) Finally Paul contrasts these awful sins with a positive command to cultivate a greatful heart.