Ephesians 4:22-29

Paul is teaching about the result of knowing Jesus.

When we see ourselves as unified with Christ, we begin to align with His character.

There is a contrast so that we can clearly see the two paths:

that of walking in the Flesh and walking in the Spirit

Paul gives 4 examples of areas to pay attention to.

We should expect to see transformation here:

1) Truthfulness

2) Anger

3)Generosity

4)Speech

1 Be Truthful (Zech 8:16)

- lying, manipulating, half-truths, rumors

- dishonesty is the natural tilt

- protect self, profit self, hurt others (FLESH)

- take the hit, put others first, speak truth (SPIRIT)

- especially in the church

- builds community and alleviates worry when brothers and sisters are committed to transparency and honesty

2 Be Careful with Anger (Psalm 4:4)

- if your agitated - calm down and think

- act immediately (FLESH)

- prayerful thoughtfulness of the situation (SPIRIT)

- wake up! the enemy doesn't miss opportunities

- any foothold allows ADVANCE

- there is wisdom seeing beyond the heat of the moment

- sin takes you further than you want to go

3 Be Generous

- consider what motivates people and the worldly value of money and things

- gather as much for yourself while you can (FLESH)

- distribute and share, care for others with your wealth (SPIRIT)

- what a different mindset - work hard for others!

- work hard so that you have more to give?

- we need to evaluate our basis for assigning value

4) Be An Encourager

- the idea of the world unwholesome here is ROTTEN (FLESH)

- the impact of words lasts longer than the moment they are spoken

- use your words to consider how to be a blessing in the moment (SPIRIT)

- go in thinking: what is the need? what is the occasion? how can I represent Jesus with my mouth?