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Living in purity Pt 2A farmer went each week to the Farmers' Market to sell, among other things, the cottage cheese and apple butter made on his farm. He carried them in two large tubs, from which he ladled the cottage cheese or apple butter into smaller containers the customers brought. One day he got to the Market and discovered he'd forgotten one of his ladles. He had no choice but to use the one ladle for both products. Before long, as the two products got so mixed in with each other it was hard to tell which was which. That's the way it is when the child of God loses their purity. When a believer is no longer different, no longer and distinct, from people without faith, they no longer are living as light to this dark world. That's the message we find in the later parts of Ephesians chapter four. Living in purity is what separates the believer from rest of the world. The world evolves, society is constantly changing, culture dictates what is acceptable, but the Lord never changes. God's ways are the same throughout the ages, God's precepts stand firm- while the world continues to compromise. 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. In our ongoing studies of the book of Ephesians we find that the Apostle Paul gets to the very practical. As he speaks about living a life of purity, he begins by speaking about our thoughts. Last week we saw that he used words like: “The futility of their thinking.” “Have darkened their understanding.” And, “They live in ignorance by the hardening of their hearts.” So Paul says, “change your mind!” Change the way you think -- think differently and your actions will begin to follow. As we continue with this theme of living in purity Paul shows us what a pure life looks like. He will list different behaviors that a pure life shines, its not a bunch of rules to live by. Rather Paul's intent, is to teach these first century Christians, that by faith they are no longer to live like they did before they gave their lives to Jesus. As V17 says: “Don't live any longer like the gentiles do. So as we consider these pictures of a pure life today, I want us to realize these are virtues that God will do in your life as you truly surrender to Jesus. READ THE TEXT EPHESIANS 4:25-32 LIVING IN PURITY PT 2 Today we are going to consider seven virtues that have great application for our lives here in the twenty first century. First notice the word “therefore”, again we must look back to see what it is therefore. Look at V20. Eph 4:20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Because you came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you will not live like the world anymore. Because you are a new creation in Christ, because Jesus is working in your life, you will not follow the ways of the world or the flesh any longer rather you will live a life of purity.
To put off falsehood – means to put on truth. We live in a day when sinning the truth happens more then telling the truth. In the business world, you are taught to make the stats look the best you can. In the political world events and policies are spun to make you look good. Even in the church often sinning the story happen at the cost of truth. Living in purity, people will not make excuses for behaviors, they will not displace the blame for their actions. Eph 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Paul says, grow up, - speak truthfully. Even if it makes you look bad, “the truth will set you free.” Free to face your own sins / free to deal with the situations you face / free to speak truthfully, to you neighbor. Of course we know from Jesus parable of the good Samaritan that you neighbor is whomever is in need and whoever God puts into your life. Why speak truthfully? “Because we are all members of one body.” If you are member of the Church of Jesus Christ, then you need to live truth is your belt/ truth is your banner.
Remember when Jesus cleared the temple, he was angry. The zeal for God's house had consumed him. Picture the scene, Jesus walks into the place where God is worshiped. He immediately sees tables where all kinds of stuff is being sold. Animals for worship, money to exchange, and he is angry about the desecration of the house of God that should be a place of prayer. So Jesus does something politically incorrect, he makes a whip and drives out those who made God's house a mockery. But Jesus anger was not out of control. Matt 21:12 Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. Notice that Jesus anger was righteous anger. Not anger because he had been used -- nor anger because his feelings were hurt. But anger about sin, anger about what was wrong. Also Jesus was in total control. He turned over the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling the doves. Jesus did not hurt the little doves, he kicked over the seats of those who were selling the doves. He tossed the money everywhere. So concerning anger Paul says, “don't sin.” How do you keep from sinning when you're angry? Don't end the day in angry. The story is told about a little boy who got into a fight with his older brother and being somewhat outmatched, he took quite a beating. It was his pride, however, that suffered the most. The whole experience left him feeling bitter. In fact, he refused to talk to his brother all day. Bedtime came, and their mother, wanting to see the two make up, said to the younger, “Don’t you think you should forgive your brother before you go to sleep? Remember, the Bible says, ‘Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.’ “The boy looked perplexed. He thought for a few moments and then blurted out, “But, Mommy, how can I keep the sun from going down?” Of course that young boy’s question revealed that he had no intention of getting rid of his anger. Its been said that if you go to sleep angry you will wake up that way. So don't let the day end while you are angry. Why? Because that will give the devil a foothold in your life. A woman tried to defend her bad temper by saying, I explode and then it's all over with." "Yes," replied a friend, "just like a shotgun - but look at the damage that's left behind. " Aristotle wrote "Anyone can become angry, 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." Anger leads to rage, rage leads to revenge, and out of control behavior. The devil will take hold of the emotion of anger more then any other. If you have a problem with uncontrolled anger don't excuse it. “Its his fault, its her fault, its because I'm Italian, I'm Irish, I'm whatever.” Don't excuse anger, and don't justify anger. I'm out of control because its a full moon, or have PMS. Uncontrolled anger is not because of any of those things -- its because you are FLESH, you're a sinner and you are allowing anger rule your life. Uncontrolled anger like any sin needs to be dealt with. It needs to be confessed, it needs to be repented of and it needs to die in your life. Eph 4:26-27 NLT "Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. Living in purity, live truthfully, live controlled.
The Ephesians mostly had come out of paganism. They had no moral code for living, and if a person could gain a few bucks by ripping off someone else, so be it. But now Paul says: “you march to the cadence of the Holy Spirit.” “If you have been dishonest -- stop it.” Don't steal live by the 8th commandment, and work with the work ethic of the Lord. Eph 6: 7 (speaking to slaves) “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” Work honestly, work hard, work so you can give to others. The church of Jesus Christ is the most benevolent group in the world. When disaster strikes anywhere around the world, the church is there to help. Whether it is war/ natural disaster, or someone in the local congregation who needs a hand, believers are always there to help. Christians are the first to open their wallets and offer their time when there are needs. Jesus said, that even sharing something little - God will reward you. Mark 9:41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.
Man, I'm sick of cursing Christians. I can understand it if you just got saved, I can tolerate your potty mouth if you're a baby in Christ, but friends I am offended by cursing and dirty jokes that come out of the mouth of so called mature Christians. Let your speech build up those who are in need. Let your words be sprinkled with grace, and not be perverse. Eph 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking , which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Let your speech be clean, wise, building others up, full of thanksgiving and praise. That's the work of God in a man's life, that's the Holy Spirit working in a woman's heart. For as our Lord said. Matt 12:34... For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks . When the Holy Spirit works in on the inside, the words on the outside will reflect a life of purity. Another area for wholesome speech is: Put Downs. I know its fun to dig at one another from time to time, but I think this is an area you can easily cross the line. Prov 26:18-19 Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking !" Live with wholesome speech because to cut someone down is like shooting firebrands into the heart of your neighbor. Living in purity, live truthfully / live controlled / live honestly / live with wholesome speech.
Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. The bible says you can “quench the Holy Spirit” you can “lie to the Holy Spirit”, and you can “grieve the Holy Spirit.” You grieve him by living contrary to the call he has on your life. If you are a follower of Jesus - you were bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and he has given you the Holy Spirit as a down payment until you are with him in eternity. So a believe can grieve the Spirit by living contrary to his call. TURN BACK A FEW PAGES TO GALATIANS 5:16-18 To live by / walk in, the Spirit is a daily choice. To daily die to the old self, and daily put on Christ, to daily listen to the Spirit over the things of this world. And the promise is powerful, you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. There is a battle the flesh / sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit. But its not law or rules if your are led by the Spirit, its just laying down your flesh, and following the voice of God. What will it look like to follow God's voice? That's what we see in today's text. The Spirit led life. Don't grieve the Spirit -- rather live in purity, by living truthfully, living controlled, live honestly, living with wholesome speech, and living after the Spirit.
I like the way the NIV reads here, “Get rid of these things.” Then Paul list five behaviors that are contrary to the call of the Holy Spirit. Five behaviors that are not acceptable to a life of faith. 1. BITTERNESS Bitterness is to hold onto your pain. Someone once said. “The problem with bitterness is no matter how long you nurse a grudge, it will never better!” Bitterness is about self, my pain, my hurt, what you did to Me. The Christian life if about others, its about dieing to self and living for God and serving others. Bitterness will keep you from the joy of the Lord, bitterness only hurts -- you. Comedian Buddy Hackett said: “I never carry a grudge. Do you want to know why? While you’re carrying a grudge, the other person is out dancing.” I think of King David's son, Absalom, who nursed his bitterness against his half brother Amnon for two years. For two years he hated him, for two years he plotted against him. Amnon had sinned against Tamar, Absalom's sister but instead of dealing with it according to the law, Absalom harbored his bitterness and finally had Amnon killed. That's the problem with bitterness, it kills, but it kills you more then others. It kills your spirit, it kills your relationship with God, it kills your ability to hear Holy Spirit. Paul says to live free of evil. Bitterness leads to. 2. RAGE /ANGER We have already considered anger somewhat, but look at this word rage. The bible says that those who live in “fits of rage --will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Does rage consume you? Is anger your sin. Friends as someone who God has delivered from rage and anger I want to tell you. When you get honest with yourself, when you get honest with God and call your rage what it is – sin that is when you put yourself in a place that God can deliver you. 3. BRAWLING Live without evil, no brawling. That does not mean you can't protect yourself, but if you've been in more then one fight every ten years -- I think you might want to look inside and it just might be you and not others. 4. SLANDER Controlling the tongue is one of the most powerful signs of someone walking in the Spirit. If you are walking in the Spirit you are not going to gossip, you are not going to slander. Prov 16:28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. Four pastors were at lunch one day when one said. “You know, since all of us are such good friends, this might be a good time to discuss the problems that are disturbing us.” They all nodded in agreement. “Well, I would like to share with you the fact that I drink to excess,” said one. There was a gasp from the other three. Then another spoke up. “Since you were so honest, I’d like to say that my big problem is-- gambling. It’s terrible, I know, but I can’t seem to quit. I’ve even been tempted to take money from the collection plate.” Another gasp was heard, and the third clergyman spoke. “I’m really troubled, brothers, because I’m growing fond of a woman in my church—a married woman. ” More gasps. But the fourth man remained silent. After a few minutes the others coaxed him to open up. “The fact is,” he said, “I just don’t know how to tell you about my problem.” It’s all right, brother. Your secret is safe with us.” “Well, it’s this way, you see, I’m a really terrible gossip.” Prov 26:20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. Chuck Swindoll said: “If you don’t say it, they can’t repeat it.” 5. MALICE. Malice is hatred that leads to revenge, and spitefulness. All these behaviors begin with the inner attitude of the heart, they die when a man/ a woman has submitted to the Holy Spirit. We have seen six pictures of a life in purity. We live truthfully, live controlled, live honestly, live with wholesome speech, live after the Spirit. And live without evil – finally.
Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Perhaps you think, I'm just not that type of person. Kind and compassionate, and forgiving. Then perhaps its time to turn your life over to the living God. Perhaps you need to examine your heart. Is Jesus really your Lord? For if you follow the master, if you submit your life to the Holy Spirit, you will live in purity and you will live a life of love. Notice three areas love shines in our lives. 1. KINDNESS Kindness starts with speech, and then goes into actions. Are you kind with those who are hard to be kind with? That does not mean you soft soap hard things, in fact one of the kindest things you can ever say to someone is: “Your wrong!” Pointing out sin, and wrong behaviors by speaking the truth in love. Live in love letting kindness rule your speech and your behaviors. There's a great personal test of kindness. How kind are you when you get lousy service? When the waitress forgets your order, or you have to wait at the DMV? I think God allows those things in my life to develop me. 2. COMPASSION During the civil war, Abraham Lincoln often visited the hospitals to cheer the wounded. On one occasion he saw a young fellow who was near death. “Is there anything I can do for you?” asked the compassionate President. “Please write a letter to my mother,” came the reply. Unrecognized by the soldier, the Chief Executive sat down and wrote as the young man told him what to say. But the young man was too weak to go on, so Lincoln signed the letter for him and then added this postscript: “Written for your son by Abraham Lincoln.” Upon looking at the note, the soldier was astonished to discover who had shown him such compassion. “Are you really our President?” he asked. “Yes,” was the quiet answer. “Now, is there anything else I can do?” The boy replied, “Will you please hold my hand? I think it would help to see me through to the end.” There sat the busiest man in the nation, offering warm words of encouragement, and compassionate touch until that young man passed into death. Compassion is an outflow of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love that shows compassion to those who are hurting. Compassion for the lost / compassion for the down trodden / compassion for those who have needs. Like President Lincoln was not too busy, like the good Samaritan who took the time, often compassion just might interrupt your day. But if you are following the Holy Spirit you will live in love, by kindness, and compassion. Finally. 3. FORGIVENESS When his men asked him “teach us to pray.” Jesus gave them what we call our Lord's prayer - part of which says. Matt 6:12-15 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Do you get it? Do you believe it? We forgive because --in Christ God has forgiven us. And Jesus adds the fact that our forgiveness from God is contingent on us forgiving others. Sometimes that forgiveness means we go and face that person and tell them we forgive them, and perhaps we ask for forgiveness from them. Sometimes its impossible to forgive face to face so we call out to God and forgive from the heart and God honors that. Be that as it may. To live a life of purity is to live a life of love and that only happens when we are truly forgiving towards those who have hurt us / or used us/ or taken advantage of us. One last word of forgiveness. True forgiveness is like God's forgiveness -- it chooses to forget. If you say you have forgiven a grievance, if you tell your spouse they are forgiven , if you tell your enemy they are forgiven, then you choose not to ever bring it up again. That is what our God does with our sins. He tosses them into the sea of forgetfulness. Ps 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. In closing. Living a life of purity is to live a life of faith. To say no to the passions of the flesh, to say no to the model of the world, to say yes to the call of the Holy Spirit. Church now is the time to live by faith -- to live by the Holy Spirit -- to live a life of purity. PRAY, INVITE, BENEDICTION, SING. Series: Ephesians -Through the Bible |
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