Continuing to express his theme of unity in diversity, Paul proclaims that lifestyle makes them distinct from those around them, not heritage. In keeping with his theme, he unveils characteristics which define the lifestyle of the believer. Change begins with the Holy Spirit working together with the word of God and an individual submitting to the truth of God. A Christian does not simply acknowledge the truth, he lives the truth. What does living the truth look like? First of all, Paul contrasts telling the truth with lying. Before a relationship with Christ many of his readers lied, but now they have been changed and should demonstrate a life of truth telling (4:25). Secondly, anger should be directed at evil but should never lead to bitterness (4:26). There is nothing wrong with being angry at sin, but some people take it to extremes and allow their anger at wrongdoing to cause them to commit sin. The phrase “let not the sun go down on your wrath” means that there should be a time when we let go of anger…it should not consume our life. Paul also throws in the phrase “neither give place to the devil” because he knew his readers may allow righteous indignation turn into bitterness and hatred (4:27). Next, instead of gain through stealing, Paul challenges them to work hard and earn an honest living (4:28). Monetary gain should also lead us to give to “him who has need.” Making money is not just about providing for our family, but also giving to help the less fortunate. Another characteristic which makes a Christian distinct from unbelievers is the way he or she talks (4:29). Paul puts it like this: “let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” The words which come from the mouth of a person say a lot about his character. Corrupt speech reveals an evil heart, but encouraging speech reveals a heart changed by God. Most importantly Paul instructs them not to “grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” Grieving the Holy Spirit is committed when a believer refuses to change his old ways and continually walks in sin. In summary Paul commands that all the things he has mentioned “be put away from you;” in other words, stop following your old ways. In case they did not get it, Paul gave them what has proven to be one of the most profound verses in the New Testament “be kind to one another…forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Christians have just lost the art of being nice! Commit today to leave your old ways behind and pursue new life in Christ.
Dear God, help me to put off the ways of the old man and put on the ways of Christ.
