A Brand New Day of Relating

2018-04-15 
Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV) and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

1. Sin will damage your relationships beyond repair

Vss 17-19 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

– hopelessness can never result in happiness

– full of darkness, wandering FAR from the life God gives

– John 10:10 “life more abundantly”

– Phil 4:7 “peace that passes all understanding”

2. The “TURN” that happened when you came to Christ is a daily commitment

Vss 20-24 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

– we are a new creation, but we must work daily to remain where God wants us

– “throw off” (a-paw-TITH-a-me) = to put away or to cease what one is accustomed to doing

How does this play out in our relationships?

1. Honesty

Vs 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

– Prov 12:22 The Lord detests (an abomination) lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth

2. Self-control

Vss 26-29a And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language.

– controlling our anger requires complete dependence on God

– uncontrolled anger provides fertile ground for the devil

– turn what is natural (sin) into what is eternal (God’s plan)

3. Building up

Vs 29b Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

– be an encourager, lifting others up every chance you get

4. A change in action and attitude

Vss 30-32a And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted…

5. A life of forgiveness

Vs 32b …forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

– forgiveness is the primary action to stronger relationships

– Luke 17:3 So watch yourselves! “If another believer[a] sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”