A New Set of Clothes

How to Live Out Your New Identity

Ephesians 4:25-32

This new lifestyle involves replacing sinful habits with righteous and holy habits. I could write a book on each of these verses, but I do not think that would capture the spirit of the text. While Paul seems to have had contextual reasons for highlighting these particular actions, we still should not take this as an exhaustive list of examples on how to live out our new identity. These are behaviors we should all be careful to pursue, but these are not the only behaviors that should mark our lives.

Before we look at these behaviors, consider a few important, overarching observations. First, these practical exhortations are relational. Our new union with Christ should change the way we live in community. Our sin affects others negatively, just as our righteousness will bless others positively.

Second, notice how there is a negative action stated first and then a positive action. That is important. Get this: Holiness is not just about saying no to sin; it is also about saying yes to God. We must not only throw our dirty clothes in the hamper; we must put on the new suit as well!

Third, notice that there is a theological reason given for why we should throw off these sinful vices and put on these Christian actions. For example, Paul does not simply say, "Put away lying"; he relates it to the doctrine of the church: "Because we are members of one another" (v. 25). He does not stop with the exhortation, "Be angry and do not 111sin" (v. 26); he relates it to a belief in the "Devil" (v. 27). He commands the church to no longer "steal" and follows it by speaking of honest work, stewardship, and care for the poor (v. 28). When talking about unhealthy speech, he relates it to grieving the Holy Spirit (vv. 29-30). Regarding forgiveness, he takes us to the cross and God's amazing forgiveness (vv. 31-32). Do you see this? Our practice and our theology are tied together. Christians should not only live differently from unbelievers, but they also should live differently for different reasons. We believe in God, sin, the Devil, the Spirit, the church, and Christ's death on the cross. These truths should affect the way we live. Now let us consider each of these exhortations specifically.

This imperative is a quote from Zechariah: "Speak truth to one another" (Zech 8:16). Paul not only brings the weight of the Old Testament prophet here, but he also adds, "Because we are members of one another" (Eph 4:25). Your words greatly affect the whole body. If my eye says to my hand, "The iron is not hot," and my hand touches it, I'll get burned! Since we are united together, false words hurt the whole body. Falsehood stifles unity; truth strengthens unity.

Paul has already emphasized truth in this chapter (vv. 15, 21, 24). God's people are to be truth-tellers. Just like God desired for Jerusalem to be a city of truth, He longs for the church to be the same.

The word translated "lying" is actually "the lie" (singular), which is understood in the sense of lying (Snodgrass, Ephesians, 249). It may also carry the idea of idolatry—exchanging the truth of God for a lie (Rom 1:25; cf. Jer 10:14; 13:25). We learn from Scripture that God hates lying (Prov 6:16-17; 12:22; 12:19; 20:17; 21:6) and that Satan is a liar (John 8:44). When you tell the truth, you are imitating God. When you lie, you are imitating Satan.

This text is an echo of Psalm 4:4. The Scriptures permit a particular type of anger, what you might call righteous indignation. What does this righteous anger look like? Someone said, "It's when you get mad but you don't cuss." Not exactly. Righteous indignation is a holy anger against sin.

We need to feel anger as Christians. If we are indifferent to injustice, then evil will prevail. Do not encourage the spread of evil through indifference. We should hate sin like God hates sin! David wrote, "Hot 112indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law" (Ps 119:53 ESV). In Mark 1 Jesus expressed righteous indignation when He turned over the tables in the temple. Later, in response to the religious leader's question about healing on the Sabbath, Mark says that Jesus "looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart" (Mark 3:5 ESV). He displayed an anger that was mingled with grief (Piper, "Satan Seeks a Gap"). We too should be grieved and angered over sin.

Verse 31 mentions unrighteous anger. This anger is self-defensive and out of control. It leads to murder, jealousy, envy, and a host of other sins.

To make sure we keep our anger holy, Paul gives us three reminders. The first qualification is "do not sin" (v. 26). Paul is therefore not giving us permission to throw a fit, seek revenge, and dishonor the name of God in public. Next Paul says, "Don't let sun go down on your anger." This does not mean Eskimos at the North Pole may be angry and hold a grudge for six months while the sun is up (Piper, "Satan Seeks a Gap"). Paul is saying, Do not let it fester. Resolve it quickly. Even "good anger" can lead to problems like bitterness, so the time to be angry is short! The final qualification is, "And don't give the Devil an opportunity." Someone said, "Don't go to bed with unresolved conflict or else you will sleep with the Devil." Seek forgiveness and reconciliation quickly. Satan would love to use your anger as an opportunity to make you violent and divisive.

Historians tell us that stealing was typical in the first century in Asia Minor. Paul tells the church to break free from these societal norms. Further, stealing violates the eighth commandment!

Paul possibly has in mind day laborers and skilled tradesman, whose work was seasonal. When out of work and without assistance, such workers would have been tempted to steal in order to survive. While this sin may have been part of their lives before becoming Christians, Paul reminds them that it has no place now: "The thief must no longer steal."

Paul then says, "Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need." Notice a few applications from this statement.

113Paul reminds the believers of the need for honest work. We are created to work. Work is a gift from God. Jesus put in an honest day's work for years as a carpenter/stone mason. Paul worked throughout his ministry so that he would not be a burden on the church (Acts 18:3; 1 Cor 9:15, 18; 1 Thess 2:9). Work was highly valued in the Old Testament (Exod 20:9).

Additionally, Paul says we should not only see the goodness of work, but we should also remember the need for work. He insists, "If anyone isn't willing to work, he should not eat" (2 Thess 3:10-12). The writer of Proverbs says, "The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty" (Prov 28:19). If you want food, then work. (Christians should help one another find honest work when a brother is in need.)

But the apostle also tells us that we should work "to share with anyone in need" (v. 28). Paul tells the Romans, "Share with the saints in their needs" (Rom 12:13).

I like the way John Wesley put it: "Work as hard as you can, make as much as you can, then give as much as you can." Piper tells us there are really three options regarding work: you can steal to get, you can work to get for yourself, or you can work to get in order to give. Paul is obviously commending the third option ("The Purpose of Prosperity").

Who in the New Testament met Jesus and became a radical giver? Zacchaeus. What a remarkable story of grace in his life! He was a taker his whole life but was made into a giver because he met Jesus (Luke 19:1-10).

Paul tells the Christians to bid farewell to "rotten, putrid, filthy" talk (Hughes, Ephesians, 152). He says, "No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear." The word for "foul" or "corrupting" (ESV) is used in the New Testament to refer to rotten fruit (Matt 7:17-18) and rotten fish (Matt 13:48-49) (O'Brien, Ephesians, 344). Both are appropriate pictures of sinful speech. Corrupt talk does not nourish you; it makes you sick. And corrupt talk comes from a corrupt heart. Examples include, but are not limited to, lying, abusive language, vulgar references (5:4), vicious and unkind words, gossip, and slander (4:31).

114Jesus said we will give an account on the final day for every careless word spoken (Matt 12:36). Augustine hung a sign on his dining room wall: "Whoever speaks evil of an absent man or woman is not welcome at this table" (Hughes, Ephesians, 153).

In place of corrupt talk, Paul says we need well-chosen talk (cf. Prov 25:11). Speak constructive words that are helpful and build up others. Speak encouraging words that give grace to the hearers.

The Christian life involves the constant encouragement of others. If your disposition is cynical and critical and there is no warmth and encouragement, you will not be a good leader—in your job, in your family, or in a church (small group or large). Sam Crabtree says, "We can sin in two ways: by idolatrous commendation (the praise of men), or by failing to commend the commendable." He goes on to say, "Generally, it is easier to practice affirmation early in a relationship and it can get harder later" (Practicing Affirmation, 13). This is probably true in a marriage or in a church.

Paul adds, "And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit" (v. 30). This warning is tied to verse 29, though all of the sins mentioned in this section grieve the Holy Spirit. The Spirit can be lied to, offended, dishonored, and disobeyed. Anything inconsistent with the Spirit's nature grieves Him. Sins of the tongue lead to the withdrawal of the influences of the Spirit.

Instead, Christians must be sensitive to the One who sealed us "for the day of redemption" (v. 30). Ask this question: Will what I'm about to say or do please the Spirit or grieve the Spirit?

Verse 30 reminds us that more is going on than meets the eye in relationships in the local church. Relationships involve spiritual warfare. Let us learn to walk by the Spirit and yield to Him in our conversation and attitudes, eagerly maintaining the unity of the Spirit. One of the ways we must learn to do this is by practicing the next two verses.

Paul says we must put off resentful attitudes (bitterness), festering anger, indignant outbursts (wrath), public shouting, abusive language (slander), and hostility (malice). In their place put on kindness and forgiveness. Wear these virtues like you wear clothes—every day.

Oh, if only the church would practice this! We should be a people known for kindness and forgiveness based on the depth of God's kindness and forgiveness that has been shown to us. God's kindness brought115 us to repentance (Rom 2:4). Paul tells us, "But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us" (Titus 3:4-5). The psalmist says, "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love" (Ps 145:8). And, "Yahweh, if You considered sins, Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be revered" (Ps 130:3-4). God is kind and forgiving, and we are to imitate Him. We see this throughout the Scriptures.

In Ephesians Paul gives us what is one of the most powerful verses on forgiveness: "God also forgave you in Christ" (4:32). The implication is obvious. If Jesus can forgive us, then there is nothing for which we should not forgive another person. Should there be consequences for actions? Sure. But we must be forgiving people. Jesus taught us to dwell on how He forgave our infinite debt and then to be quick to forgive others when they sin against us (Matt 6:12, 14-15; 18:21-35; Luke 6:36). Not to forgive is to not rightly understand or appreciate Jesus' forgiveness. Think on His kindness, His love, and His forgiveness daily. It will change you. It will make you like Him.

So, what do you wear? Have you come to know Christ? Are you dressed in His righteousness? If so, live out your new identity as a new creation in Christ for the good of others and the glory of God.

Reflect and Discuss