Telling the Truth Ephesians 4:25-29

Ephesians 4 Unity of the Church For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, Ephesians 4:4–5

Ephesians 4 Unity of the Church Ministry “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 Ephesians 4 Unity of the Church Ministry Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15–16 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News… 2 Corinthians 4:4 …Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Ephesians 4:17 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Ephesians 4:20–23

Ephesians 4 Unity of the Church Ministry Lay aside old self, put on new self. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:24 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Ephesians 4 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Ephesians 4:25 Old Self Won’t hesitate to lie New Self Can take the risk of telling the truth Old Self Doesn’t care about truth New Self Truth is central

Ephesians 4 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. Ephesians 4:26–27 Old Self Not worried about damage anger might do New Self Concerned with effect on others

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? Matthew 7:3 Ephesians 4 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. Ephesians 4:26–27 Old Self Focused on revenge or avoidance New Self Focused on repentance and forgiveness Old Self Lets anger simmer New Self Eager to forgive Old Self Doesn’t want to take responsibility New Self Looks to own faults first Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15b

Ephesians 4 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:26–27 Old Self Doesn’t believe in spiritual warfare New Self Alert to Satan’s schemes

New Self Focused on giving Ephesians 4 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Ephesians 4:28 Old Self Gotta get mine New Self Focused on giving

Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. Romans 13:8 Ephesians 4 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 Old Self Nothing useful to say New Self Speaking the truth in love