Things to Put Off and Put On

I commented last week on how accurate the Bible is in describing what we know as total depravity as we looked at Eph. 4:17-19.
We also must consider how accurate the Bible is in describing the behavior of God's people who are part of Christian churches.
The reality is that so often we fail in living as we are called.
Now we find our ultimate assurance about life and God's work in who He is not in what we see.
Jesus Christ we know will build His church; the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
However, we know this does not mean that individual congregations are not judged and removed.
This is especially where we consider the words of warning, blessing, and judgment given to the 7 churches in Rev. 2 and 3.
To each of the churches you have the words:
Rev. 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches..."
Paul in our text speaks of not grieving the Holy Spirit of God. We must take very seriously the words that we find in Scripture that are given to professing believers and local churches.
This is not an exercise in making ourselves feel good.
We must hear and submit to God's authority and rest in His grace alone.
We are starting today with Eph. 4:25 and following.
This section extends all the way to almost the end of the book, to Eph. 6:20.
Page 1 of 9 - 2/23/20
As one commentator describes it, Eph. 4:25-6:20 serves as a commentary on 4:17-24, our text from last week.1
In the first unit (4:25-5:2), we see that which must be put off and what is to be put on.
Because of length we will look at this unit 4:25-5:2 in two sermons. Today we will focus on verses 25-30. Next week we will conclude this section.
Beware and reject that which destroys