Live Like a Mature Christian

Maturing as a Christian involves life change. As we grow, there are certain things we are to put away. A mature Christian should stay away from certain behaviors.

Ephesians 4:17–32 NKJV

17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Don’t Live Like Someone Who Doesn’t Know Jesus (17-25)

A. There is a difference (2 Cor. 5:17-18)

2 Corinthians 5:17–18 NKJV

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,

B. This is really saying, “Don’t live as you used to live” (Eph. 2:1-8)

Ephesians 2:1–8 NKJV

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

According to the course of this world

According to the prince of the power of the air, Satan

According to the lusts of the flesh

Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind

C. How do those who don’t follow Jesus walk? (4:17-19)

Ephesians 4:17–19 NKJV

17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

In the vanity of the mind (hopelessly confused)

Having their understanding darkened (minds full of darkness)

Having blind hearts (closed their minds and hardened their hearts against God)

Giving themselves to lewdness (have no sense of shame)

Working uncleanness with greediness (live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity)

These behaviors have no place in the life of the child of God.

Don’t Lie (25)

Ephesians 4:25 NKJV

25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

This includes all forms of lying and deception

Don’t Go to Bed Mad (26)

Ephesians 4:26 NKJV

26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

A. Never let a day end being angry

B. Some people live with anger constantly

C. We’re never to let a day end with anger.

D. How should we deal with anger? Give it to Jesus… confess and forsake…Deal with it

Don’t Steal (28)

A. How strange a statement like this is necessary

B. Some addicted to stealing

Shoplifting, taking things from employers

Stealing from others

Stealing from God (Malachi 3:10)

C. Rather, we are called to generosity and honesty.

Watch Your Language (29)

Ephesians 4:29 NKJV

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

A. By our words we are to be judged

B. James and his comments about the tongue.

C. What is corrupt communication? Some get as close to profanity as possible. Foul or abusive language.

D. Psalm 19:14

Psalm 19:14 NKJV

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

Don’t Grieve the Holy Spirit (30)

Ephesians 4:30 NKJV

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

A. Your body is His temple

B. This should make you careful… help you mature

C. Stop grieving the Lord in word, thought or deed.

Conclusion:

A. What are we to do if these things remain in our lives?

Confess them as sin (1 John 1:9)

Present our bodies to Christ as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1)

B. Grow up!