December 4, 2022
Second Sunday of Advent
Ephesians 4:17-32
“Naughty or Nice”
Service Overview: While God doesn’t have a “naughty list”, he does call us to live differently than we did before we came to know Jesus. Why? Because in Christ he has made us, and is making us, into entirely new people; created to be like him in his righteousness.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)
Background/Nerdy Stuff:
- Ephesians 4:17-32 is all about our new identity in Christ and what it looks like to live in light of it. The first paragraph is the doctrinal section, explaining who we are (vv. 17-24). The second paragraph is practical, illustrating how we must now live, especially in our relationships with one another (vv. 25-32). (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 108)
- 18 – The Greek word for “hardness” is porosis, which comes from the word poros, which originally meant “a stone harder than marble.” In our own terms we might call this “a heart of stone.” This word is used elsewhere in Scripture to refer to the hearts of those in the synagogue who decided to kill Jesus as they witnessed his healing the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath (Mark 3:5, 6). (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 164)
- 30 – “Grieving” is different from “stifling” the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19), which has to do with stifling prophecy. Paul’s reference to the Holy Spirit brings to mind Isaiah 63:10 and reminds believers that the Holy Spirit binds them together in the body. When believers quarrel and hurt one another, they distress the Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit controls and guides speech, praise, prophecy, and tongues, we offend him when we use them improperly. (See also Acts 7:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:8.) (Bruce Barton, Ephesians, 96)
- The idea of “walking like the Gentiles” refers to the old sinful lives the Ephesians lived before placing their trust in Christ (cf. 1 Thes. 4:5). Back then, their thoughts were futile—foolish. They had no goal, purpose, or consideration for God. In order to help the Ephesians discard their grubby garments, Paul clearly defined what those articles of stained clothing really were: a dark mind (Eph. 4:17-18), a hard heart (4:18-19), and a sin-filled life (4:19). (Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll’s Living Insights: Galatians & Ephesians, 301)
- Like putting off the old self and replacing it with the new self, so believers put off falsehood and put on the willingness to speak the truth. This is a quote from Zechariah 8:16. This reference in the Septuagint (Greek version of the Old Testament) says speak the truth “to” (pros), while Paul said speak the truth “with” (meta). The change in focus lies in the following clause: for we are members of one another. Paul stressed our mutual responsibility. Because we are members of one another in Christ’s body, our words and actions must not be destructive to the body. (Bruce Barton, Ephesians, 94)
What concepts are being imparted to the believers in Ephesus here?
- Dark minds + dark hearts = dark behavior.
(vv. 17-19 | Prov. 2:12-14; 4:19; Mat. 6:23; Acts 26:18; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:11; Ja. 1:15)
As his readers were Gentiles, he is challenging them to become radically different. This attempt would be made possible as they were willing to gain victory over their sensual appetites, which were normally given freedom and indulgence. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 2406)
- Putting on the new means shedding the old.
(vv. 20-24 | Romans 6:6; 7:6; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Col. 3:10; 1 John 1:7)
We cannot expect a tailor to make us a coat if we do not give him any cloth, nor a builder to build us a house if we let him have no building material; and in just the same way we cannot expect the Lord to live out His life in us if we do not give Him our lives in which to live. (Watchman Nee, Normal Christian Life, 96)
Holiness is not just about saying no to sin; it is also about saying yes to God. We must not only throw our dirty clothes in the hamper; we must put on the new suit as well! (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 114)
- Outward life reflects inward transformation.
(vv. 25-30 | Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 5:8; Col. 3:10; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:9)
(4:17a). We hear the authority of Paul, an apostle of Christ to the church. These are not his words, but Christ’s. This is not an optional exercise for his readers, neither then nor today. Those who have been made new creations in Christ must live as new creations, and not as they once were. However, they must be careful they do not limit Paul’s instruction to just behavior. His concern runs deep, into the very essence of who we are as people. He speaks of our foundational starting point with Christ, revealing the fallacy of our former view and the superiority of our present experience. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 2415)
- The health of the body is reflected in the treatment of its various members.
(vv. 25, 29, 32 | Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Gal. 6:10; Col. 3:9, 12; 1 Pet. 3:8)
“Unwholesome” means corrupt, insipid, worthless (such as gossip and slander), and it includes foul talk (such as coarse language). Such speech is worthless, spreads worthlessness, and leads hearers to think about worthless matters. Not only should our speech be kept clean and truthful, but we should also speak only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. We must be sensitive to the situation and the needs of anyone with whom we converse, and we must be wise in choosing our words, for even good words, unless used appropriately, can be destructive instead of useful. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 95)
Conclusion… How can we apply these concepts in our walk with Jesus today?
A. Learn to spot your struggles and commit to fighting them.
(vv. 17-24 | 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 3:18; 10:3-5; Gal. 5:19-21; Phil. 1:6; Heb. 2:18; James 4:7)
“Putting off the old man” is instantaneous, but “being renewed in the spirit of one’s mind” is continuous and progressive. (Willard H. Taylor, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 8, 180)
Living the Christian life is a process. Although we have a new nature, we don’t automatically think all good thoughts and express all right attitudes. But if we keep listening to God, we will be changing all the time. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 87)
B. Never underestimate the power of your tongue to destroy, and instead, harness its power for good.
(vv. 25, 26, 29, 31, 32 | Prov. 18:21; 21:23; Mat. 12:36; Col. 3:8; Ja. 1:26; 3:6; 3:8)
The tongue is a thermometer; it gives us our spiritual temperature. It is also a thermostat; it regulates our spiritual temperature. Control of the tongue can mean everything. (Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, 101)
The fire of anger, if not quenched by loving forgiveness, will spread and defile and destroy the work of God. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 105)
The Christian life involves the constant encouragement of others. If your disposition is cynical and critical and there is no warmth and encouragement, you will not be a good leader—in your job, in your family, or in a church (small group or large). (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 117)
C. Commit to that which serves to build and bolster Jesus’ family.
(vv. 25-32 | Matthew 5:16; Romans 15:2; Eph. 2:10; 4:2; Col. 3:14; 1 Thes. 5:11; Heb. 10:25)
A Christian church is a caring community in which we consider what happens to someone else to be every bit as important as what happens to ourselves. (Phillip Graham Ryken, City on a Hill, 86)
The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make a brand-new creation. Not to make people with better morals but to create a community of prophets and professional lovers, men and women who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of the Spirit that burns within, who would live in ever greater fidelity to the omnipresent Word of God, who would enter into the center of it all, the very heart and mystery of Christ, into the center of the flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant, furious love. This, my friend, is what it really means to be a Christian. (Brennan Manning, The Furious Longing of God, 125)
Gospel Application…
The gospel is the good news of new clothes for those willing to trade in the old.
(vv. 20-22 | Luke 24:49; Rom. 13:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; 3:27; 1 John 1:9)
Christianity is not about moral rule keeping, religious attendance, having “warm feelings” at a religious event, merely believing in a god, doing good things, or knowing facts about Christ. It is about knowing Christ. Jesus said, “This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent—Jesus Christ” (John 17:3). (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 111)
When soldiers, firemen, policemen, or astronauts first put on their distinct uniforms, they are taking on new responsibilities corresponding to their new identity. So it is with the Christian. When we put on Christ, we receive a new spiritual identity and new corresponding responsibilities. Having put off the corrupt garment of the old self (4:22) and put on the new garment (v. 24), we must live in light of our new identity. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 107)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- Re-read Ephesians 4:17–32. How did Paul compare the old, or unsaved person, with the new, or saved?
- How does one “grieve the Holy Spirit”? How can we lead lives that bring a smile to the Holy Spirit?
- Why should believers live differently than they did before they were saved?
- How can we learn to distinguish between righteous anger and unrighteous anger?
- How do you see the power of the tongue at work in building the church?
Quotes to note…
Ephesians 4:22–24 is a summary of Romans 5—8, where Paul explained the believer’s identification with Christ in death, burial, and resurrection. He also dealt with this in Ephesians 2:4–6, as well as in Colossians 3. As Christians, we have not simply changed our minds. We have totally changed our citizenship. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 102)
The community of the saints is not an “ideal” community consisting of perfect and sinless men and women, where there is no need of further repentance. No, it is a community which proves that it is worthy of the gospel of forgiveness by constantly and sincerely proclaiming God’s forgiveness (which has nothing to do with self-forgiveness). It is a community of men and women who have genuinely encountered the precious grace of God, and who walk worthily of the gospel by not casting that grace recklessly away. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, 287)
Our morality and purity will never exceed that of the god we follow. If our ideal of morality is only a self-perceived deity who acts like us, or at least accepts our indiscretions, our moral direction will only sink to the depth of depravity determined by our own lusts. But if our inspiration comes from a revelation beyond ourselves, from God who is holy and perfect, then His standard will lift us to a new height. This, however, will require a new attitude in our thinking—one that does not develop God in our image, but rather allows Him to reveal His image to us. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 2472)
Many of the believers to whom Paul was writing were Gentiles by racial background. Because Paul was writing to many Gentiles, why did he say not to live “as the Gentiles do”? Paul was stressing that the Ephesian believers must abandon what had been their former way of life, not living any longer as the other Gentiles around them who were pagans, not Christians (see 1 Corinthians 12:2). (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 88)
[Paul] appeals finally to the example of God in Christ Jesus in dealing with us. We should treat others in the same manner that God has treated us, with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. Here we touch the very heart of the Christian ethic, namely, the attitude and conduct of God toward us. (Willard H. Taylor, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 8, 184)
The language Paul uses is very descriptive. “Corrupting talk” literally means “rotten, putrid or filthy.” This includes obscene language, but the emphasis is on decay-spreading conversation that runs others down and delights in their weaknesses. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 177)
Our world today possesses a great deal of knowledge, but very little wisdom. Thoreau put it beautifully when he said that we have “improved means to unimproved ends.” (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 101)