Living A Surrendered Life

Living a Surrendered Life

Ephesians 4:25-32

We have discussed much in recent weeks regarding the obligations and responsibilities of believers within the body of Christ. Paul has painted a detailed picture of how the church should look and the witness presented unto a watching world. While the previous passages have been informative, they have also been convicting. In fact, the biblical standard Paul revealed, fully expecting the church to uphold, is impossible apart from the guidance and assistance of the Spirit.

Beginning with the text we have read, and continuing through the remainder of the Ephesian letter, Paul offers detailed instructions for how we are to live and conduct ourselves within our communities and circles of influence. Having discussed what is expected of believers, Paul now challenges the church to live-out what they possess within. Having died to the old nature, being resurrected a new creation in Christ, our lives ought to reveal the transformation we encountered. It is easy to state that one is a believer and follower of Christ; it is an entirely different matter to live in such a way that others can see evidence of the professed relationship with Christ.

As we examine the admonitions within the text for every believer, I want to consider: Living a Surrendered Life.

I. An Honorable Personal Life (25-27) – In the opening verses of our text, Paul addresses the way believers are to live their personal lives. He speaks of:

A. Our Tongue (25) – Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Paul offers basic instruction for Christian living, being inspired by the Spirit to admonish believers not to tell lies, spreading falsehood, but to speak truth with one’s neighbor. While this is foundational Christian doctrine, it is a matter that must be addressed. We live in a culture where truth is often passed over in order to receive a lie. Many today take a liberal approach to truth, seeing no harm in bending the truth a bit if it aids in one’s pursuits. Simply, believers must be a people who embrace and proclaim truth, regardless of the consequences.

Paul revealed an interesting aspect of this matter of speaking truth – we are members one of another. Sharing lies and inaccuracies has a detrimental effect on the entire body. If you or I lie about a brother or sister in Christ, it not only hurts them; in reality, it hurts us and the entire body of Christ as well. We must be a people committed to telling the truth.

B. Our Temper (26) – Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Paul does not admonish the church about being angry. No doubt, there were times when Paul was angry with a righteous anger. We know Jesus was as well. However, we are admonished to guard our anger to prevent sin in the process. It is okay to be angry, but it is not pleasing to the Lord for our anger to lead to sin. We must not dwell on our anger, allowing it to consume our thoughts and actions. Righteous anger should never lead to unrighteous behavior. We are expected to deal with our anger in a manner pleasing unto the Lord rather than taking it to bed in the evening and rising with it on our minds in the morning. We should address the issue that caused our anger, settling the matter as soon as possible.

C. Our Temptations (27) – Neither give place to the devil. We must guard against the temptations associated with neglecting the truth and unrighteous anger. These behaviors provide an open door for the enemy to attack and gain a foot-hold in our lives. We must not provide any opportunity for the devil, the slanderer and accuser of the brethren, to gain any ground in our lives. The spreading of falsehood or unjust anger can create a situation ripe for the devil to gain advantage and create division within the church. We are obligated to stand firm in the Spirit, resisting the devil and his attempts to enter in and create division and damage.

II. An Honest Social Life (28-29) – Paul also addressed the manner in which believers are to live their social lives, being upright and honest in their words and their deeds. He speaks of:

A. Our Employment (28a) – Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good. This is simple instruction, but it reveals a social problem that has existed throughout time. In fact, the command not to steal is among the Ten Commandments. Not unlike our day, Paul admonished the believer to engage in fruitful labor, working with one’s hands, turning from the old desires and sinful ways. No doubt, there were those among the church who previously had been guilty of stealing from others.