Goodbye Old, Hello New...Ephesians

Ephesians 4:17-32  Read it here: vs. 17-32 Biblegateway.com

Ephesians 5:1-20  Read it here: vs. 1-20 Biblegateway.com

There is alot in these verses but I will keep it short this time. :)

Ephesians 4:17-32

1) We don't have an option if we are in Christ, to live the old life we once knew.  Through Christ we have a new life, new heart, new desires, new everything (and he does that in us! WOW!) Paul is saying to the Ephesians that he "insists on it" and that they "must" no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of there thinking.  But the great thing is that not having an option is AMAZING!  The fact that Christ creates in us the desire and the ability not to live that way any more is once again, AMAZING!

2) The Ephesians had no excuse for living like the Gentiles because they knew better, they had been taught differently, they had been taught the truth of Christ. 

3) Our old self's are "being corrupted by it's deceitful desires".  Man, I don't want that at all!

4) Our new self's (through Christ) allow us "to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." -- There's something to be thankful for! 

5) "To be made new in the attitude of your minds." -- It all starts with our minds and our attitudes.  You can choose what attitude you are going to have.  Yep, it's a choice. 

vs. 25-27 -- Paul is saying (at least this is my interpretation) that to have unity they cannot tell lies (falsehoods) and they must speak truthfully to one another.  Lies create conflict and no real relationship is built on lies. 

Paul is saying that we must not sin in the way we handle our anger.  Anger itself is not sin, but how we handle that anger can make it become sin.  Sure, you're going to get anger from time to time, but how do you handle that anger, how do you react?  Does that anger cause you to sin?  -- This is where the practice of "Counting to 10 (before reacting)" can come in handy.

vs. 28-29 -- I must focus on others not myself.  "...must work doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need."  "Do not let any (did you catch that? Do not let any....yikes, hard to do.) unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs." "...that it may benefit those who listen."  Do I use my words to build others up?  Do others benefit by hearing what I have to say?

vs. 30-32 -- "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of ALL bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." 

My words, actions and attitudes can "grieve the Holy Spirit." Get rid of all, not some, ALL.  Paul gives them something to replace those bad attitudes with, kindness, compassion and forgiveness.

Ephesians 5:1-20

1) Follow God's example, walk in love.

2) "Not even a hint of sexual immorality, impurity or greed..." Why? "because these are improper for God's holy people.  "No obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place..." But replace those things with ..."thanksgiving."

3) "No immoral, impure, or greedy person...has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."  But remember as believers, we have been forgiven of our immoralities, impurities and greed.  We are living that NEW life through Christ! :)  Annnd unbelievers can have that too!

4) I should be careful of the people I surround myself with.  I can be deceived, and influenced by others.  I want to make sure I have positive influences surrounding me, not negative. 

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of the light."

vs. 15-17

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. -- Live wisely, not foolishly.  Get to know God through His Word so that you will make the most of every opportunity and understand what His will is. 

vs. 18-20

¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. -- I should be characterized by my "joy" that Christ gives me, no matter what the circumstances are.  Be thankful in everything, good and bad.  Trust God in everything and find joy through Him.  Focus on God not circumstances.  Circumstances change, God doesn't.