This passage begins by reminding us that as believers we are to be maturing in our faith and using our gifts to benefit the church. Paul admonsihed the believers in Ephesus to no longer live as the ungodly do. He insisted that the Ephesian believers abandon what had been their former way of life, not living any longer as the other ungodly around them because they were hopelessly confused, referring to the natural tendency of human beings to employ intellectual pride, rationalizations, and excuses.To know Christ is the greatest knowledge that anyone can have. That knowledge is the truth; that knowledge opposes what the evil world teaches and applauds. Therefore, what the Ephesians and the other believers were taught should make all the difference in their lifestyles.
Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). This is the truth that the Ephesians heard and believed. This is the truth that brings salvation. While unbelievers live in darkness and sensuality, believers were taught a whole new manner of living, which must throw off the old evil nature and the former way of life.
Like a cancer, the evil nature spreads and destroys. The person was enslaved to sin, bound to the world, and without hope. While those who have accepted Christ are still susceptible to temptations and the evils of the sinful nature, there is a power found in the very heart of God that enables us to say NO to the pull on our flesh (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The general character of the new nature we receive when we accept Christ will lead to specific ways of acting. Because believers in the church are righteous, holy, and true, they must put away all falsehood. It tears down relationships and leads to open warfare in a church.
Another characteristic of the old nature that has to be put off is bad temper, or a lifestyle characterized by anger. The words, don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you, are quoted from Psalm 4:4. The Bible doesn’t tell us that we shouldn’t feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. Anger that is allowed to smolder and burn over time can eventually burst into flame and give a mighty foothold to the Devil, causing people to sin as they become bitter and resentful. It is so much better to deal with the situation immediately; perhaps the previous admonition to lovingly speak the truth can solve the problem.
Paul then references stealing. His instruction is to the person or who engages in stealing as a livelihood. Paul explained that such a person who became a believer had to “throw off” that old lifestyle and make a change, turning to honest work in order to make a living. Stealing and idleness go together; thus, Paul’s charge was not only to stop stealing but also to begin honest work.
Paul then makes a list of sins that describe the former way of life, the old nature. None of these attitudes and activities have any place in a believer’s Holy Spirit-filled life; indeed, they foster dissension today and are the opposite of how believers should be characterized. Believers must get rid of:
Bitterness—a spirit that refuses reconciliation.
Rage—outbursts of anger or quick temper for selfish reasons. This could mean continual and uncontrolled behavior.
Anger—a continuous attitude of hatred that remains bottled up within. This could refer to what is under the surface, while “rage” refers to what bursts out. Anger would destroy harmony and unity among believers.
Harsh words—loud self-assertions of angry people determined to make their grievances known.
Slander—destroying another person’s good reputation by lying, gossiping, spreading rumors, etc. Malice often manifests itself through slander. This defamation of character destroys human relationships.
Malicious behavior—doing evil despite the good that has been received. This word is a general term referring to an evil force that destroys relationships, and it can mean anything from trouble to wickedness. It is a deliberate attempt to harm another person. Thus, all types of malice must be destroyed. The previous way of life must be put off and the new life put on.
Rage—outbursts of anger or quick temper for selfish reasons. This could mean continual and uncontrolled behavior.
Anger—a continuous attitude of hatred that remains bottled up within. This could refer to what is under the surface, while “rage” refers to what bursts out. Anger would destroy harmony and unity among believers.
Harsh words—loud self-assertions of angry people determined to make their grievances known.
Slander—destroying another person’s good reputation by lying, gossiping, spreading rumors, etc. Malice often manifests itself through slander. This defamation of character destroys human relationships.
Malicious behavior—doing evil despite the good that has been received. This word is a general term referring to an evil force that destroys relationships, and it can mean anything from trouble to wickedness. It is a deliberate attempt to harm another person. Thus, all types of malice must be destroyed. The previous way of life must be put off and the new life put on.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
Lord, help me today - all day - live, empowered and controlled by your Holy Spirit. Lord, help me today to be the hands and feet of Christ to everyone I encounter. Lord, do this same work in the live of the people of COV. Walk with them and guide them and protect them and make a way for them.
“ May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26
Lord, I pray this for the people of COV.
“May the Lord keep you from all harm; May He watch over your life; May the Lord watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8
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