Qualities of the New Man (2) – Ephesians 4:29-32

In Ephesians 4:25-32, Paul listed five qualities of the new man that replace five vices of the old man. Of the five vices, the last two are among the most common vices with which Christians struggle.

Transition

Last week we examined the first three qualities of the new man [below]. This evening we will examine the last two qualities of the new man that Paul lists. As we do, ask yourself if these qualities are present in your life.

He Speaks the Truth Instead of Lying, v.25

He is Self-controlled with Godly Anger, v.26-27

He Shares Instead of Stealing, v.28

He Speaks Edifying Words, v.29-30

The new man put off corrupt words
1. It is important for us to understand the meaning of the word “corrupt.” It describes that which is rank, foul, putrid, rotten, worthless, or disgusting.
  When you drive down a country road and come upon a kangaroo that has been dead for several days, the smell is putrid. To stop the smell it must be buried.
2. That is just how God sees our bad words. Whether they are filthy words, swear words, curse words, name-calling, gossip, unkind words, or cutting words, they are all rotten and must be buried.
  Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
  
  James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
3. Though the tongue cannot be tamed so it can be fully trusted, the Holy Spirit can control it for us if we let Him (Victory Steps, James 4:7-10).
4. Though we do not like to admit it, rotten words come from a rotten heart. To put off corrupt words you are going to have to ask God to clean your heart.
  Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
He put on wholesome words
1. We are to put on words that are the opposite of the rotten ones. They are good or wholesome words.
2. These words are edifying.
  1. They build up instead of tearing down.
  2. They help instead of hurt.
  3. They encourage instead of discourage.
  4. They promote instead of put down.
  5. They bless instead of blast.
3. Wholesome words minister grace. Grace is an undeserved favour. In other words, wholesome words are kind when the hearer has been unkind. Wholesome words bless when the hearer has blasphemed you. Wholesome words are sweet when the hearer has been sour to you.
  Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
  
  Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
  
  Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
He is sensitive to the indwelling Holy Spirit
1. Rotten words grieve the Holy Spirit. He is a Person who feels sorrowful, sad, offended, distressed, and put to shame when He hears rotten words come from our mouth.
2. The Holy Spirit not only knows the words we say because He is God, but He must endure them because He lives in us. Though deeply offended, He will never leave a true Christian. He has sealed us until the day of redemption from this world (cf. Eph 1:13).
  1. He is the proof-of-purchase seal.
  2. He is the seal of genuineness.
  3. He is a seal that cannot be broken.
3. When we grieve the Holy Spirit, whether by the sin of rotten words or another sin, He cannot fill us (Eph 5:18), nor walk with us (Gal 5:16), nor bear fruit in our lives (Gal 5:22-23), nor empower us to witness (Act 1:8), nor teach us the Scriptures (Jn 14:26), nor guide you in all truth (Joh 16:13). Grieving the Holy Spirit is no small matter!

He Sincerely Forgives, v.31-32

The new man must put off all ungodly anger
1. In the Greek, the verse actually starts with the word “all” for emphasis. Ungodly anger has no place in the Christian’s life. It is never excusable. It is never okay. I like how one commentator put it, He said, God has zero tolerance for these qualities. Dunagan
2. To make sure we do not miss the point, God lists for us six descriptions or outcomes of ungodly anger.
  1. Bitterness: that which is extremely bitter, bitter hatred. Bitterness is anger brewing in the heart.
    “Bitterness” – is a figurative term denoting that fretted and irritable state of mind that keeps a man in perpetual animosity – that inclines him to harsh and uncharitable opinions of men and things – that makes him sour, crabbed, and repulsive in his general demeanour – that brings a scowl over his face, and infuses venom into the words of his tongue.
  2. Wrath: is heated emotions, a hot temper, a boiling spirit
  3. Anger: is an impulsive passion that usually wants revenge, resentment, deep-seated hostility
  4. Clamour: loud, yelling, scolding, fierce, hasty shouts of one full of rage
  5. Evil speaking: This is actually the word for blasphemy. It signifies what is hurtful to the reputation of others.
  6. Malice: is ill-will, the desire to injure. Eadie describes it as bad-heartedness and the root of above five vices.
3. Ungodly anger in every form is sin, displeases God, and must be put away.
The new man must be kind and forgiving
1. When we have on the new man, he has three positive responses to irritating situations.
  1. He is kind: This word describes that which is the opposite of harsh, hard, sharp, or bitter. It is mild and pleasant.
  2. He is tenderhearted: Compassionate, showing sympathy, having pity
  3. He is forgiving: This is gracious forgiving. “Giving freely” is at the root of this word. The verb charízomai means “to show pleasure” or “to show oneself to be pleasant.” TDNT
    Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
2. The new man follows God’s example when dealing with irritating situations.
  1. God is mild, compassionate, and forgiving.
  2. God forgives totally.
  3. God forgives repeatedly.
  4. God never again mentions my forgiven sins.
    Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Conclusion

Do your words and attitudes give evidence that the New Man is in control of your life? Have your rotten words been buried and replace with edifying words? Has ALL types of your anger been put away and replaced with mild, compassionate, forgiveness? If not, go back to the sermon on Eph 4:22-24 and follow God’s instructions for putting off the old man, being renewed, and putting on the new man.

You cannot possibly do it yourself. You must get God’s help through a close relationship with Him and by allowing the Holy Spirit to control every area of your life. Will you do it?

Song: Yield Not to Temptation – 364
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Qualities of the New Man2
20 April 2014 PM – Ephesians 4:29-32 – Eph 14 – Scott Childs