Ephesians 4: The Way of the New Man

Transcription

1 Ephesians 4:25-32 RW The Way of the New Man The Ephesians had put off once for all their former manner of life; their old man. The spirit of their minds was constantly being renewed. They had put on once for all a new life created by God in righteousness and holiness of truth; the new man. Paul had spoken of this earlier in his letter when he said, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. When speaking of the Ephesians former manner of life, he had taken time to describe that walk. Paul now described for the Ephesians the manner of their walk as new men. He gave the believers five exhortations concerning their manner of life in light of having put on the new man. In each case, Paul gave his exhortation through a negative command, a positive command and then a reason for his positive command. First, Paul told the Ephesians to stop lying; it was a habit of the old man. The new man was to speak truth with his brothers and sisters in light of the fact that they were all part of the body of Christ. They were to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and that was impossible if they lied to one another. Speaking the truth was the way of the new man. Second, the Ephesians believers were to avoid letting a just anger become sin. Earlier Paul had told the Ephesians that they had been dead in their trespasses and sins; they had missed the mark of God s glory. There was anger that took on the form of righteous indignation which was permitted, but when it became mixed with irritation and embitterment in the believer s life, it became sin; missing the mark of glorifying God. Paul then commanded the Ephesians to deal with this form of mixed anger quickly. Left unchecked, the irritated, embittered anger gave the devil an opportunity to access the believer s walk. As Wuest put it, the new man was to be constantly angry with a righteous indignation and was to deal quickly with any other type of anger before it became sin. The new man controlled his anger. Third, the Ephesians believers were to no longer steal; stealing was a trait of the old man. Instead they were to be working with their own hands. The reason that Paul gave for this was so that they would have something to share with those who had need. The commentators noted that in ancient pagan culture, stealing might not necessarily be considered an offense if the circumstances justified the need to steal, such as hunger or unemployment. The new man was not to steal; regardless of the circumstances. He was to work and he was to share with his brothers and sisters in Christ who were in need. If and when he found himself in need, they were to share with him. The new man worked to share. Fourth, the Ephesians believers were not to speak words that were meant to injure or tear down another; that was how the old man spoke. His words were rotten and unfit for use. On the other hand, Paul commanded them to speak with words meant to encourage and build their brothers and sisters because these good words would accomplish their desired goal. This was how the new man spoke. His words were gracious and a benefit to those who heard them. To revert back to the speech patterns of the old man was a sure way for the new man to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. This was due to the fact that the new man had been sealed by the Holy Spirit. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God s own possession, to the praise of His glory. The new man spoke words of encouragement. Finally, Paul commanded the Ephesians believers to get rid of six characteristics of the old man and to take on three characteristics of the new man. They were to rid themselves of bitterness, wrath, anger (the non righteous indignation type), clamor, slander and all malice. These traits marked the life of the old man. Rather than those traits they were to exhibit kindness and gentleness and forgiveness. These were the traits

2 that would identify the new man and the new man would exhibit these traits because he had seen them exhibited by God in Christ Jesus. The new man was kind, gentle and forgiving. SK How to Walk as a Believer Both Hoehner and Constable begin their commentary with the identical words that the passage is about five exhortations regarding Christian conduct. Each exhortation having three parts, a negative command, a positive command, and a reason for the positive command. The first exhortation is about being truthful and Constable notes that it is an essential quality that brings unity to the body and that lies are destructive to that unity. The second exhortation deals with anger and both commentators say that there is such a thing as righteous anger, the believer should not harbor anger and be quick to resolve disputes. The devil can use anger in the life of a believer to bring the believer to sin by letting anger control them instead of the believer controlling their anger. The third exhortation is to stop stealing and to work honestly in order to give to the needy. Theft should not be tolerated among believers and I would add that supporting actions by your government that takes from one person and gives to another by threat of force is also stealing and the Christian should have no part in it. The fourth exhortation is to use our words to build up and not tear one another down. Constable notes that anything that injures or causes dissention among believers is unwholesome. Both commentators also note that the Holy Spirit can be grieved by our speech but Hoehner adds that he Holy Spirit helps a believer guard his speech. The fifth exhortation is to get rid of five vices and adopt three virtues as Constable puts it. Both commentators list the five vices as bitterness, wrath or rage, anger, clamor or brawling, and malice. Constable notes that in the passage above Paul indicated that a believer could get angry and therefore may be a contradiction but he explains that the passage above is referring to anger in its proper context noting that Jesus also displayed anger on occasion but that anger should be normally avoided. It should not be the pattern of normal behavior in the life of a believer. We should be kind, compassionate and forgiving and both commentators note that this is how God has treated us. JM LIVING AS A SEGMENT OF THE CHURCH or DON T BE MEAN BE NICE In previous studies, Paul his spent time on the formation of the Church as a new expression of God s God s dealing with Man. Paul realized that the Church as an organization would be made up of imperfect imperfect men as its body members. A body cannot function properly, and it is likely to cease to exist, if exist, if internal conflict interferes with the mechanisms of functionality and sustainability. Paul is sounding sounding a warning against the development of an autoimmune disorder within the Church, originating originating from a single member or group. Specific instructions are given to all body parts to keep keep unhealthy chemistries from entering and developing into a degenerative disorder or movement movement within the whole organization. This section of scripture (verses 25-32) highlights five points of behavior, each including negative actions, actions, their positive countermeasures, and the reasoning for the correct activity. Each exhortation has a has a role in stabilizing the interpersonal relationships within the Church body allowing it to function, function, grow, and develop as Christ the Head and Creator intended at its inception. Point 1 is an encouragement to tell the truth. The stated reasoning is that as we are of one another, we another, we should be truthful with each other. It could also be inferred that if a member has a reputation reputation of untruthfulness the whole of the body is damaged, even among the unbelievers, by guilt by guilt by association. Point 2 is instruction about dealing with anger. Anger, though sometimes justified or even necessary, has to necessary, has to be controlled by the believer. Chronic or mishandled anger becomes a sin with which the which the devil will manipulate any situation to his benefit. The individual, as well as his association with

3 association with the church, can become compromised and rendered less effective in the appointed work at work at hand. Point 3 admonishes those who steal to desist from this behavior. The audience is saved Christians and by and by extension the Church. The meaning could include not only outright theft etc., but also slacking in slacking in work or other less overt means of stealing that arise from defects in character. These actions are actions are a ploy by Man to bypass the condemnation of God issued in Genesis 3:19 and thus are a feeble a feeble attempt to bypass God and establish some form of self dependency-no matter how untenable. untenable. Stealing, in any form, is a sin against the commanded love for one s neighbor (Galatians 5:14 (Galatians 5:14 and others). The spiritual mandate to aid the needy is also recounted to correct those those unwilling to fulfill their role in the Church. Point 4 speaks of the uncontrolled tongue. It is an enemy of the individual, those around him, and, by by extension, the Church. If the Holy Spirit can be grieved by our careless words, there is much negative negative energy in their usage. We can, and should, deal with idle (and worse) words, before they happen, happen, to the benefit of all and the glory of God. Point 5 can be paraphrased as, Don t be mean. Be nice. The World has a way, through its constant constant battering, to change a Christian in a manner that encourages one to harden in spirit. We, as is seen as is seen in the closing of this chapter, have a focal point to prevent this from happening. We remember remember the ultimate forgiveness that we have received through Christ. That is how we should strive to strive to live. Reading up to date James Mahler CM Verbals and Verbs in Ephesians 4:18-32 Or My Summary is Having Babies It all started innocently enough translation comparisons began to crop up between Constable, Hoehner, and Wuest down at the station. Sargeant Friday and I decided to check out what looked, on closer inspection, to be infinitives masquerading as imperatives. This required us to verify some research we had done earlier in the 4:18-24 block of Ephesians. Before returning to headquarters, we decided to check in on an ex-con, a Mr. B. Liever, who d been out of prison a few months, and was living in the neighborhood just the next block up. Things looked to be in good order around his place. He said he was leading a new life. For the sake of his neighbors, we decided to check his story out with the locals. There seemed to be more imperatives hanging out in this part of town for some reason. We decided to haul the infinitives and the imperatives in to the station forensics lab for analysis. Turns out there were more directives Mr. Liever was supposed to be fulfilling than even the Constable said he was required to do. Detective Wuest exonerated the ex-con from having to fulfill all of the Constable s directives, saying that Mr. Liever had already done so with help from the Judge. Before all the data could be processed, there was an explosion in the lab, and Bible verses were to be found raining down all over the city itself and as far away as Psalm Springs, Rome, and John-son City! (To request a full report with all the verbs categorized, please Carol Mahler at the station.) Exhibit A: B. Liever knew what he was supposed to do. Ephesians 4:20-24 The believer has been taught in the truth of Jesus Christ: (Rom. 3:22 the faith of Jesus Christ) 1. To put away the old conduct of the corrupt old man; a. Ps. 19:7a The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. b. Ps. 19:8 a The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. c. Ps. 19:9a The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever. 2. To be renewed in the spirit of his mind ( by the renewing of your mind (Rom. 12:2); a. Ps. 19:7b The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. b. Ps. 1(:8b The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

4 c. Ps. 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold sweeter also than honey. 3. To sink into the garment of the new man which is according to what God approves as righteous and holy and holy in fact. a. Righteousness (dikaiosyne 1343 what is deemed right by the Lord (after His examination), i.e. what is what is approved in His eyes) b. Holiness (hosioteti 3742 what the Lord defines (ordains) as holy and just. Looks to the application of application of what God defines as sanctioned (i.e. as heaven s will works out on earth). This is holiness holiness fleshed out, i.e. incarnated by living in faith. c. Truth (aletheia 225 In ancient Greek culture, (alḗtheia) was synonymous for reality as the opposite of opposite of illusion, i.e. fact.). Ps. 19: 9 b The judgment of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Lk. 1:75, Rom 1:17, Exhibit B: B. Liever is out of prison now, and is able to choose to live differently. In light of how believers have been taught in Jesus Christ, having put away the lie, we are to a. Proclaim, speak forth, tell the truth with our words and our actions i. Tell about the truth of the good news of God s purposes, as you received it, to your Christian brothers and sisters. ii. Just as the orderliness of the heavens declare God s glory and knowledge, our walk and talk should reflect God s standards of righteousness and holiness. (Ps. 19:1-2) iii. If we say that we have fellowship with God, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not practice the truth (I John 1:6) iv. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (I John 1:8) 1. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Ps. 19: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I Jn. 1:9) 3. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. (Ps. 19: 13) a. Sinning in anger b. Stealing c. Using corrupt communication d. Grieving the Holy Spirit e. Holding onto bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, and malice 4. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:17-18) a. Labour in order to share with needy brothers b. Communicate that which is good for edifying c. Be kind one to another d. Be tenderhearted e. Forgive one another as God for Christ s sake has forgiven me. Exhibit C: B. Liever is now living in a new neighborhood and has a bright future since being released from prison. The purpose in the believer s conducting himself in accordance with his being the new man is because we are members one of another, and we are to walk worthy of our high calling, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:2). He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. (I John 2:10) WA Peacemaking, the Trait of the New Man 4:25 Stop Lying 25 Therefore, putting away lying, Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members

5 members of one another. Paul asks us to speak the truth with our neighbors. I believe neighbors in this this context refer to the body of Christ. Peacekeepers are ones who let things go. They try and overlook overlook slights or insults to keep the peace. They would say not everything requires a fight. Paul s Paul s exhortation is to speak honestly with the offender and get to the root of the problem. A peacemaker peacemaker is one who works to get to the root of the problem and fix it. Paul wants us to be peacemakers. peacemakers. 4:26-27 Work Out Your Anger It s significant that Paul exhorted us to not let anger fester instead of never being angry. I believe this this means there is a proper place for anger, in the right context. We are not to be ruled by base emotions emotions however and are to use the emotions to better the situation and further the mission of Christ. Christ. Bitterness is easily gained and divides a congregation quickly; God has no use for us to be bitter bitter with one another. We are to be peacemakers. 4:28 Work and Don t Steal Here Paul exhorts us not to steal but work so that we will be able to give to the poor. I have no doubts about doubts about the validity of verse 28 but I also have to admit that I am confused as to why it is here. The here. The passage of verses seems to be a fairly clear message on church unity and how unresolved unresolved conflict can destroy it; I am lost as to why a verse on theft is placed here. I can only guess this guess this could have been the cause of bitterness at the church at Ephesus. This doesn t change the overall the overall message to us, we are commanded to cleave to our church family (faults and all) and simultaneously not steal. 4:29-30 Be Edifiers Our words are to build one another. Careless, misunderstood and malicious words cause strife and anger. anger. We must first think then speak (not a Wade Allred superpower!). Gossip has no place among us. among us. When we go to one another to resolve conflict we must decide how to give the message to to inspire change instead of inspiring further wrath. We must also be cognizant of the fact that our actions actions against God cause the Holy Spirit grief. When we sin against each other we sin against God, who God, who sees and is emotionally affected by all of our actions. 4:31-32 Cleave to the Traits of the New Man The first half of the last exhortation is to be rid of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking. All of speaking. All of these work in a diabolical concert to hurt and hinder the mission of God. A church in church in turmoil will not be effective in reaching the lost; a Christian in turmoil will not have as deep of a deep of a relationship with God. The second half of the exhortation commands us to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving to one another. another. The church has a mission, to reach the lost. To reach the lost we must be likeminded, resolute and resolute and unified. We must be Peacemakers! JD Changes in Action for the New Man This passage focuses primarily on believers conduct. Constable and Hoehner summarize these as five exhortations, each consisting of a triplet of a negative command, a positive command, and a reason for the positive command. Wuest does not appear to make this linkage in every case, but summarizes the individual points similarly. The first exhortation is that believers shun falsehood for the truth. Constable discusses how essential truth is for unity, and although the world utilizes deception, a Christian absolutely must not. Wuest translates the phrase having put off the lie, that is, once and for all putting off the habit of lying that was part of the old man. Regarding the second exhortation, Wuest explains the differences in anger, specifying that paraorgismos (anger with irritation, exasperation, embitterment) in verse 26 is forbidden, but orge (abiding and settled

6 habit of mind aroused at certain times) may be permissible under certain circumstances. All three commentators warn that even justifiable anger, if over-indulged, may become sin. Hoehner summarizes that the way to prevent this is to keep short accounts, or deal with anger before the sun goes down. The third exhortation is to work rather than steal. Wuest notes that the Greek suggests the sin was being committed by Ephesian church members, due to their heathen cultural background. Though there are many positive benefits to working, the one listed is to provide for those in need, which Hoehner defines as true Christian charity. Constable feels likewise, noting that this reaffirms the seventh commandment. Speech is the topic of the fourth exhortation. Wuest portrays this as non-utterance of corrupt words, and notes grace ( charis ) is the New Testament word for grace in salvation. Constable tells a story attributed to Mohammed to support this. Hoehner notes that since the Holy Spirit can be grieved, this testifies to His personality. Wuest discusses the concepts of representing God under human form or human attributes, as well as the significance of the sealing work of the Spirit, referencing Ephesians 1:13. Exhortation number five is to get rid of six vices (Constable states five but lists six). The commentators all describe the meanings of the individual vices. Constable focuses on the inter-relatedness of the vices, proposing that wrath flows from bitterness and that malice is the source of the other vices. Hoehner notes that several of these vices are listed in Colossians 3:8. In verse 31, Constable attempts to explain an apparent contradiction between this and verse 26 as to whether anger is allowed. He proposes two options: either verse 26 governs angry behavior even though it is not God s will (similar to how God gave instructions about divorce although it was against His will) or verse 26 means anger is proper in certain circumstances, but we should normally avoid it. Constable prefers the latter option because Jesus was sometimes angry. Wuest agrees, stating that the orge in verse 31 is forbidden due to the human passion. Hoehner does not address this explicity. In verse 32, Wuest notes that forgiving is charizomai not aphiemi, suggesting that the forgiveness is more of a showing of grace or favor rather than the forgiveness of salvation in the cross. Wuest prefers in Christ to for Christ s sake due to the Greek.