Eph. 5:6-10 - Do Not be Deceived

Ephesians 5:6-10

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;
8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light
9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

The Fruit of the Light

Vs. 6 - “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. “

“Let no one deceive you with empty words” - This warning reminds us to follow the teachings that match what the scripture commands. There will be people who will try to convince you by logic and persuasion that your freedom in Christ allows you to do what you please - not what Christ and the Holy Spirit commands. (See: Col 2:4; Eph 4:17; Rom 16:19; Gal 6:7; 1 Cor 6:19, 12:2; John 7:12; 2 Cor 11:3; 1 Tim 6:21; 2 Tim 2:18; Rev 2:20 )

- We are not saved to live in sin. We are saved to live out the holiness of Christ - to be sanctified. (See: 1 Thess 4:7). Also, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.’" (1 Pet 1:14-16)

"because of these things” - ‘These things’ are immorality, impurity, covetousness, plus other sins of a life not founded on Jesus Christ. There are several impressive lists regarding this subject in the NT. For example: “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what should not be done. They are filled with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice. They are rife with envy, murder, strife, deceit, hostility. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, contrivers of all sorts of evil, disobedient to parents, senseless, covenant-breakers, heartless, ruthless. Although they fully know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but also approve of those who practice them.” (Rom 1:28-32)

Vs. 7 - “Therefore do not be partakers with them.”

This seems like a no-brainer. If sin is the reason judgement is meted out, wouldn’t you want to be as far from that as possible? If you have accepted Christ as Lord, committed your life to Him, shouldn’t you wish to live as He commands you to live? If you know better, why live in a manner that shows you do not know better? “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic 6:8 )

Vs. 8 - “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light”

“for you were formerly darkness” - Without Christ we live in spiritual darkness. “He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves.“ (Col 1:13) See also: Eph 6:12; Matt 6:23, 10:27; Luk 1:79, 11:35; John 3:19, 12:46; Acts 26:18; 1 Cor 4:5) God gave us the light, His name is Jesus (2 Cor 4:6).

“walk as children of Light” - Jesus is the light of the world. We who believe in Him are His children. We have gone from being enemies of God, to friends and sons of God (John 15:14). If we are His children, we are children of light (Rev 21:23-25) because God is light and not darkness. We, the church, are the light to the Gentiles (Acts 13:47); the light of the world (Matt 5:14-16). The church is the light to the darkness (Rom 2:19).

Vs. 9 - “(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),”

“For” - Since you are a child of light (1 Thess 5:5; ), and the Light in the Lord (Eph 5:8), the following is true:M

“Fruit of the Light” - “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control...” (Gal 5:22-23) Similarly, the three characteristics here are not singular entities but the whole of being in Christ. They are ours because Christ is in us. When we have the Lord Jesus, we have all. God is good; He alone is good (Mark 10:18). God is the source of all righteousness and truth.

Vs. 10 - “trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

“Trying to learn” - The product of walking as a child of Light. Peter said in his letter, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.’” (1 Pet 1:14-16 )

None of us know what it means to be holy. We must be taught, we must learn. We can copy the behavior of others who are more mature in the faith than we. Learning also means asking the Holy Spirit to lead you, to show, to guide, to correct so your behavior begins to become a manifestation of Christ in you.

Learning also means that we open ourselves up to the light - the wisdom and teachings of Jesus. In Psalm 36:9 we see “In Thy light we shall see light.” The light that reveals God to us is from God, and is Jesus. Learning is opening ourselves to the leading and correction of the Holy Spirit. (See: John 14:26),

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Eph. 5:3-5 - No Sexual Immorality

3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;
4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Proper Among Saints

Vs. 3 - “Immorality... impurity... greed...” - Sexual misuse of our bodies and minds, such as prostitution and pornography must not be part of the Christian’s life. Generally unclean thoughts and actions, not just sexual impurity, must not be part of the Christian’s life. The “must not” is not a suggestion, nor a ‘should not be’,  nor a ‘best practices’ admonition. It is a command - don't take part in it; don't think about it. If tempted to think about these practices, or if tempted to take part, stop and pray! Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to cleanse your mind of these desires and temptations. Ask the Lord to drive Satan and these desires from your mind and emotions. Ask to be cleansed. Be on the offensive against immorality and impurity in your life. Take action. Decide to be holy in the name of the Lord. See: Matt 5:27-28

Greed or covetousness are unbecoming to a Christian. “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ " (Heb 13:5) Also: “Then He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.’" (Luke 12:15)

“As is proper among saints” - There is NO WAY the type of behavior listed above is a good witness of Christ living in you. This follows the expectation, if not a command, that believers’ lives are changed and should exhibit it. Christ indicated that our lifestyle should be different than non-believers. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” (See: Luke 6:32 ) Non-believers love their family and friends, just as you Christians love your family and friends. Jesus' love should flow through you to people who are not your close allies. He loved us first; that is why He came and died to pay for our sin that we might fellowship with Him.

“Peter reminded the church, “so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” (1 Pet 4:2) Your non-believing friends will see a change and wonder why you aren’t partying with them. 

This command to live your life with God in the forefront of your decision making is prevalent in scripture. For example, repeated often in Exodus through Leviticus is 'You shall be holy, for I am Holy' (See: Lev 20:26) The command, “Be Holy” is repeated 23 times in the Pentateuch. The Israelites were expected to be different than the pagan nations around them. Today, in America, it might be said we are living in a ‘pagan nation’.

“For example, we live in one of the most “unchurched” areas of the United States. Polls indicate that many people do not believe there is a God. And about half of those that do believe God do not look favorably on the church or Christians! The church has not been a good witness for Christ. I will admit that some of the animosity to the church is because of its stand against abortion and its belief about homosexuality; or the church has not spoken forcefully enough against true racism. 

Vs. 4 - and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

“No filthiness and silly talk... coarse jesting...” - Filthiness: Cursing, “f”-word, vulgar sexually charged and sexually laden language. This is more, or at least different, than the list in verse 3 above, which are actions, or behaviors. The second list in verse 4 are verbal manifestations of attitude. The things done first show a life not in control of Jesus. The second show life that is dismissive of allowing Jesus to be in control.
Both are indicators of rebellion and rejection. Sometimes mocking or belittling with humor, denigrating with foul epithets can seem sophisticated and intelligent. This is not a ‘ranking’ of sin - i.e., the sin of speaking is not as ‘bad’ as acting out. Wrong! There is no such thing as a good or acceptable sin, or a sin so insignificant that God will look the other way. (“I didn’t see anything. Did you see anything?”)

Any sin separates us from God. Confess and repent!

In the midst of the Coronavirus scare, there were people enraged that a Christian organization (Samaritan’s Purse) would provide medical care and treatment in New York City. New York may have been one of the worst locations for the virus outbreak in the United States. Some will curse and mock the Christian organization for its involvement. They would rather have people die than take help from a Christian group. But we don’t answer to human judgements, but to the Lord.

Making jokes (“slightly soiled”, if not outright dirty) and double entendres are a way of ‘fitting in’ with the non-believers - “See. I belong.” (“Wink, wink.” “Nod, nod.” “Say no more!”) (See note 1, below) These show a person looking askance at faith; being sophisticated by not being sucked into a more simple chaste lifestyle. This is not saying all humor is bad or evil. Paul is not commanding us to be “strait-laced, sober and sad”.

They can tell we are Christians by our love; but they may be confused by our lifestyle or behavior. Our life demonstrates whether or not Jesus Christ is living in us and controlling us. 

“Giving of thanks” - The object of temptation is to get you to do something; (See note 2, below) usually to do something under your own power and direction, in lieu of by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you feel tempted to make a coarse joke or comment, you can be sure it is not Jesus urging you to do so. As a suggestion, when under such desire, allow the Holy Spirit to change your direction, to lead you into giving thanks for salvation and growth in Jesus Christ. I don’t mean being proud that you are saved, unlike those others (a fairly Pharisaical attitude), but that Jesus loves you and has an abundant life for you. There is no need to be off-color, slightly soiled, or silly or filthy.

Vs. 5 - “For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”

“For this you know with certainty” - This steps into the middle of a theological controversy: Who can be saved? For example: If a person says they have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, but still lives a life violating most Christian mores, is that person ‘saved’? The safe answer is, “I don’t know. Only Christ knows. Only Christ makes that decision.” But, it kind of makes you wonder...

“inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” - We can know, because it is in the scriptures, that there will be NO unsaved persons in eternity with the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. See: “Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling, and to cause you to stand, rejoicing, without blemish before his glorious presence, to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 )

And: “But to the cowards, unbelievers, detestable persons, murderers, the sexually immoral, and those who practice magic spells, idol worshipers, and all those who lie, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. That is the second death." (Rev 21:8 )

Or: “For from within, out of the human heart, come evil ideas, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, evil, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, pride, and folly. All these evils come from within and defile a person." (Mark 7:21-23 )

It is also true there will be former immoral, impure, and greedy persons in heaven. If you have been an immoral person, you are demonstrably a sinner - there is no place for you in God’s kingdom. But, if you have been an immoral person and have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, your sins are forgiven.You are now without spot or blemish, pure and suitable for His kingdom.

By the way, even if you are not immoral you are a sinner because of the sin passed down from Adam to you. You still need, you will always need, the saving grace of Christ’s blood shed for you.

The rub comes in the question: can a practicing immoral, impure person be a Christian? Or conversely, can a practicing believing Christian be immoral, impure and covetous? This question is harder to answer with a firm yes or no. I am not copping-out, but the answer is not mine to make. On the other hand, the nomenclature 'immoral, impure Christian' is an oxymoron. There might be one of several reasons why a 'Christian' would act an immoral manner - one of which is the person has not accepted Christ as savior at all. God knows for sure. “All creation lies open and exposed before His eyes, and it is to Him that we must give an account for ourselves.” (Heb 4:13)

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Note 1: From a “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” skit.
Note 2: From “The Normal Christian Life”. Watchman Nee. chapter 10.

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Eph. 5:1-2 - Imitate God

Chapter 5 Outline

1-2: - Be Imitators
3-6: - No impurity
7-10: - Let no one deceive 11-14: - All will be exposed
15-17: - Do not be foolish
18-21: - Walk in light, not darkness (Be filled with the Spirit)
22-24: - Wives
25-33: - Husband/wife and Christ/church likenesses
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Eph. 5:1-2 - Be Imitators

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 

Christ Is Our Example

Guidelines for Christian living continue in the following verses. (They start in 4:25 and go through 6:20.) There are some major subjects in these verses. They all flow from the fact that you are in Jesus.
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Vs. 1 - “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” -

“Therefore...” - Go back to Eph. 4:20-24. Let's look at the wherefore of that therefore - Whereas:  

• You have learned about Christ and what He has done for you. 
• You have the truth in Jesus; so now you can lay aside that old sinful nature and live a new life in Christ, 
• because of the new spirit and renewed mind, and new self. 
• Based on those facts, and the fact you have been forgiven in Christ (See: 4:32, above), you can do the following...

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children” - (See: Luk 6:36; Matt 5:48, Eph. 4:32; Rom 15:7; Heb 13:7; 3 John 1:11; 2 Tim 2:2; Phil 4:9; 1 Pet 1:14-15) We are loved by God. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The opening line from “The Four Spiritual Laws” is ‘God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life’. Return that love by doing as Jesus commands.

Rebellious children do not tend to follow the example or the wishes of their parents. God saved the Israelites from Egypt. Were they thankful and obedient? For maybe thirty minutes! (See: Deut 9:6; Judg 2:19; Neh 9:16; Jer 5::23; Acts 7:51)

Some of the saddest words uttered, “If only...” (Isa 48:18) applies to the Israelites and to us when we refuse to follow Jesus’ commands.

Vs. 2 - “and walk in love, just as Christ al6so loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma”

“Walk in love” - Let’s start with "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Jesus’ commands to us, his followers, believers were to love.

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.” (John15:12) "This I command you, that you love one another.” (John 15:17)

This was emphasized in one of the last conversations Jesus had with His apostles. ‘So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."
He said to him, "Tend My lambs."
He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."
He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep."
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"
Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep.” ‘ (John 21:15-17 )

Love is emphasized throughout the letters to the churches. See for example: 1 Cor 13; 1 John 3:11-24.

“Gave Himself for us... an offering and a sacrifice” - Jesus demonstrated love. It is not just an emotion, an infatuation. Love is an action. Jesus loves me and wants me to have a permanent loving relationship. I, a human, am sinful and that sin prevents me from have the relationship. Nothing I can do will overcome that sin. Jesus loves me, loves me enough to substitute Himself for me. A popular recent book and movie, “The Hunger Games” starts with this theme. The heroine offers herself for the gladiator-type games in order to save her sister from being forced to participate. Jesus took the penalty of sin, my sin and yours, upon Himself so that I may experience that love.

The sacrifices the Israelites offered on the altar of the tabernacle, were to cover their sins committed. I don’t quite understand the idea of the “aroma” from the burning sacrifice. (See: Gen 8:21; Exo 29:18, 25) God is a Spirit, and we worship Him in Spirit and Truth. (John 4:23-24) So, that makes me think the idea of an aroma is for us to know that God has us on His mind. Just as when you walk into the house, and the aroma of dinner or baked cookies brings good images and memories to your mind.

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Eph 4:30-32 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit

30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Be Kind to One Another

V. 30 - “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” - You cannot come to the Father without believing and accepting Christ as Lord and Savior. This is not a mental acquiescence only, but a full surrender of your life, your mind, your heart to Him. Likewise, you cannot live the Christian life fully unless you surrender to the Holy Spirit and let Him live in and through you.
If you tend to try to do it yourself, there will be failure. The failure to live in the power of the Holy Spirit leads to an life that is not abundant. Trying to live by your old nature is what grieves the Holy Spirit. He has been given to you to lead and teach you. (See: John 14:16, 26) We can rest in Him.

The Holy Spirit is God, and as such you can blaspheme the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29; Luk 12:10). The debate about what constitutes ‘blaspheming the Holy Spirit’ has been discussed almost forever. I think the Holy Spirit is blasphemed the same way that God the Father is blasphemed, or that Jesus is blasphemed. Blasphemy is always against a person, especially the person of God.
Generally it means to ascribe to evil or evil forces acts that are clearly from the Holy Spirit or God. It can also be when a person claims to be God but is not. (Jesus was accused of blasphemy when He claimed to be the Son of God. Their thought was no man could be God, therefore Jesus was sinning.)

“By who you were sealed” - (See: Eph 1:13; John 7:39, 14:17, 15:26, 16:7, 13, 14:23, 26; 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5; Matt 28:19; Luk 11:13, 12:12) The Holy Spirit was promised and is given to us when we believe. He is the guarantee that Jesus’ death paid the full price for our sin. The Holy Spirit is not something that is to be put away somewhere safe like you would a legal document - a deed or a license. The Holy Spirit is a person, fully God, and given to us for our benefit. We have the Holy Spirit and are to be filled with Him. The Holy Spirit is not an essence or a feeling, but a real person - God Himself living in us. We are to be filled (Acts 1:8, 2:4, 4:33, 38, 9:17; Rom 5:5, 8:2, 9, 16, 26-27) by the Holy Spirit.

V. 31 - “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”

“Let all bitterness... wrath... anger... clamor... slander... malice” - Let's look at these characteristics:
Bitterness - hard feelings because of a perceived or real insult.
Wrath - getting revenge because of the bitterness and anger.
Anger - harboring bitterness and hurt feelings. The end result is hating the person and seeking ways to harm them.  
Clamor - Loud and boisterous demanding that you get your way in circumstances.
Slander - making false accusations, spreading lies about another person.
Malice - Letting your anger build to the point you seek to do harm to another. This is letting anger take over your life. Decisions made in anger or fear will almost always lead to personal disaster.

V. 32 - “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other” - These are the opposites of the behaviors and attitudes in verse 31. No bitterness, replaced with kindness. No anger or wrath, replaced with love and compassion. No slander or malice, replaced with forgiveness.

“Just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” - These are not changes you can will yourself into. That is why this list follows the verse 31 list: kindness, tender-heartedness, and forgiveness all coming from the Holy Spirit working in you. God’s kindness and grace is demonstrated by Jesus coming to earth and sacrificing Himself for us. God’s tender heart is demonstrated by Him taking your burden away in Christ. You do not need to prove yourself to God. You cannot pay the price for your sin. Only a perfect sacrifice - that is Jesus Christ - can satisfy God’s justice without sacrifice of His love and compassion. We are not worthy to be forgiven. God did it anyway. God loves you and wants you to be with Him. He wants that for you.

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Eph 4:25-29 - Living, Working with Other Believers

25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.
26 BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.
28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.
29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

Lay Aside Falsehood

V. 25 - “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. “

This verse starts with a “Therefore” which points back to verses 4:20-24. You have a new life in Jesus. Let Him live it in and through you, to demonstrate to the world your life is in His control.

“laying aside falsehood” - Start with - quit lying to each other, or to yourself. Quit trying to justify your sinful behavior by making excuses. For example, "It's not my fault." Or, "It's only a slight mental mistake", instead acknowledging a basic sinful nature.  Lying to yourself is deadly, because it allows you avoid facing the truth, confessing your sin, repenting and turning to Christ. The idea of repentance is taking a 180-degree turn from the direction you are going, and walking in the opposite direction. It is a decision you must make, you can't wander into it by serendipity!

“Speak truth” - Quoted from Zech 8:16, but the idea is throughout the Bible (See: Jer 9:5, 23:28; Eph 4:15; Col 3:9, and Paul reminds them what he teaching is true and trustworthy - 1 Tim 1:16).

“Members of one another” - Don’t assume that lying is okay as long as it isn’t to a Christian! However, further motivation for truthfulness when dealing with other believers: Your life is found in Christ, both your life and the other believer’s is from the Lord. In that essence you are not an individual - your life is Christ’s. Lying to a fellow believer is lying to Christ and to yourself as well.
This is an interesting paradox: You are an individual in Christ. He saved you when you believed in Him. You are not saved when someone else, your mother or father, your brother or sister, a friend accept Christ. You alone must respond for yourself. Yet, you are not alone, you are Christ’s own possession. Your life belongs to Him because He died for you. Christ in you, the hope of glory. (See: Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 10:17, 12:12-14, 12:18-20; Col 3:5)

V. 26-27 - “BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.”

“Be angry, and yet do not sin” - Quoted from Psa 4:4. Here is the whole Psalm:

1 When I call out, answer me, O God who vindicates me! Though I am hemmed in, you will lead me into a wide, open place. Have mercy on me and respond to my prayer! 
2 You men, how long will you try to turn my honor into shame? How long will you love what is worthless and search for what is deceptive?
3 Realize that the LORD shows the godly special favor; the LORD responds when I cry out to him.
4 Tremble [in anger or fear] with fear and do not sin! Meditate as you lie in bed, and repent of your ways!
5 Offer the prescribed sacrifices and trust in the LORD!
6 Many say, "Who can show us anything good?" Smile upon us, LORD!
7 You make me happier than those who have abundant grain and wine. 8 I will lie down and sleep peacefully, for you, LORD, make me safe and secure.

The emphasis is on trusting the Lord because He is righteous. He listens to the prayers of godly men. The Lord makes me feel safe (we are not forced to feel safe) - that is: His grace and love fills us with the sense of peace and safety. We can rest in Him because we are His. 

So, where does that take us in the “angry but don’t sin” comment. Consider: most anger is because of a perceived personal affront. My personal space was invaded; my want was denied; my feelings were hurt; I have been disrespected, etc. These almost always give rise to plans for retaliation or resistance.

I just read in a devotional this morning: “Purity is the result of continued spiritual harmony with God. We have to grow in purity. Our life with God may be right and our inner purity unblemished, yet occasionally our outer life may become spotted and stained. God does not protect us from this possibility, because this is the way we recognize the necessity of maintaining our spiritual vision through personal purity.” (see note 2, below) When we sin, and anger is the sin in this case, the fellowship with the Lord is damaged. When we confess and repent that fellowship is re-established. Our ‘outer’ life, the one the rest of the world sees can be modified by the Holy Spirit as He convicts us and we respond accordingly. This is very similar to making the decision to believe and accept Christ as Savior. The Holy Spirit does not force us to come back to the Lord, but rewards us, and we learn so that our worldly behavior becomes more attuned to our inner life which is in touch with the Lord.

As mentioned in our Sunday morning service, the ‘anger’ that brings us to sin is not just the emotion but our reaction to it, how we respond to the anger we feel. James writes in his letter, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness. So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.” (Jam 1:19-21)

Paul also tells us, “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked [angered], does not take into account a wrong suffered...” (1 Cor 13:4-5)
Anger is a deleterious emotion that Satan will use to separate us from Jesus. We will demand our own way. We will not allow Jesus to work in and through us.

“Do not give the devil an opportunity” - This part I understand. I read the following, recently: “This commandment, that we should love our enemies and forgo revenge, will grow even more urgent in the holy struggle which lies before us and in which we partly have already been engaged for years. In it love and hate engage in mortal combat... The time is coming when the confession of the living God will incur not only the hatred and the fury of the world...” (see note 1)
When anger rises to the point I wish to retaliate, Satan has grabbed the controls of my mind and heart. I am focused on me and my feelings. Jesus is not on the throne of my life. I have pushed Him aside. It cannot be a question of whether Jesus can handle the affront I have received. He died for all of the sin of the world.

V. 28 - “He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. “

“He who steals must steal no longer”- An old proverb or aphorism says, “Idle hands are the devil’s playground.” Idle hands imply idle minds. Work so as to stay out of trouble, and to provide for others in need.

V. 29 - “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth” - Ancillary to verse 28, in which we are urged that idleness will allow us to wander into sin - stealing. Likewise, here we are urged to not let our minds go idle. Think about what you are teaching or saying. The “unwholesome word” is not necessarily vulgar talk, dirty jokes, etc. Teaching that does not help people know and grow in their faith in Christ Jesus is a distraction. Find out what spiritual truths people are needing and teach those.

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Note 1: Bonnhoeffer, Dietrich. “A Year with Dietrich Bonnhoeffer”, edited by Barnhill, Carla. Harper Collins. 2005.

Note 2: Chambers, Oswald. “My Utmost for His Highest”, edited by James Reimann. Oswald Chambers Publications. 1963

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Eph 4:20-24 - Off with the Old, On with the New

20 But you did not learn Christ in this way,
21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,
22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,
23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Created in Righteousness and Holiness

You Have A New Life, A Changed Life!

I posit that verses 20-21, above, are a launching point for the rest of the letter. In verses 20-21 Paul tells them they have received Christ in the right way, and have the truth, and so:

• Their lives have changed from the way they lived as a natural man to a new man. (see vss. 4:22-24).
• Live peaceably with each other by not harming physically or emotionally (see vss. 4:25-32).
• Be imitators of God. Don’t be deceived by immorality (vss. 5:1-14)
• Be careful how you live out your life. Rely on the Holy Spirit (vss. 5:15-21)
• Instructions for married couples and families. Wives (vss. 5:2-24). Husbands (vss. 5:25-33). Children and Fathers (vss. 6:1-4)
• Relations between slaves and masters (vss. 6:5-9)
• Prepare for spiritual battle (vss. 6:10-17)
• Pray for the message of Good News to continue to spread throughout the world (vss. 6:18-20).

V. 20 - “But you did not learn Christ in this way,” -  We do not become children of God, heirs with Christ, in ignorance. It won’t happen when you are driving down the road, and "Prang" you have been magically saved. No. we must hear the message of who Christ is, and what He has done. (See: Rom 10:17; Acts 11:14) We must make a decision, it does not happen by accident. (See: Acts 2:21) We must give up our hardness of heart. The apostle Paul is a good example: He knew who Jesus was; he refused to believe. Jesus is the light, and we must respond to the light. Paul saw the light on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:1-11) Paul came to the Light, and believed in Jesus. God has taken us out the domain of darkness and into the kingdom of His Son, Jesus. (Col 1:13) When we have the facts, and obey His commands, we can know the truth and it will make us free. (John 8:31-32)

V. 21 - “if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,”

“If indeed you have heard Him” - The “if indeed” is not a question, but more rhetorical along the line of “if you have, and indeed you have...” You have learned Christ in the correct way. Because their understanding was not darkened, their hearts were not hardened, they heard the call of Jesus to believe and be saved.

“Just as truth is in Jesus” - One of the true joys of Christianity is that it is ‘out there’, totally public. It is not a faith with secret knowledge, secret handshakes, mysteries that only "those in the know" can understand. It is straight forward and clear.

• God Loves you.
• Christ came from God and died for you, since you could never repay the debt caused by your sin. 
• Believe and be saved.

Because You Have Learned the Truth...

V. 22-24 - “that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance  with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

“that” - This easily could be read “So that...” Because, if they learned about Christ in the correct way, and if they heard the call to believe in a Christ, and if they have in them the truth of Jesus as Lord (Paul believes these are all true, because he or someone he trusts has taught them) then the following three things should also be true:

1. Laying aside the old self - The old self, is the natural man, the descendant of Adam, a slave to sin. (See: Rom 6:6, 8:6, 13:12; Col 3:9; Heb 12:1). 
2. Renewing of the mind - All things have been made new for those who are in Jesus. (See: Rom 12:2; John 3:3; 1 Pet 1:3, 23)
3. Putting on a new self - We are in Christ. He is in us. We died when He died. We are resurrected to new life because He has new life. We are no longer slaves to sin. We cannot put on the new self ourselves, it comes from and through Jesus and through Jesus alone. (See: 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15; Col 3:10; Heb 10:20; Rev 21:5)

Eph 4:17-19 - Not Like the Gentiles

17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;
19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

Futility - Ignorance - Callous

V. 17 - “So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,”

“that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk“ - Refer back to verses Eph 2:2-3, 4:1. See also: Col 3:7, 1:21. Obviously the Gentiles were more than just ‘non-Jews’. We do not understand the gulf that separated those who believed in God (the Lord) and the pagan. Until recently, we really have no equal with respect to antithesis to God, except perhaps in certain parts of some big cities where crime, etc., are prominent .
However, I read recently that the largest 'religious' group in America today is "None". Also, I have heard that the term 'evangelical', or 'conservative' Christians are the most disliked denominations in America. I can begin to see the disparity when I reflect on the quantity of pornographic magazines, shops, and internet access. We are exhorted to not participate in a sex-crazed and decadent society. Note: Paul was writing to people who grew up thinking such vile actions were normal. We in America seem to be rushing headlong into the same spiritual malaise. Darkness seems to surround us, and the attitudes are, “So what?” Sometimes it feels that we are in times similar to the days of Noah. See: “When the LORD saw that human wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every inclination of the human mind was nothing but evil all the time" (Gen 6:5), or, "Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with wickedness." (Gen 6:11)

"Futility of their mind” - This can go into several directions:

1.  The vile things they do are a search for meaning and fulfilment. But they are wrong. 
2.  They say there is no God (Psa 14:1-3). Therefore there is no reason to fear for what they are doing. 
3.  These things are sometimes used as a search for, or an appeasement of, some god. These are all hopeless causes, having no basis in fact.

V. 18 - “being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;”

“darkened in their understanding” - (Rom 1:21, 25. 28; Zech 7:11-12; Deut 29:4; Isa 29:10; Psa 69:22-23; ) The phrases used “Let him who has ears, let him hear”, (Mk 4:9, 23; Lk 14:35) or ‘Let him who has eyes, let him see” (Mt 13:15, 16; Lk 10:23) are pleas to be willing to listen and see that God is good. He loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life! Too many are willing to turn their back on Jesus, to cover their ears so they cannot hear the message. Making decisions based on inadequate or incorrect information can lead to disaster. This is true in our physical life on earth as well as our spiritual life which will last forever. Being darkened in understanding is being ignorant of all the facts.

Timothy Keller wrote, “The darkness represents increasing self-deception. We say, ‘I’m not proud, just confident. I’m not abrasive, just direct. I’m not greedy, just sharp in business.’ The more we follow the path of self, the more we live in denial until, when life breaks down, we do not know what makes us stumble. Self-deception is not the worst thing you can do, but it’s the means by which we do the very worst things. The sin that is most distorting your life right now is the one you can’t see.” (See note 1)

“because of... the ignorance that is in them... the hardness of their heart” - (Jer 5:3, 21; 7:26; 8:5; 11:10; 17:23; 1 Pet 1:14) They cannot share in the life God offers them because they choose to reject Him and His Son. The list of their errors in judgement is long: futility in mind; darkened in understanding; ignorance, and hardness of heart. They do not respond to the light. ( John 1:4-5) They stumble in darkness, even though it is as bright as mid-day! (Job 5:14; Isa 59:10; Jer 13:16)

V. 19 - “and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.”

“having become callous” - A callous is an area of thickened or hardened skin formed as a result of repeated pressure or friction. It can also be an emotional hardness from repeated buffeting by circumstances or relationships. For example, new hiking boots - be sure to “break them in”, or make your feet tougher so you won’t get a blister on your next outing. I have a callous on my left hand at the base of the third finder where I grip my golf club. I can see how a person can become ‘hard’ when by emotional hurts when dealing with family or rejection.

The work of Satan is making you hardened against the call of Jesus to come to Him. Satan uses struggles and circumstances in our lives to tell us over and over that, "God really doesn’t love you, or He would have treated you better." That can build up an anger or a resentment against the Lord. (1 Tim 4:2; )

“given themselves over to sensuality” - (Rom 1:24; Col 3:5; ) Rather than respond to the Lord, they choose to do as they please when they please. The momentary pleasure is substituted for knowledge of God and the peace of God. They do not look beyond this very moment. The lasting peace is not present, so they keep looking; perhaps it might be in the next act. The surrender is to sin and Satan rather that to Jesus and God the Father. Eternity is not in their spiritual vocabulary.

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Note 1: Keller, Timothy. “God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life”. Viking, 2017. Pg. 85.
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