Put on the New Man of Righteousness and Holiness

Ephesians 4:23-29

Believers are new creatures in Christ, living under the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. The redeemed of the Lord should always give Him glory for putting off the old man and putting on the new man. Since we are new creatures in Christ, we are to daily “be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (4:23). In Romans 12:2 Apostle Paul said for us not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. When we put on the Lord Jesus Christ, He gave us our regenerated and renewed nature, created according to God. Therefore, even though our earthen vessel is the same, our once self-centered ways “have passed away.” Our living now reflects God’s righteousness and holiness.

We do not treat each other as we did when we were that old, corrupt man. We are all members of the body of Christ;  therefore, we are to put away lying, backbiting, spreading rumors – talking that we know partially and that we do not know except what someone else told us, and we accept it as truth. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are our neighbors. We are to speak truth with them (v.25). Be angry about sin, injustice, and etc., but do not sin by being angry at the sinner. Anger could lead you to a decision of regret. Do not let the sun go down on your anger (v.26); this may be your last sunset. Do not harbor anger. That only gives the devil an opportunity to lead you into sin (v.27). Let the anger go, forgive, and trust God to take you through the situation.  

Those who once stole, you are believers; do not steal. Go to work; use your hands for what is good, that you may have something to give someone who is in need (v.28). Then he warns believers to let no corrupt word come out of their mouth; only what is good for building up others that it may impart grace to the hearers (v.29). Remember, you have put on the new man of righteousness and holiness, walk worthy of your calling.