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Vices To Kill, Virtues To Cultivate
Brian Mashburn
April 10, 2016
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Vices To Kill, Virtues To Cultivate
As we look at our teaching today, it is important that you remember that Ephesians 1-3 is about what we have become inwardly because of what Christ has done for us, and Ephesians 4-6 is about how we conform our lives outwardly to match the new inner reality.
Why?
Because Paul, in all of his writings, intentionally puts things is this order. He is always careful to note that you do not conform your life to Christ in order to become a Christian. Instead, you become a Christian and then, as a result, conform your life to Christ. The motivation to change these outward behaviors is not "so that you can save yourself by doing so," but "because you have been saved by Christ." The sheer gratitude and change of priorities compels us to change some things.
What things? Paul continues to get more and more specific, and in Ephesians 4:25-32 he outlines some biggies, along with some corresponding virtues that should take their place.
No more falsehood, only truth.
No more self-centered anger, or long-lasting anger.
No more stealing. Work so that you can share.
No more unwholesome talk. Say only beneficial things.
No harbored resentment. Forgive everyone of everything.
No mad yelling or outbursts. Be kind and compassionate.
Throughout, Paul gives some motivations to quit these things: They interrupt the church's oneness; They give the devil a foothold; They keep you selfish; They tear people down. In other words, they interrupt God's stated plan of "bringing all things together under Christ." (1:10)
He ends by pointing us back to the first three chapters, saying that our love for each other should look like Christ's love for us.