Ephesians 4, part 2
New Obligations
Ephesians 4:25–32
Introduction
After describing the inherent oneness of the church (Ephesians 4:1–16), Paul next talked of how Christians are to behave. Their lives are to be markedly different from the pagans (4:17–25). This new life is to be characterized by holiness and honesty. In the final verse of the chapter, the apostle outlines three of the new obligations.
I. Kind
A. Jesus was the kindest man who ever lived. In telling of judgment, He emphasized that we must be kind to others (Matthew 25:34–36). We cannot be His friends and remain indifferent to the oppressed, the downtrodden, the abused the suffering. He promises that we will be repaid for all we do for Him (Matthew 10:42).
B. When seeking a spouse, one wants to find a person who is kind (e.g. Proverbs 31:20). A man may have great strength, yet because he controls it, he is kind to others. No matter how loudly we profess our religion, if it is not confirmed by kindness, others will call it into question (1 John 3:17).
II. Compassionate
A. The King James Version calls it “tenderhearted,” literally of “good-heartedness.” Jesus had a tender heart as well (e.g. Luke 7:36–50). When we have this spirit, we will deal with others gently (Galatians 6:1–3).
B. The secret of being compassionate often lies in life’s experiences. When we have “walked a mile in another man’s moccasins” we are more understanding and patient with him. Olin Hay, a retired Christian minister, tells of feeling good that he stepped on a lot of toes in his first sermon. He asked his preacher what he thought of it. He said he learned a lesson he never forgot when the kind, elderly man told him, “Olin, remember you can’t preach the love of God with a clenched fist.”
III. Forgiving
A. The third obligation that Paul notes is forgiveness. It is an obligation; there is no choice (Matthew 6:14, 15). Why is this so hard for us to realize? Is it because we are unwilling to do what the word “forgive” means—to send away, to dismiss?
B. Is it because we don’t have God’s view of sin? We rank sins and label people accordingly. Jesus showed the futility of that practice (Matthew 5:21ff). How can we fail to see the necessity of forgiveness? (Matthew 18:33, 35).
Illustrations
It Does Make a Difference
In a small town years ago two brothers were retail coal dealers. One was converted. He tried to persuade the other. “Why can’t you become a Christian like I did?” “It’s fine for you,” his brother replied, “but if I become a Christian, who’ll weigh the coal?” At least he realized that it makes a difference when one is truly converted!
Attitude
A lady was asked how she liked the new minister. “Oh, he’s a lot better than our previous one,” she explained. “The other one told us if we didn’t quit our sins, we would all go to Hell.” Her friend was surprised. “But doesn’t the new preacher warn you of sin?” “Yes, he does—but it’s different. When our old preacher told us we would all be going to Hell, he seemed to be glad about it!”