From Preachin’ to Meddlin’
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Introduction: We’ve all heard those words (title) haven’t we? Paul discusses some practical applications of Christian living. He talks about holy living. Speaking of holy living let me say two things.
1. It Is Impossible Without Transformation: Paul contrasts the rebellious (v.17-19) and the redeemed (v.20-24). The difference is in the “inward change”. All of us are deformed. It’s not enough to be informed or just reformed. We must be transformed! That only comes about as a result of the Holy Spirit.
2. It Is Imperative Because Of Our Location: We live in a dirty world. We need to avoid the stain. We need to be light in the midst of darkness.
Paul gives five examples of what living the new life means. He shows us what to
avoid and explains why. In each of these there is a negative command, a positive command and a spiritual principle. We might say that Paul stops preaching and goes to meddling. He has the audacity to name specific sins, and he doesn’t pass any of us by.
Consider Paul’s words regarding:
I. Truthfulness (v.25)
A. The Negative: Lay aside falsehood. This has to do with dishonesty and corruption. It’s in the aorist tense – an action completed in the past. Lying is not an acceptable practice.
B. The Positive: Speak the truth.
C. The Principle: We are members of the body. We must deal in honesty.
II. Temper (v.26-27)
A. The Negative: “Be angry and sin not.” “Orge” = we are to have an abiding, settled attitude of righteous indignation against sin. That is good and acceptable. We are not to have a kind of anger which turns into personal resentment. Don’t allow righteous indignation to lead you into actions which dishonor God.
B. The Positive: It’s permissible to express anger within limits. Jesus was angry (cleansing the temple). Whatever it is turn it over to God.
C. The Principle: Don’t give the devil a foothold. When we give anger a place and allow it to fester we give him an opportunity to sow dissension and discord among God’s people. It brings despair to us, dishonor to God, discouragement to others and disunity to the body. Practice self-control and deal with anger before it gets out of control. See Prov. 15:1.
III. Thievery (v.28)
Thou shalt not steal (the 8th Commandment). Satan is not only a liar and murderer, but he’s also a thief!
A. The Negative: Stop stealing! Retailers lose $7 billion a year to shoplifters. Every 30 seconds an auto is stolen. Every 82 seconds a burglary happens. There are many who sit in a church pew every Sunday who are high-handed thieves – they rob God of the tithes and offerings!
B. The Positive: Work!
C. The Principle: Why work? To provide for oneself and others.
IV. Tongue (v.29-30)
A. The Negative: Be done with foul-mouthed talk or worthless speech. That takes in vulgarity and criticism.
B. The Positive: Use edifying words. Encourage. Brian Harbour writes, “Maybe once in a hundred years a person can be ruined by excessive praise. Probably every minute someone dies from lack of it.”
C. The Principle: Our words are to be instruments by which the grace of God is communicated.
Lying, resentment, stealing, filthy language, etc… grieves the Holy Spirit. When that happens there is a loss of joy, peace and blessings.
V. Tenderness (v.31-32)
A. The Negative: “Bitterness” = a refusal to be reconciled. “Rage” = violent eruption. “Anger” = simmering kind. “Brawling” = Rodney Dangerfield once said he went to the fights and a hockey match broke out. I once went to a brawl and a Baptist church was created! Only kidding. Paul just got through talking about lying. “Slander” = untrue, unkind statements.
B. The Positive: Be kind and tender-hearted. Be willing to forgive.
C. The Principle: God set the pattern (Rom. 5:8).
Conclusion: Paul, I’ve had enough meddlin’, let’s just get back to preachin’!
