Ephesians 4:25-32 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Ephesians 4:25-32. Let’s go!
Today’s passage is Ephesians 4:25-32. There are so many relevant truths to apply from this one passage. For a teacher of God’s Word it’s hard to pick just one to focus on! That’s how rich this passage is.
Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV)
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
On verses 25-32: This passage contains 8 essential habits for healthy relationships. Which one of these relationship tips do you especially need to apply today?
Here they are:
1. Don’t lie. Instead, speak truthful words. (v25)
2. Manage your anger appropriately. (v26-27)
3. Don’t steal. Don’t steal from God by failing to tithe. Don’t steal from others by taking what is theirs without asking or without trying to give back in some way. (v28a)
4. Don’t be greedy and consumer-oriented all the time. Have something to share with others. (v28b)
5. Speak encouraging words, words that build others up instead of tearing others down. (v29)
6. Treat the Holy Spirit well. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit by ignoring His promptings or disobeying His commands. (v30)
7. Get rid of all bitterness from your life. Bitterness is like a weed that will grow and choke the life out of you unless you uproot it. (v31)
8. Be kind, compassionate and forgiving, just as God always is to you. (v32)
Each relationship tip from this passage could be a sermon on its own!
Finally, here is what I learned from verse 25 today:
Ephesians 4:25 (NIV)
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
On verse 25: Here’s a tip when reading the Bible: Whenever you see the word “Therefore” in Scripture, it’s good to look back at what the writer was saying just before he wrote “therefore”. That way you know what the “therefore” is there for.
In this case, just before Paul writes “Therefore” in verse 25, Paul writes about how we are created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (v24). So when Paul tells each member of his church in Ephesus to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour” (v25), it’s with the goal of growing more like God in true righteousness and holiness (v24).
God Himself is full of truth. In Him is no falsehood at all. So if you have a propensity to lie or to stretch the truth, it’s time to put off falsehood and to speak truthful words from now on. Sometimes the truth is not comfortable to say. May God give you wisdom to speak the truth with love, wisdom and courage.
Finally, why does Paul end verse 25 by saying “for we are all members of one body.” What does being members of one body have to do with telling the truth and not lying? Remember that over and over in Ephesians Paul emphasizes
Thank You Holy Spirit for caring so much about the health of our relationships that You inspired Paul to write so much about relationships. I pray that I and all my brothers and sisters in Christ would take to heart these 8 relationship tips You give, that we would have healthy, happy, God-glorifying relationships with one another and that Your body can keep growing healthy and strong. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
