Introduction: 1. How do you live your life? God calls the Christian to be different from the world. 2. God calls all Christians to a higher standard (Eph. 4:25-32). I. From lying to telling the truth (verse 25). A. Lying-1. Defined-a twisting of the truth with the intent of deceiving. 2. Described-falsehood, exaggeration, adding to the truth, cheating, income tax fraud. 3. Detestable (Jn. 8:44>Gen. 3:1). Some try to justify. B. Speak the truth (Eph. 4:16). II. From anger to peacefulness (verse 26). A. Anger. 1. Defined-an emotional arousal caused by something that displeases us. 2. Described-Just anger-MADD, National Hotlines, non profits, etc. Unjust anger, burn food, retaliatory, petty things, etc. 3. Detestable (Ps. 37:8; Ecc. 7:9; Prov. 19:11; Mt. 5:21-26). B. Let not the sun go down on your wrath-settle the matter (Mt. 5:25; Rom. 12:17-21). III. From stealing to sharing (verse 28). A. Stealing. 1. Defined-taking what does not belong to you and trying to get away with it. 2. Described-shoplifting, embezzlement failure to report income, report working more hours than you do, taking from Dad’s dresser, going back on a loan, pocketing extra change. 3. Detestable (Ex. 20:15; 1 Pet. 4:15). B. Go to work (1 Thes. 4:11). Give to those that have a need (Lk. 14:1, 14; Acts 20:33-35). IV. From unwholesome to wholesome words (verse 29). A. Corrupt communication. 1. Defined-bad, rotten. 2. Described-foul language, off color jokes, profanity, dirty stories, etc. 3. Detestable (Rom. 3:14; Mt. 26:74; Ja. 3:6-8). B. Speak clean words (Ja. 3:1-8; 2:12). Use words that edify (Prov. 25:12; Col. 4:6). V. From bitterness to kindness (verses 31, 32). A. Bitterness. 1. Defined as smoldering resentment, wrath, wild rage. Clamor-shout out or cry of strife-public outburst, evil speaking-slander. B. Kindness-like God (Rom. 5:8, 10; 1 Pet. 4:8). Forgive (Mt. 5:39; 1 Pet. 3:9).
Entered on 10/19/2008
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