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.
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.
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'!"
(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!
(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!"
(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.
(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.
(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!"
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!"
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."
As Paul said in 5:1, 2, these Christians now are to imitate God and walk in love. The responsibility to change is undeniable!
For Thought and Discussion
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 10