Positives in the Christian Life

Last week we dealt with the negatives in the Christian life. That is, those behaviors that do not belong in a mature follower of Jesus’ life. Like, don’t go to bed mad, don’t take what’s not yours, and don’t engage in worthless or corrupt communications.

Today, let’s glean some positives from the same text.

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.

So, what’s the first thing we see?

Let the Holy Spirit Renew Your Thoughts and Attitudes (23)

Ephesians 4:23 NKJV

23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

A. When we trust Christ, we are made new in the attitude of our minds. We are no longer futile in our thinking, darkened in our understanding, and ignorant (vv. 18-19)

B. These are not commands, for the construction here (and in the parallel text Col. 3:9-10) is not imperative. They are facts that followers of Jesus have learned. We are new people in Christ, and because of that we can no longer live as those without Christ live.

Salvation is a crisis that leads to a process. Through Christ, once and for all, we have been given a new position in His new creation, but day by day, we must by faith appropriate what He has given us.

The Word of God renews the mind as we surrender our all to Him (Rom. 12:1–2).

Romans 12:1–2 NKJV

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth” (John 17:17).

As the mind understands the truth of God’s Word, it is gradually transformed by the Spirit, and this renewal leads to a changed life.

Physically, you are what you eat, but spiritually, you are what you think. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7). This is why it is important for us as Christians to spend time daily meditating on the Word, praying, and fellowshipping with Christ.

Put on Your New Nature (24)

Ephesians 4:24 NKJV

24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

A. The follower of Jesus is a paradox

We have a potential for failure.

We have our old nature that never leaves us as long as we live.

B. We also have the Holy Spirit residing in us.

This places unlimited power at our disposal for victory.

Are you having trouble saying no to temptation? Praying for victory in some area of your life? Understand this, as a redeemed follower of Jesus...

“You are not fighting for victory - you are fighting from victory. This battle has already been won.”

We actually have become a participant or partaker of divine nature.

As such, Jesus is able to live through us. (Gal. 2:20)

Galatians 2:20 NKJV

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Think about this…We have the power that raised Jesus from the dead coursing through us.

We already have all we need for living a victorious life.

Next...

Work Hard So You Can Give to Those in Need (28)

Ephesians 4:28 NKJV

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.

A. Here is a unique purpose for working.

B. As we see in this verse, a Christian shouldn’t steal. But instead, work in order to give to the needy.

A thief takes from others for his own benefit, whereas a follower of Jesus is to work, doing something useful with his own hands for the purpose of sharing with those in need.

This is true Christian charity.

C. Work has many benefits.

It provides for our material needs.

It gives us something useful to do (something that is beneficial to us and others).

It enables us to help others materially.

A lazy Christian robs himself, others, and God. Of course, Paul was not writing to believers who could not work because of handicaps, but with those who would not work.

And lastly...

Be Kind to One Another (32)

Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

A. If we are not very kind, we are not very spiritual.

B. This is kindness that results in being tender to the needs of others.

C. This is a kindness that makes it easy to forgive.

D. This is kindness that demonstrates the love of Jesus to others.

Conclusion:

A. We are to be different… Mature… Ready for Responsibility.

B. We are to be effective in serving others as Jesus lives through us.