Scripture:
Ephesians 4:25-32 NKJV
[25] Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. [26] “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, [27] nor give place to the devil. [28] Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. [29] Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. [32] And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Observation:
I know I have written about this portion of scripture several times in the past. I honestly hope you’re not tired of it, because it’s a perfect part of the bible to help us take an honest look at ourselves, which is what the bible is meant to do. It’s created to correct, rebuke, and restore us to right living, another way to say that and sound churchy is the bible was given to us to sanctify us, and if I am to tell the truth this morning, that’s my hope. I’m looking to be separated from the world for the purpose and work of GOD, but that means swallowing some truth about myself, and this scripture is given to us for just that. GOD had revealed a lot to the apostle Paul, which is why he was able to write half of the New Testament. He had been imparted wisdom and knowledge from our father in heaven, and honestly, I want to take advantage of that. So I’m writing this SOAP this morning because I told myself when I started this, that I would do my best to live in full view, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. The letter to the church in Ephesus was written to teach them about the war that we are in. The fact is, the last chapter of the letter explains and prepares and teaches us how to apply the tools a soldier needs to be successful in the battle at hand, while the beginning of the letter explains that GOD has already given us every spiritual blessing needed to overcome the tactics of the enemy. Which are described in the middle of the letter, and by the grace of GOD, that’s where we find ourselves this morning. I hope you have taken the time to read this powerful and informative letter. So let’s dive in. The subtitle in my bible says, “Don’t grieve the Spirit.” Being that we are in a spiritual war I feel like that’s an important statement, and as Paul continues to teach we can see the type of behaviors that will do exactly that, however we see them in a manner of correction, such as, ” Therefore put away lying, let each person speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” That statement in and of itself will save us a lot of heartache, and help keep unity in the church. Moving forward in feel like Paul is telling us that some people will decide not to take the advice that is given in that first verse we have had the opportunity to read this morning, so he tells us its ok to get mad but be careful how you handle it, and whatever you do don’t let your anger sit there. Deal with it appropriately, so that the devil does not get a foothold. I think it’s important to go over exactly what that word means. “Foothold,” have you ever tried to close the doors when someone has their foot in the way? It’s nearly impossible, in fact I would say it can’t be done. The foot must first be removed from its position before the door can be closed, and that’s going to take some effort. Footholds can be very difficult to deal with, so it’s important to take care of issues as they arise, so that they don’t cause problems later. Although verse 28 is one of my favorite verses in the bible. I’m going to briefly pass over it this morning so I can get to my point. Verse 28 teaches us what repentance truly looks like. It’s a turning away from a behavior and doing the exact opposite of what that behavior was. I find it interesting that although he took a brief moment to show us what repentance looks like. He goes right back careful examination of the words we speak, and the purpose for them. It’s like he took what he said in the beginning of this passage and amplified its purpose right in the middle of his teaching about grieving the holy spirit. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of GOD, by whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.” That statement is powerful to me, “Sealed for the day of redemption.” It’s a final statement, so it’s important to live as though it’s a true statement. As Paul continues to correct, and rebuke through this teaching. He continues to point out the kind of behavior the enemy likes to see, yet is good to eliminate in our lives. The one that stands out to me the most, is actually why this scripture was chosen this morning. Bitterness. It’s something the enemy uses, along with wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking. As I’m thinking about it, that’s the third time Paul has made sure to mention speaking and guarding your words in these few short verses. I wonder if that means it’s important to do in this spiritual war we are in. My guess is yes, it’s important to watch what you say. Otherwise, Paul would not be instructing us to put that kind of stuff away. The danger of bitterness and anger is important. It’s that foothold that we were talking about, and Paul brings that to our attention. He gives us instructions to speak grace and truth. Being kind and tenderhearted, with a forgiving nature much like GOD’S nature through Christ.
Application:
I’m writing this SOAP to correct myself, and although the reason I need correction has much to do with the behavior of someone else. I have to look at my part. Bitterness is dangerous. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing and we need to be able to identify them. Yet at the same time not feed into them. So let me explain. Two mornings ago I had asked for prayer. I had some stuff going on and GOD has graciously placed this community around me so that when we face things we can share each other’s burdens, and by the way, thank you for your prayers. Things have changed, and I am grateful. My point is, someone whom I have been bitter at is in one of these SOAP groups and asked me what I need prayer for. I respectfully ignored them. Not trying to feed the situation. They have been maliciously talking behind my back and running me down. Although their behavior is unacceptable how I react to it is my part. Yes, I believe it needs to be corrected, however, that’s up to the Holy Spirit, not me. My part is taking care of the bitterness that rises up in me when I see their name in my text thread. That’s what spiritual war is about. Correcting ourselves so that the enemy’s toes are cut off when we slam the door shut on his foot. I don’t want nor do I need bitterness. It helps absolutely nothing. It steals time and shortens life. Not to mention it creates a spot for the enemy to come and go as he pleases. Forgiveness is the key; however, sometimes we have to remind ourselves that we have forgiven that person. It’s not always easy to forget the damage they have caused by the words they have spoken. But it’s important not to let those emotions resonate in our hearts. Speaking maliciously does a lot of damage, creating opportunities for anger, malice, and bitterness. We only have control over ourselves, and although we can not make this person stop what they are doing, we can forgive them because they honestly have no idea how the enemy uses them as a wolf to tear apart the church. My job is me, and your job is you. If I do my part by forgiving you and you don’t do yours that’s not my problem. My side of the street is clean and that’s exactly what matters. I will pray for those who speak without thinking. The bible says we will answer for every idle word we speak, and I have a lot to answer for in that area. I don’t need to be adding bitterness to that. Love covers a multitude of sins…. including but not limited to malicious talk and the bitterness that comes from that talk. The condition of our hearts allows us to receive or reject seeds. It’s important to know exactly who is sowing those seeds as well. We can not allow bitterness to take root. It hinders our prayers and all kinds of things when meeting others with grace and truth. We can’t exchange one for the other; both have to be present for love to abound and cover sin.
Prayer:
Father help us to be the men and women that you have always intended for us to be. Meeting every situation in our lives with the words of your book. We do not want to be deceived into thinking that all of our problems are because of someone else. We are the root of our issues. Write your words on our hearts. So we have a clear reflection of who we are. We want to live in a manner that brings you glory. Fill us with you Holy Spirit and the fruit that comes with it. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.