Be Holy & Not Sinful
July 3, 2021
Commentary
Paul urges believers to “let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you a new person” (v. 23). We were “created to be like God, truly righteous and holy” (v. 24). Paul does not stop with general principles but names specific sins believers must avoid. He lists four sins to put away and explains why each must be replaced with holiness.
The first sin is lying (v. 25). Satan is “the father of lies” (JOH 8:44) and from the beginning made people doubt God’s truth (GEN 3:1). The first sin judged in the early church was lying (ACT 5:1–11). As Christ’s body, we must speak truth, for we belong to one another.
The second sin is uncontrolled anger (vv. 26–27). Anger itself is not always sin, but it becomes sin when it controls us or lasts too long. Paul warns, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” We are to forgive quickly before anger destroys relation-ships and damages the church.
The third sin is stealing (v. 28). Satan is also a thief (JOH 10:10). Judas fell into this sin (JOH 12:6), leading to betrayal. Instead of taking from others, believers are to work and share with those in need.
The fourth sin is corrupt speech (v. 29). Paul says, “Do not let any un-wholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful to build others up.” Our words should encourage, heal, and strengthen. If our hearts are filled with Christ’s love, our speech will reflect it.
Paul warns that sin grieves the Holy Spirit (vv. 30–31). Bitternes, anger, and harsh words destroy unity and joy. Instead, we must “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (v. 32).
Application
What habits or words from my old life do I still need to change? Today I want to let the Holy Spirit renew my thoughts and actions so I can live in a way that pleases God. When I am tempted to lie, get angry, steal, or speak carelessly, I commit now to stop, pray, and choose to speak truth with kindness instead.
Ephesians 4:23–32 (NET)
23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image —in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.
25 Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger. 27 Do not give the devil an opportunity. 28 The one who steals must steal no longer; instead he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need. 29 You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it would give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 You must put away all bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and slanderous talk—indeed all malice. 32 Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
Apology For Sin
Woodrow Wilson’s father was a minister in the South. One day he joined a group of men caught up in a heated discussion. One of the men lost his temper and swore loudly. Only then did he see the Reverend Wilson in their midst. The man apologi … Continue