Again Paul, is revealing how we as restored to the spirit person of Genesis 2 are to walk in this evil world in which darkness rules in those of unbelief. We are now become "the light," as spoken by John about Jesus in chapter 1 of his synoptic gospel message. Jesus being the light that defines all of humanity, the very likeness of Genesis 1:26-27 and 2:6-7. GOD being the image in our humanity, the invisible energy that is a living vibrant energizer of our being. Paul in verse 26 quoted only part of Psalm 4:4, I will show the whole verse because it is a key to our new lifestyle.
Ephesians 4:25-5:2 "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. (Psalm 4:4, "Be ye angry, and sin not; Mediate in your heart upon your bed, and be still"): let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour." (KJV)
Ephesians 4:25-5:2 "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (Psalm 4:4, "Be angry and do not sin; Mediate in your heart upon your bed, and be still") do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (ESV)
Ephesians 4:25-5:2 "Faking it and lying to one another was part of our old life; now truth remains our consent inspiration in our every conversation. We are related to one another like different parts in the same body. (Which means that cheating one another would be cheating yourself! Truth only finds context in Christ [v. 21].) Even if you think you have a valid excuse, do not let anger dominate your day! If we don't deal with it immediately (in the light of our likeness of Christ in you) the sun sets for us and our day becomes one of lost opportunities where darkness employs anger to snare us in sin, again. Any sin that we tolerate is an open invitation to do more evil. Do not give the Devil a platform to operate from. If you were a thief before, you are one no more. Find an honest job where the fruit of your labors can be a blessing to others! Instead of cheap talk, your mouth is now a fountain of grace and truth, giving the light of encouragement and inspiration to everyone within earshot. The Holy Spirit is our signet ring from GOD to confirm that we are redeemed to live our life in the light as he is the light; any conduct that belongs to the night grieves him. Take up the strongest possible position against every form of distortion of behavior in your own life. Do not allow yourself to be spiteful; outbursts of violent emotion and rage do not become us. We don't have to shout in order to make our point. People must feel safe in our conversations; therefore, slander and hurtful words (blasphemy) are out! Be inspired by kindness and compassion; our forgiving of one another when we might feel irritated and frustrated demonstrates the way GOD graciously treats us in Christ. Mirror GOD (his invisible image is in you, you are his visible image); you are his offspring. (2Corinthians 3:18) This is how: let the Agape of Christ be your life; remember how he abandoned himself to us. His Agape is contagious, not reluctant but extravagant. Sacrificial agape pleases GOD like the sweet aroma of worship. (Resembling the holy anointing oil and the pure fragrance of incense of spices, the work of a perfumer, to be burnt on the golden altar of incense in the inner court of the tent of meeting. [Exodus 37:25-29] This is our being Now!) (The Mirror)
Okay, are we ready really ready to live as GOD's identity made visible through us? For this is my purpose and my directive, in and through Christ within me. (2Timothy 4:1-5, as spoken to me in the Autumn of 1971.) Until our next visit may the LORD show you and yours his ways. They are not grievous but are indeed light.
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