Put Off and Put On!
Ephesians 4:17–32
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
The Christian life is not just about “putting off” sin, but also “putting on” righteousness.
Put Off the Old Man
Ephesians 4:22
The old nature is corrupt, deceitful, and leads to destruction.
Lying
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
Sinful Anger
Ephesians 4:26, 31
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
Psalm 37:8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.
Stealing
Ephesians 4:28
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
Exodus 20:15
You shall not steal.
Corrupt Speech
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Bitterness, Wrath, Malice
Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
I Peter 2:1
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,
Be Renewed in the Spirit of Your Mind
Ephesians 4:23
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
Put On the New Man
Ephesians 4:24
That you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
The new man reflects Christ’s righteousness and holiness.
Truthfulness
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
Zechariah 8:16
These are the things you shall do: speak each man the truth to his neighbor; give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace;
Righteous Anger with Restraint
Ephesians 4:26
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
Psalm 4:4
Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
Honest Work & Generosity
Ephesians 4:28
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
Proverbs 14:23
In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.
II Corinthians 9:7
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Edifying Speech
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Proverbs 12:18
There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.
Kindness, Forgiveness, Love
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you
Luke 6:36
Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
The Motivation: Sealed by the Spirit
Ephesians 4:30
“Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
We grieve the Holy Spirit when we live in the old man.
Galatians 5:16
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
The Christian’s walk is a daily exchange:
Put off sin and corruption.
Put on Christlikeness and holiness.
Challenge: Each day, ask,
What do I need to put off today?
What do I need to put on?”