Walk Worthy: Exhortations of Christian Behavior Ephesians 4:28-32
1st Exhortation: Tell the Truth Eph 4:25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Tell the truth to your neighbor When not to tell the truth (exp. Rehab)
2nd Exhortation: Control Your Anger Eph. 4:26,27 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. Anger is normal There is a righteous anger Don’t sin in your anger Get over it Outburst of anger and holding in anger gives the enemy an opportunity.
3 rd Exhortation: Work 28 Let the thief (klepto) no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. If stealing was a part of life before, now as a Christian, give it up. Do honest work. Motive: To share with those in need.
4 th Exhortation: Watch Your Mouth 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Earlier: don’t lie. Now nothing unwholesome (decayed, rotten) come from your mouth. Words should build up, give grace. Rotten language grieves (causes sorrow to) the Holy Spirit.
5 th Exhortation: Replace five vices with three virtues 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Five vices 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. All are forms of Anger, or expressions of anger Bitterness – (Resentment) internal Wrath – indignant outburst of rage Anger – a steady festering or seething Clamor – loud scream or shout, brawling Slander – defamation by lies or gossip Malice – anger in all forms
Three virtues 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Be kind Be tenderhearted Forgive one another Why? Because God in Christ forgave you.
God in Christ Forgave You! So, Forgive others, be kind, talk with grace, work to help those in need, and stop fighting.