The objective of this lesson: to use a fourth example to illustrate the truth of Christian responsibility. God does not care what we were--He forgives a horrible past. God does not care how fast we grow as long as we grow--faithfulness is not determined by some divine standard focused on 'rate of development'. God wants us to accept responsibility in Christ to travel the journey of spiritual transformation. Who we were outside of Christ are constantly changing into who we are in Christ.
Today's text is a familiar statement from Paul to Christians in Ephesus. It is part of the letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians. This lesson challenges you to give consideration to things you may have overlooked. If you noted these things in past studies, the lesson serves as a reminder.
To most Bible students, this is a familiar statement. (a) When a scripture is familiar or (b) when a scripture is used primarily as a popular proof text, it is quite possible to fail to see some things stated in that scripture. This lesson challenges students to see what they may not have seen or to be reminded of what Paul stressed.
When Paul sent a congregation an instruction through his letter to them, he did not write about 'hypothetical' situations. His instructions came because of real, existing conditions. For example, when Paul instructed Christians to stop something, those Christians did the thing [things] Paul discussed. Paul did not instruct them about non-existing situations or problems. He did not write, "If 'X' situation ever arises, this is the way to deal with it." He did not write, "In five hundred years [or a thousand or two thousand] Christians will face these problems. This is the way they must face these problems." When Paul wrote about future situations, he made it evident the circumstances were future [and he made such declarations infrequently]. Most of Paul's writings were about 'right now' situations in the lives of those who first received his letter. Realizing that provides incredible insights into the nature and character of Christian existence. It makes it evident that Paul's emphasis and our emphasis often are quite different.
As a teacher, you will open a significant door leading to wonderful insights if you can help your students become aware of the truth that Paul wrote to real people in real situations. Paul was not writing to 21st century Christians about problems in the 21st century world. He wrote to first century Christians about problems existing then as they lived in a first century community. The more we understand their situation and challenges, the more accurately we will apply his teachings to our situation and challenges. When Paul wrote, he did not 'say to us'. He 'said to them'. We certainly must learn from his instructions! Yet, we must understand Paul wrote to them, not us. This realization significantly contributes to a Christian's concept of context and application.
Today's text list behaviors that were characteristic of these Christians' lives in their pre-Christian idolatrous existence. In these matters they showed too little or no change. The list included (1) lying, (2) anger, (3) stealing, (4) ungodly speech, and (5) resisting God's influence. All of these problems existed in their Christian-Christian relationships. Paul's emphasis in verses 17-32 was this: "You behave like you lived when you worshipped idols--such behavior must cease! No longer does idolatrous life define 'who you are' or 'what you are about'!"
The problem: the lives and behaviors of these Christians had not changed. They were in Christ. They belonged to God through Christ's redemption. Yet, the way they lived and behaved looked more like a person who adored idols rather than a person who adored God. Though the community around them did not change when they were converted, they still must change because they were converted to Jesus Christ. They were not traveling on the journey of transformation!
(1) "Stop lying to each other!" Note the reasons Paul gave these Christians for not lying. (a) Deceit is not part of Christian character. A reason for becoming a Christian [accepting the responsibility of transformation] is to leave 'falsehood.' (b) God is a God of truth. Truth is a part of His nature. Honesty is a part of His character. [That is why Christians trust God's promises.] Those who belong to and follow God are as truthful with other people as God is with them. (c) Christians belong to each other. They know people began in God's image and likeness. Do not take lightly being members of one another! Christians cannot show respect for another person by deliberately deceiving him or her!
Deceit was commonplace in their communities and world just as it is in ours. In fact [just as in ours!] in certain situations and circumstances, deceit was considered a 'good thing'. While defining honesty is a complex ethical discussion, the basis [foundation] of honesty is (a) God's nature as a reliable Promise Keeper and Truthful Spokesman and (b) the fact that people were created in the image and likeness of God. The issue focuses in the Designer and the design. Christians honor the Designer as the source of life and respect people because people were originally designed to reflect the Designer.
(2) "Stop venting your anger on each other!" (a) "You will get angry, but do not 'nurse' your anger. Do not let anger lead you into evil--jealousy, envy, bitterness, wrath, malice, confusion, and slander. When anger flashes, do not allow it to become a 'tended flame.' Make certain it has a short life." (b) "Never forget that anger creates opportunity for the devil!"
Often society uses anger to react against things that threaten society [and in America, the individual]. Expressions of 'outrage' take many forms: mobs, laws, violent acts, contempt, etc. Anger is not the fuel for the journey of transformation. Anger is based on contempt and hostile reactions. Anger cannot lead to the God of compassion and forgiveness. Anger creates opportunities for Satan, not opportunities to become more like the holy God.
(3) "Stop stealing!" Some ethical systems [ethical = the basis for determining what is right and wrong or good and evil] considered stealing a desirable thing. Some moral systems [moral = behavior based on a person's definitions of right and wrong or good and evil] regarded stealing to be desirable behavior. For example, in those days [and long before] the culture on Crete admired deceit and honored theft. Note Paul's contrast. Christians do not function on ethics or morality that laud stealing. Instead, (a) Christians work. (b) As they work, they produce good. (c) They do not exist by dishonest gain; they exist by doing good. (d) Their motive for acquiring changed. They do not acquire to indulge themselves. They acquire to share with those who have no opportunity to work.
Note the Christian's new found view of people. People do not exist for 'my' benefit; 'I' now exist for their benefit. As a Christian, 'I' do not selfishly exploit; 'I' serve through sharing. The motive for a Christian working and the motive for a non-Christian working are different. It is not just a matter of sharing. The difference begins (a) in the motive behind acquiring and (b) one's compassionate attitude toward others.
(4) "Recognize ungodly speech for what it is--ungodly and counterproductive to God's purposes." The word 'unwholesome' signifies something that is 'rotten', 'diseased', or 'worthless'. The Christian's mouth should not be the source for words, thoughts, or concepts that show contempt and are used to discourage. Rather than being the source for 'rotten' or 'diseased' thoughts and words, the Christian's mouth is the source for encouragement. What they say does not tear people down. What they say builds people up. Christians are conscious of a person's need. They do not confine consciousness to past needs. They are aware of what the person needs 'right now'. A Christian's objective is to encourage in the face of 'now' discouragement. The believer knows he or she is incredibly blessed by God's grace. Thus he or she wishes to represent God well by extending grace to those who struggle. Christians should encourage Christians. Christians do not make it more difficult for other Christians to follow Jesus Christ. Just as God seeks to build us up, we seek to build others up.
In the American society, it is extremely easy for a Christian to become careless about what he or she says and the words he or she uses. It also was easy for people in the first century world to use careless, abusive words and language. Again, the change on the journey of transformation is evident. The issue was not 'what do I feel like saying in this situation'. The issue was 'how will what I say impact others'. The Christian does not seek to destroy in his or her words and language. The Christian seeks to encourage in what he or she says. In words and language, God is honored and people are respected. A godless society does not determine the Christian's vocabulary. God the saving Creator determines the Christian's vocabulary.
(5) "Do not grieve God's Spirit!" Christians often think about humans grieving humans. Too infrequently do we think about humans grieving God. God made an enormous investment in all who choose to be Jesus' disciples. God's presence [His Holy Spirit] exists in those who through Christ gave themselves to God (Acts 2:38; 5:32). God does not force each Christian to be a holy person, but God encourages each Christian to be all he or she can be spiritually. Within each Christian, two influences constantly are at work. God's Spirit constantly encourages us to come closer and closer to God. The spirit of ungodliness constantly encourages us to resist God. Moment by moment, we decide which influence we will listen to and follow. Paul's admonition was simple: "Do not work against God's influence in your lives! He seeks your best interest! Do not give His influence grief because you use life to work against God's purposes!"
God is on our side (Romans 8:31-39)! God's presence works within us to influence us to grow toward God. Paul said they were working against God's influence in their lives! God seeks the ultimate good and best interest of the Christian. Christians in all ages should make it easy for God to influence them. They must not work against God's influence within themselves! In the internal war between good and evil, the Christian always seeks to make it obvious to himself or herself which side he or she supports in his or her life.
The word 'seal' referred to a sign or mark that declared ownership. The phrase 'day of redemption' refers to the judgment and God's eternal redemption. In words familiar to today, "As Christians, you are God's property! God is at work in you so you can live in His presence eternally. Do not work against His influence in your life!"
Focus on the fact that 'seal' was a mark that declared ownership. Christians are God's property that God seeks to bring home to Him.
The final two verses of chapter four contain an obvious contrast. Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander are contrasted with kindness to others, tender-heartedness [compassion], and forgiveness. The contrast is between life out of Christ and life in Christ. The standard is the forgiveness God offers people in Christ. Or, "This is what you were as idolatrous people; that behavior must die. This is what you are in Christ; this behavior must prevail."
Challenge your students to (a) see the contrast and (b) see that Jesus Christ's behavior is the standard for Christians.
As Paul said in 5:1, 2, these Christians now are to imitate God and walk in love. The responsibility to change is undeniable!
Clearly, the Christian's objective in his or her life is to imitate God. There is far, far more involved in being a Christian than following a set of rules and regulations.
For Thought and Discussion
Lying, anger, stealing, rotten language, and grieving the Holy Spirit must cease.
Those attitudes and behaviors were characteristic of pre-Christian existence when they followed the ethics and morality of many in idolatry.
It is a contrast of attitudes and behavior before entering Christ with attitudes and behavior after entering Christ.
Link to Student Guide
Lesson 10