The Old Garments
Introduction
Ephesians 4:25-29
Paul speaks of those things which we should avoid and tells us why we should avoid them.
I. Put Away Untruthfulness v.25
Colossians 3:9 Garment of falsehood
A. Negatively 25a
"Lying" - a lie is a statement that is contrary fact, spoken with the intent to deceive. Misrepresentation, half-truth, pretense, and deceit are practices of the "old man."
Nothing so divides and separates Christians as falsehood, misrepresentation, and suspicion. Mutual confidence is the essential bond of Christian fellowship.
In 1 John 2:21 we read, "You know that no lie is of the truth."
Revelation 22:15, "Hell is prepared for whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."
B. Positively 25b
As members one of another, we affect each other, and we cannot build each other apart from truth. Reasons:
We belong to each other in Christ. v.25
He urged us to build the body in love. 16
Speak the truth in love. 15
Satan is a liar. John 8:44
II. Put Away Wrath v.26-27
"If you do get angry, you must not sin in anger."
A. The Command 26a
Describes a habitual attitude toward every kind of evil and injustice that is all around us. Angry at immorality, mis-justice, and human hurt. This kind of anger must be kept under control; in itself, anger is not a sin, Deuteronomy 9:8, 20; Psalm 97:10, "Ye that love the Lord, hate evil."
"Anyone can become angry" wrote Aristotle, "but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way, this is not easy." An emotional arousal caused by something that displeases us.
B. The Control 26b-C
"sin not" - a check and restraint
C. The Caution 26c-27
"wrath" - bitterness which becomes personal and vengeful; anger that is mingled with irritation and embitterment. Anger is momentary insanity.
James 1:20, "The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." Resentment must not be cherished beyond the sunset. Let us never retire to our beds angry. Someone asked me if Janet and I have ever violated this Scripture. I said, "No, but there have been some nights we didn't go to bed." Seriously, this is a grave issue. We must Resist Satan:
1. Steadfast In The Faith 27
"place" - any portion of space marked off from the surrounding territory; opportunity, power, occasion for acting.
2. Spirit of Forgiveness 27
We read in 2 Corinthians 2:10-11, "Satan should get an advantage of us." Matthew. 5:23-25. Unforgiveness is a mighty weapon in Satan's hand. Anger is first step toward murder. Matthew 5:21- 22 Satan is a murderer. John 8:44
3. Solomon's Answer Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer..."
II. Put Away Stealing v.28
A. Negatively 28a
Stealing is condemned.
1. Steal time from an employer.
2. Steal some ones's good name and reputation.
3. Misuse of another's funds.
4. Unpaid debts
5. Deception in some business transaction.
6. Misrepresentation of facts on one's income tax return.
7. Withholding from God that which should have been given to Him.
B. Positively 28b
Provide for family.
1. Serving is commanded.
Proverbs 13:4 . 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
2. Sharing Is Commended. 28c
Promote the Lord's work. Satan is thief. John 10:10
III. Put Away Corrupt Speech V.29
A. Corrupt Speech Degrades The Speaker 29a
Rotten, worn out, unfit for use, worthless, bad - Matthew 12:34, teaches "the mouth and the heart are connected." Bitter water comes from a bitter fountain. Psalm 141:3.
B. Correct Speech Delights The Hearer 29b
1. Edify: Build up
2. Minister Grace