Life & How to Live it: Ephesians 4-5

We've already reached the fourth week of our study, the much anticipated "practical part" of Ephesians.

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In my opinion, Ephesians 4:17-24 provides some of the most compelling content in the whole Bible on why a person should reject the world's way of doing life and follow God's.  It illustrates the utter emptiness of a life lived for self and pleasure, and sets up the framework for the type of purposeful life God always intended for His creations to enjoy.

I frequently share the book of Ephesians in the jail ministry context (I believe that the short book is an excellent primer on Christianity - for both believers and nonbelievers alike).  Typically, the response I receive from the teaching in the latter part of chapter 4 is always very spirited and exciting.  Most people are refreshed by the simplicity of "whatever your problem is: do the opposite!"

If you're a thief, start working so you can become a giver.
If you're a liar, start telling truth to people.
If you're angry and hateful, start showing compassion and patience.

It's really quite simple: put off the old and put on the new, every day!

I think we can extend this "do the opposite" mentality beyond simply the examples Paul cites in Ephesians 4.  Whatever our sin problem might be, we should figure out what the positive "opposite" of that sin is.  If our struggle is cursing, we should devote our lips to praise.  If it is adultery, we should seek in every way to be faithful and committed to our marriage.  If it is laziness, we should give our all to hard work.

Action Idea: Life Action Ministries (with whom I used to travel) has a great two-page resource of all the things we should "put off" and "put on".  Here's the link. Once you print out a copy, use it as a prayer guide for yourself over the next week or so.  You'll be amazed at the good, bad, and ugly you discover!

Question to Comment on:

How can we imitate God? (5:1)