Claim Your Ministry. Ephesians 4:1-32

Transcription

1 1 Claim Your Ministry Ephesians 4:1-32

2 2 Claim Your Ministry Text: Ephesians 4:1-32, 1. I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2. with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of

3 3 men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 17. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18. having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19. Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20. But ye have not so learned Christ; 21. If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27. Neither give place to the devil. 28. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

4 4 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Introduction: I. Ephesians chapters 1-3 emphasize Christian doctrine while chapters 4-6 emphasize Christian living. This is, however, not exclusively done in either section. II. Notice the following key Christian living (actions and/or attitudes) words and phrases found in the first 16 verses of this lesson text. A. live a life worthy of your Christian calling. B. humility. C. gentleness. D. patience. E. bearing with one another. F. love. G. make every effort to maintain Christian unity. H. peace. I. hope.

5 5 J. grace. K. build up the body of Christ. L. work of ministry. M. faith. N. knowledge. O. maturity. P. stable in belief. Q. speak the truth. R. Christian growth. III. As a child grows toward adulthood, Christians are to grow/develop in each of these and other Christian graces. Commentary: Unity of the Body of Christ Ephesians 4:1, I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, I. Paul was a prisoner of the Lord; that is, A. a prisoner in Rome because of his service to Christ. B. a prisoner of the Lord, one who served Christ as a slave.

6 6 II. Paul besought (begged) the Ephesians to walk (live) in such a way as to honor Christ the Lord. A. To please God and complete the church s mission, we must live in keeping with the will of the Lord. B. Hypocrites in the church have really hurt the cause of Christ. Ephesians 4:2, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; I. Christian lives are to be characterized by: A. lowliness (humility) 1. This is not a conflict with healthy self-esteem. 2. Romans 12:3, For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. B. meekness (gentleness) 1. Numbers 12:3, (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) C. long suffering (patient, tolerant, forgiving) 1. Romans 2:4, Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not

7 7 knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 2. Romans 9:22, What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 3. 1 Timothy 1:16, Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting Peter 3:20, Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water Peter 3:15, And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; D. forbearance (treating others with respect, overlooking faults.) E. love (unselfish affection) 1. John 13:34-35, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another Corinthians 13:13, And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

8 8 II. These qualities were despised by the Gentile culture in which the Ephesian church existed. A. These qualities today in many circles in America are regarded as signs of weakness. B. At least many Americans do not think of them as ways to get ahead. Ephesians 4:3, Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. I. Christians are to really try, be diligent, endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the framework of peace. A. Jesus prayed for unity among his followers and Paul insisted that the Ephesians put unity and peace high on their list of priorities. B. Disunity is rampant everywhere in almost every relationship (world, nation, state, city, business, family, and, all too often, in the church.) II. The prospects of universal peace in all human relationships are not good this side of heaven. Ephesians 4:4, 5, There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, I. The one body is the one universal church. II. The one Spirit is the Holy Spirit which indwells the hearts of Christians.

9 9 III. The one hope of our Christian calling is heaven. IV. The one faith is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Christian religion. V. The one baptism refers to Christian water baptism. Ephesians 4:6, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. I. In a world which was and is filled with limitless idols and religions of all kinds (polytheism), Paul affirmed that there is only one true God who is everywhere omnipresent. A. Acts 17:24-28, God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. B. Deuteronomy 6:4, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: Ephesians 4:7, But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. I. God has given various gifts, abilities, talents to individual Christians.

10 10 A. We are to use all gifts the Lord has provided to live in keeping with his will and to advance his cause. B. Matthew 25:14-30, For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my

11 11 coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Ephesians 4:8, Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. I. When Christ ascended to heaven following the resurrection, he led captivity captive and gave gifts to men. A. This may allude to the parades of conquering Roman Generals who led captives through the streets of Rome who displayed gifts to Rome taken during and following battle. B. Psalm 68:18, Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. C. 2 Corinthians 2:14, Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. Ephesians 4:9, (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? I. Christ ascended but he also first descended into the low parts of the earth; that is, was buried.

12 12 II. Others interpret this verse to mean that Christ first descended from heaven to the lowly earth, fulfilled his ministry, and then ascended to glory. Ephesians 4:10, He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) I. Christ did not desert the earth when he ascended. II. Christ is present everywhere in heaven and earth. III. The ascension made possible a Christ filled earth!... and a Christ filled church. Ephesians 4:11, And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; I. Christ gave some one gift/position in the church and some others; that is, gifts and positions: A. apostles, especially commissioned leaders who were charged with proclaiming the gospel, establishing churches and keeping the church true to the faith. B. prophets were also inspired by the Holy Spirit to teach and to foretell certain future events. 1. Acts 11:28, And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 2. Acts 21:10-12, And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named

13 13 Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. C. evangelists (Greek: to bring good news) centered their work on preaching to lost souls and bringing them to salvation. 1. Acts 21:8, And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him Timothy 4:5, But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry Peter 5:1-2, The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; E. teachers (instructors, spiritual educators, mentors, tutors)... II. Paul did not here list all the offices in the church. These are to be considered representative of all the others such as deacons.

14 14 Ephesians 4:12, 13, For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: I. The purposes of these offices in the church were to: A. perfect the saints. B. promote the work of ministering. C. build up (edify) the church. II. The objects of this work were to: A. enable Christians to achieve the unity of the faith. B. achieve full knowledge of Christ. C. become a mature person in Christ and his service. D. measure up to the full standards of Christ. 1. A full grown man is sometimes translated a perfect man. 2. This is the goal of Christians: that is, to be perfect in Christ. III. All Christians were to be engaged in good works. Ephesians 4:14, 15, That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,

15 15 whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: I. Christians are to be stable in their beliefs and conduct, not influenced one way and then another by the various teachings that come along. A. Mature adults are expected to be stable while children are expected to be less that consistent in conduct. B. False teachers used slight of hand tricks and craftiness to trick people into following their teachings. 1. Christians were not to be influenced by these people and their teachings. C. They make use of every shifting device to mislead. (Weymouth) 1. They lay deliberate traps to ensnare the unstable. 2. All teachers of error are not sincere. II. Those entrusted with church leadership were to: A. speak the truth in love. B. grow into Christian maturity. III. All of this will glorify Christ. Ephesians 4:16, From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every

16 16 part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. I. From Christ: A. all the body (church) is properly fitted together. B. every joint/part gets the strength to contribute to the body s (church s) function and health. II. This results in a healthy, growing church. III. All of these positive results are produced by the effects of Christian love. Ephesians 4:17, This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, I. Therefore I say this, tell you this, and testify, insist on it in the Lord. A. Christians must live so as to glorify Christ. B. Paul insisted on this. This is an absolute necessity! II. You must no longer live, walk no longer, as the Gentiles do, walk; that is, in the vanity of their mind, futility of their thinking. A. Coffman pointed out that there are three races in the world; viz., Jews, Gentiles and Christians. B. No longer live the old pagan life, Paul declared in other words.

17 17 C. Sinful living is futile, vain, productive of no good. 1. Romans 1:21, Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Ephesians 4:18, 19, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. I. Being, they are darkened in their understanding, A. Darkness keeps people from seeing clearly. B. Trying to straddle the line between right/light and wrong/darkness blurs moral vision. 1. Ephesians 1:18, The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, II. Separated, alienated from the life of God, because of the: A. ignorance that is in them, 1. Romans 1:18, For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

18 18 2. Romans 1:28, And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; B. due to the hardening of their hearts 1. Boles mentioned that hardening means calcified or turned to stone. C. Scriptures: 1. Ephesians 2:12, That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 2. Colossians 1:21, And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled III. who being past feeling, having lost all sensitivity, A. How terribly sad that saved Christians with tender and receptive hearts could have so let Satan back into their lives! 1. 1 Timothy 4:2, Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; B. gave themselves up to lasciviousness, sensuality 1. Romans 1:24-32, Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who

19 19 changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 2. Galatians 5:19, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, C. so at to work, indulge in every kind of, all uncleanliness, impurity. D. with greediness, a continual lust for more Peter 4:3, For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we

20 20 walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 2. 1 John 3:7, 8, Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. IV. The awesome fact is that this could happen to us as well! A. Be on guard! B. Be vigilant! Ephesians 4:20-24, But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. I. But, however, you did not so learn Christ; come to know Christ that way. A. Surely you to whom I (Paul) personally preached the gospel will not return to a life of sinfulness. B. if so, be that you heard him, surely you heard of him C. and were taught in him 1. Hearing and being taught the gospel is the way to redemption.

21 21 2. God does not act separate and apart from the gospel to save souls. D. in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus, even as truth is in Jesus 1. John 8:32, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 2. John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. II. Put away, you were taught, A. as concerning your former manner of life, B. to put off the old man that waxeth corrupt, is being corrupted 1. The old man is the sinful, unconverted, pre-christian sinful man. C. after the lusts of deceit, by its deceitful desires; III. To be made new in the attitude of your minds, be renewed in the spirit of your mind and... A. God s spirit is to guide the mind of Christians. 1. Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the

22 22 faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 2. Romans 12:2, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. B. put on the new man, self, 1. The new man is the converted, devout Christian walking, with God s help, in the steps of Jesus. 2. Philippians 2:5, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: C. that after God has been created, created to be like God in true righteousness, not a feigned, hypocritical righteousness characterized by pretense. 2. holiness 3. truth IV. Coffman points out that Paul begins now to define the life expected of the new man, Christian, in contrast with the life of the old man, pre-christian sinner. A. Ephesians 4:25, Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

23 23 B. Ephesians 4:26, 27, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. C. Ephesians 4:28, Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. D. Ephesians 4:29, 30, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. E. Ephesians 4:31-5:2, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. F. Ephesians 5:3, But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; G. Ephesians 5:18-20, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

24 24 Ephesians 4:25, Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. I. Each one of you must put off, away falsehood. A. Life styles, figuratively, are to be put on and off as clothing. B. Isaiah 64:6, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. C. Galatians 3:27, For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. D. Romans 13:14, But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. E. Colossians 3:8-14, But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

25 25 F. Hebrews 6:18, That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: G. John 8:44, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. II. speak truth, truthfully, each one with his neighbor: A. Christians are to speak the truth to everyone, not just our neighbors. B. Neighbors are all around us and it is only natural that telling the truth would begin with them. C. Remember that the devil is a liar and the father thereof. III. For we are all members one of another, of one body. A. We are members of one spiritual body and must treat each other right beginning with speaking the truth. Ephesians 4:26, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: I. Be angry, and sin not: In your anger do not sin. A. Anger causes us to be more likely to act inappropriately, sin.

26 26 B. Paul warns us to be extra careful not to sin when we are weakened by anger. C. Be aware that even God becomes angry, but he does no wrong. D. The person who never becomes angry is not normal. II. Let not, do not let the sun go down upon your wrath, while you are still angry. A. Don t permit your anger to fester, to continue for an extended period of time. B. Hostility can kill you physically, emotionally, spiritually! C. Matthew 5:22, But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. D. James 1:20, For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. E. Psalm 4:4, Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. F. Matthew 5:24, Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Ephesians 4:27, Neither give place to the devil. I. Don t give place to the devil either, don t give the devil a foothold.

27 27 A. Matthew 6:13, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. B. 1 Peter 5:8, 9, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. C. Anger weakens the resolve to act prudently and judiciously. D. Be careful lest the devil, who is always walking around looking for someone to devour, is given an opportunity to ensnare you in your weakness and instability. Ephesians 4:28, Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. I. Let him that stole steal now more; He who has been stealing must steal no longer, A. Clearly, some Ephesian converts had been criminals, thieves. B. Paul sternly tells them, albeit with kindness, that they must not revert to their former manner of life. C. If there was no danger that this could happen, Paul would not have mentioned this matter.

28 28 D. Paul made it plain that a prior sinful lifestyle, even criminal behavior, did not prevent a person from becoming a Christian. E. Their sinful behavior must be left behind. II. Rather, let him labor, but must work, A. Christian can earn money by any legal, ethical means, not just by manual labor. B. Manual labor is honorable! C. working with his hands the thing that is good, doing something useful with his own hands, D. Acts 18:3, And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. E. Acts 20:34, Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. F. that he may have something, whereof to share, give to him, those that hath need, those in need. 1. We provide for our own needs by our earnings. 2. We provide for the needs of the poor by our earnings. 3. Giving generously to others is the opposite of stealing to satisfy personal greed with no concern for others.

29 29 Ephesians 4:29, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. I. Do not let any unwholesome, corrupt speech, talk, come, proceed out of your mouths, A. Corrupt speech certainly includes vulgar, profane and obscene speech. (Coffman) B. Discourteous, rude, insensitive speech is also corrupt. C. Matthew 15:11, 18, Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. II. but only what, such as is good, helpful for edifying, building others up, A. Coffman stated that idle, frivolous, empty, meaningless speech does not edify and is to be avoided! B. as the need may be, according to their needs, 1. Our speech must consider the needs of the listener. 2. If we can meet the needs of others as well as our own needs, everybody wins. C. that it may benefit them, give grace to them that hear, who listen. D. Boler wrote, If you can t build up, shut up! He further wrote,

30 30 E.... this does not call for constant false flattery. Ephesians 4:30, And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. I. Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, A. Coffman wrote that any sin, certainly those just mentioned, would grieve the Holy Spirit. B. Consider these scriptures which relate to how we may wrong the Holy Spirit: 1. Galatians 5:16, This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 2. Acts 7:51, Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 3. Acts 5:3, But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4. Acts 5:9, Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 5. Hebrews 10:24, And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 6. Mark 3:29, But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.

31 Thessalonians 5:19, Quench not the Spirit. 8. Isaiah 63:10, But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. II. in whom, with whom, you were sealed unto, for the day of redemption, the day of judgment. A. The Holy Spirit is the distinguishing mark of the Christian. 1. Ephesians 1:13, 14, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 2. Romans 8:9, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Ephesians 4:31, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: I. Let all, get rid of all... A. bitterness, resentfulness. B. wrath, rage, prolonged indignation. C. anger, strong emotional reactions of brief duration due to an emotional irritant.

32 32 D. clamor, brawling, yelling, shouting out in anger. 1. Luke 23:23, And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. 2. Acts 19:28, And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 3. Acts 23:19, Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? E. railing, slander, blasphemy, speaking against God or man. II. along with every form of malice, be put away from you with all malice. A. Coffman wrote that malice takes delight in inflicting hurt or injury. B. In contrast with all these sinful acts, Paul now specifies by sharp contrast the qualities which must characterize Christians. Ephesians 4:32, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. I. To one another be: A. We are to manifest these characteristics not just to other Christians, but to everyone. B. kind, gentle, polite, useful

33 33 1. Ephesians 2:7, That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. C. tenderhearted, compassionate D. forgiving each other 1. Matthew 18:21-35, Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

34 34 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. 2. This involves favor and goodwill toward others. II. even as God also in Christ forgave you. A. Coffman well wrote that the joy of our forgiveness should overwhelm and extinguish any lack of forgiveness we may have toward others. Conclusion: I. Souls are to be saved, the church is to be edified, the sick and needy are to be cared for. A. All Christians are ministers. B. In which ways do your abilities and interests enable you to minister? C. To minister effectively, we must keep our spiritual health at optimal levels! We need to be strong in the Lord. II. Christians are to live an exemplary life, walking in the steps of Jesus while avoiding the devil s enticements.

35 35 Questions Ephesians 4: Ephesians chapters 1-3 emphasize while chapters 4-6 emphasize. 2. List the attitudes and actions required of Christians as found in Ephesians 4: Cite at least two ways in which Paul was a prisoner for the Lord. 4. How are lowliness/humility and a healthy self-esteem related? 5. Define: (1) meekness (2) longsuffering

36 36 (3) forbearance (4) love 6. How were/are these qualities regarded by the ancient Greeks, American culture, God? 7. How successful have Christians been in keeping the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace? Give evidence to support your answer. 8. What is the one: (1) body (2) spirit (3) hope (4) faith (5) baptism (6) God and Father

37 37 9. To what things does the statement, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men, allude? 10. To what does Ephesians 4:9 refer? 11. Define: (1) apostles (2) prophets (3) evangelists (4) pastors (5) teachers 12. Are all of these positions present in the church today? If not, which ones are and which ones are not now present today?

38 What are/were the purposes of these positions in the church? 14. Christians are no longer to be, tossed and by the waves, and and by every of and by the and of men in their. Instead, the in, we will in all things grow up into him who is the, that is,. 15. must live so as to. is,, productive of no. 16. Unsaved Gentiles were in their, from the of, because of the that was in them, of their. 17. These unsaved Gentiles were, having lost all, to work all,, with, a continual for more. 18. The fact is that can revert to the life of the! We are to put away the

39 39 that waxes after the of and are to be in the of your. We are to put on the that has been to be like. 19. Christians are to be like God in, and. 20. We are to put away and, not when we are, not give place to the, stop and with our that we may be able to help those in. 21. Define and give examples of corrupt speech? 22. What kind of speech is and is not edifying? 23. How can we grieve the Holy Spirit?

40 Of what are we to rid ourselves? Define each trait listed? 25. Christians are to be,,,,,, each other even as in us. 26. Which life are you living and how successfully are you in your endeavor? 27. List several ways we can cause the Holy Spirit grief. 28. are to be, the is to be, the and are to be cared for. 29. are to an, in the of while avoiding the s.

41 In what way are Christians sealed? What proof do you have that you have been sealed in this manner?