The Unsearchable Riches of Christ, Pt 56

New Life in Christ, Pt3.

Ephesians 4:20-32. 

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III. HOW BENEFICIAL ARE THE CHANGES WROUGHT

What practical benefits accrue from sanctification, 25-32.

Paul here acts as the Christian’s valet. He seeks to assist in dressing the Christian in his new garments. We must not only learn the truth but we must practice it. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them,” John 13:17. We have not rightly laid hold on truth if it has not laid hold on us and compelled us to apply it in our lives. We have to STOP sin and START being holy.

How far-ranging is the impact of God’s Word upon the lives of God’s people. It touches upon every compartment.

1. Personal. There is an escape from the slavery of sin.
[1]. Alienation from God, cp 18, 30.
[2]. Decetion, cp 17, 25. Pagan life was endlessly deceitful and dishonest.
[3]. Devil, cp 18, 27.

2. Social. It has an impact upon our neighbours, Christian and non-Christian.
[1]. Honesty with our neighbours, 25.
[2]. Industry with our hands, cp 19, 28.
[3]. Witness to all, cp 17-19, 29.
[4]Gentleness, cp  26, 32. There is an anger that is not sinful, 2 Cor 7:10-11; Ps 97:10; Mark 3:5; John 2:15. And what of the wrath of God? There is an anger that is a reaction to sin. It is the opposite of the pagan who had no sense of outrage against siun, V 19. But we must control anger lest the devil exploit it, verse 27.

3. Spiritual. It impacts upon our relationship with God, verse 30. Here is the ultimate consideration that should drive us to holiness. How many grieve the Lord every day. The mouth is the chief source of grief when it ought to be the chief source of praise.