The world is not our standard
for Christian living.
The apostle Paul stressed, “Do
not be conformed to this world, but be you
transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .”
(Rom. 12:2). Again he writes, “put on the new self,
which in the likeness of God has been created in
righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Ephesians
4:24). In the verses that follow he gives five
specific examples of the higher standard of
Christian conduct.
We are to put off lying and
speak the truth in love (v. 25). It is a habitual
action that is to characterize the Christian life.
Literally the believer is to put off “the lie”
(v.25), and speak the truth. This is the same word
the apostle John uses for the antichrist in 1 John
2:20-23. When a person puts his faith in Jesus
Christ he is rejecting the lie, and embracing the
Truth (Jn. 14:6).
What a profound significance
this is for the person in Christ. “Therefore, laying
aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with
his neighbor, for we are members of one another” (v.
25). Let it be a habitual action to tell the truth.
Let it characterize your lifestyle.
Make a commitment to yourself
and God to speak the whole truth without mixture of
error in your family, business and life
relationships. How much easier life is when you live
an honest, open, transparent life style. Cultivate
truthfulness in your life every day. Don’t be
careless with your words.
Put off anger (vv. 26-27). One
of the best ways to give the devil an opportunity to
gain a place in your life is to be an angry person.
Paul does not give an opposite behavior in this
example. In one aspect anger is not sin. It is an
emotion. He stresses, “Be angry, and yet do not sin;
do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not
give the devil an opportunity (lit. a place).” Paul
is emphasizing a controlled or righteous anger as
opposed to and uncontrolled, selfish, or sinful
anger.
Paul uses two different words
for “anger” in v. 26. There are times when we should
be angry, and there are times when we sin with our
anger. “Be angry and do not sin” is the word for
wrath, indignation, suggesting a more settled or
abiding condition of mind, frequently with a view of
taking revenge. It is an anger that has an abiding
and settled habit of mind that is aroused under
certain conditions. When this kind of anger is
guided by reason, it can be a right emotion as in
righteous indignation. When we cherish it, it
becomes sin. It must never become just an expression
of personal provocation or wounded pride. We must
guard against sinful motives (1 Jn. 1:19).
“Do not let the sun go down on
your anger.” It can take the form
of an angry mood, a violent irritation, harmful
words or eyes of fire. Paul admonishes us to deal
with anger quickly before the day is over.
Unresolved anger leads to other sins.
Put off stealing and have
something to share with the needy (v. 28).
The motive for working Paul
says is “in order that he may have something to
share with him who has need.” That statement alone
clarifies a lot of modern values. The winner is not
the one who walks away with the most toys in life.
Have you ever counted the many
ways you can steal in life? You do not have to go to
prison, and few people do.
Work hard so you will have
something to share with a world with true needs.
Put off rotten words and put on
speaking with edification that it may give grace to
the hearer (v. 29).
“Unwholesome” literally means,
“corrupt,” or “corrupting.” It is the word for
rotting fruit. Some people’s words corrupt
themselves and everyone who hears them. It rots them
away. It makes you feel corrupted days after you
have been around them. On the other hand, the
believer should use words that will build up and
encourage people (James 3:5-6).
How do you control your tongue?
By allowing the Holy Spirit to control your mind
(Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:30).
Put off bitterness, wrath and
anger (indignation), and put on love (vv. 30-32).
What is the best way to grieve
the Holy Spirit? Bitterness, wrath and a settled
indignation toward someone always grieves the
Spirit.
The only way to put on the high
standard of Christian conduct Paul is describing
here is to walk in the Spirit.
Selah!
Message by Wil Pounds (c) 2006
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Unless otherwise noted "Scripture quotations taken from the NASB."
"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE" © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible copyright ©1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://www.bible.org/. All rights reserved.
Wil is a graduate of William Carey University, B. A.; New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Th. M.; and Azusa Pacific University, M. A. He has pastored in Panama, Ecuador and the U. S, and served for over 20 years as missionary in Ecuador and Honduras. He had a daily expository Bible teaching ministry head in over 100 countries from 1972-2005. He continues to seek opportunities to be personally involved in world missions. Wil and his wife Ann have three grown daughters. He currently serves as a Baptist pastor and teaches seminary extension courses in Ecuador.
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