"How Then Shall We Live?" - Part 2

INTRODUCTION:

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV84

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

New creations ACT LIKE new creations!

In (4:25-32), Paul gives several commands CONTRASTING the OLD life with the NEW, as well as the REASONS for such changes!

I. From LYING to Speaking TRUTH! – (4:25)

II. From SELFISH Anger to RIGHTEOUS Anger! – (4:26-27)

III. From STEALING to SHARING! – (4:28)

A. The COMMAND – (v.28a)

Exodus 20:15 NIV84

“You shall not steal.

GOD’S ALTERNATIVE: WORK! (v.28b) – “…but must labor, performing with his own hands what is good”

2 Thessalonians 3:10–15 NIV84

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

God’s message specific to the MEN of this Church is this: “GET A JOB!”

B. The REASON – (v.28c) – “...that he may have something to share with those in need.”

Genesis 2:15 NIV84

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Proverbs 22:29 NIV84

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.

Ecclesiastes 2:24 NIV84

A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,

Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV84

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.

Colossians 3:23–24 NIV84

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

A. The COMMAND – (v.29a)

Wholesome words carry three characteristics (v.29b):

1. EDIFYING – “…helpful for building others up” – (Prov 25:12)

2. APPROPRIATE – “…according to their needs” – (Prov 25:11; 24:26)

3. GRACIOUS – (NAS95) “…so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

Colossians 4:6 NIV84

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

We are SAVED by grace; KEPT by grace; we should also SPEAK IN GRACE!

B. The REASON – (v.30) – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…”

Because God is always with you, there is no behavior you engage in that does not include the Holy Spirit of God!

V. From NATURAL Vices to Supernatural Vices! – (4:31-32)

A. The NEGATIVE COMMANDS – (v.31)

CONFLICT between believers breaks fellowship; destroys relationships; weakens the Church; and destroys our testimony!

Titus 3:10 NIV84

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.

B. The POSITIVE COMMANDS – (v.32)

Galatians 5:22–24 NIV84

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.