Summary: The new life in Christ means we have to change our old methods of living. This message examines the changes that should take place in our speech, relationships and actions.

Changing Your Ways

Ephesians 4:25-32

Ephesians 4:25 (HCSB)

Since you put away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another.

Lying Is No Longer an Option

 The old self has been put off

 A conscious decision

 Replaced by new life in Christ

 Speaking the truth

 Even when it is uncomfortable

 To all people

 Zechariah 8:16

Zechariah 8:16 (HCSB)

These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another; render honest and peaceful judgments in your gates.

Lying Is No Longer an Option

 The old self has been put off

 A conscious decision

 Replaced by new life in Christ

 Speaking the truth

 Even when it is uncomfortable

 To all people

 Zechariah 8:16

 Our lies affect others

 Destroys trust

 Creates disharmony

Ephesians 4:26-27 (HCSB)

Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity.

Dealing With Anger

 Anger is a natural emotion

 It is even part of God’s nature

 Exodus 4:14

 1 Kings 11:9

Exodus 4:14a (HCSB)

Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses…

1 Kings 11:9 (HCSB)

The Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.

Dealing With Anger

 Anger is a natural emotion

 It is even part of God’s nature

 Exodus 4:14

 1 Kings 11:9

 Anger left unchecked

 Explodes causing damage to others

 Turns inward giving root to bitterness

 Give the Devil opportunity to divide and destroy

 Deal with anger appropriately and immediately

 Resolve your differences

 Be willing to lay aside your offense

 Make reconciliation your priority

Ephesians 4:28 (HCSB)

The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need.

Making an Honest Living

 A thief’s focus in selfish gain

 At the detriment of others

 With no regard to the well being of others

 God has equipped us to be productive

 A man is expected to be a worker

 His work brings glory to God

 Proverbs 12:24

 Proverbs 21:5

Proverbs 12:24 (NLT)

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Making an Honest Living

 A thief’s focus in selfish gain

 At the detriment of others

 With no regard to the well being of others

 God has equipped us to be productive

 A man is expected to be a worker

 His work brings glory to God

 Proverbs 12:24

 Proverbs 21:5

 Our new life is a life of service

 Sharing with those in need

 Out of our own abundance

Ephesians 4:29 (HCSB)

No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear.

Watch Your Mouth!!!

 The destructive power of the mouth

 Cursing

 Lying

 Gossip

 Slander

 The life giving power of the mouth

 Praise

 Encouragement

 Thanks

 Testifying of Christ

 Prayer

Ephesians 4:30 (HCSB)

And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit, who sealed you for the day of redemption

Joy or Sorrow

 Our actions bring joy or sorrow to the Holy Spirit

 We are sealed as God’s own by the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 1:13

Ephesians 1:13 (NLT)

And now you also have heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.

Joy or Sorrow

 Our actions bring joy or sorrow to the Holy Spirit

 We are sealed as God’s own by the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 1:13

 When we live according to our old nature we bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit

 When we live according to our new nature we bring joy to the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:31 (HCSB)

All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness.

Taking Out the Garbage

 Removing the ways of the old self is a daily choice

 These things don’t belong in the new life

 Bitterness

 Anger and wrath

 Insult and slander

 Wickedness

 Each is a detriment to yourself and others

Ephesians 4:32 (HCSB)

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Following God’s Example

 Being kind and compassionate

 Going the extra mile

 Even when you don’t feel like it

 For the good of others

 Forgiving one another

 It’s no less than God has done for you

 Even when they don’t deserve it

 Even when they don’t ask for it

 Be a proactive forgiver

Key Points

 New life in Christ is meaningless if your actions don’t change

 Changed actions result from a transformed life

 Pursue the well-being of others

 Forgive, just as you have been forgiven

**Powerpoint available on request