His Word Today

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Ephesus, and all Christian everywhere, to put off their old sinful pre-converted desires and behavior, be renewed in their minds through the Word of God, and to put on their new regenerated behavior. This new self is characterized by holiness in desire and righteousness in behavior.

What exactly does righteous and holy behavior look like in our everyday world and culture? It is at this point that Paul becomes specific in the practical of the biblical truth set forth in Ephesians 4:22-24.

Paul begins Ephesians 4:25 with the familiar word therefore (διό; dio) indicating a conclusion. The word means for this reason and is an emphatic marker of a result, usually signifying that the inference is self-evident (Matt. 27:8; Luke 1:35; Acts 26:3; 2 Cor. 1:20; 12:10; Gal. 4:31; Eph. 2:11; Php. 2:9; James 1:21; 1 Peter 1:13; 2 Peter 1:10).

Since Christians have put away spiritual falsehood (ἀποτίθημι ψεῦδος; apotithemi pseudos) of an unredeemed existence and status before God, we are therefore to now speak the truth (λαλέω ἀλήθεια; laleo aletheia). This is God’s present and active command for each one who is in Christ. There are no exceptions.

Who is to whom believers are to speak the truth? Their neighbor (πλησίον; plesion) or whoever is nearby. In other words, each believer in Christ is to speak truthfully to everyone with whom they come into contact and conversation. The reason Paul gives is because we belong to each other.

Dr. Don Carson comments that, “If the new-creation humanity mirrors ‘the truth’ revealed in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21, 24) rather than the ‘deceit’ of the old, it inevitably requires Christians to speak the truth, not falsehood. But the truth revealed centers on cosmic reconciliation and unity, and so Paul adds that we should refrain from lies for we are all members of one body. That is, we are no longer alienated, independent beings, but people who now belong together in unity with others whom we must not rob of the truth according to which they will decide and act.”

May each of us resolve to speak truthfully today to everyone with whom we come into contact. Have a blessed day in the Lord.  

Soli deo Gloria!

²² …to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, ²³ and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22–24 (ESV)

In light of what believers in Christ have learned, heard and been taught concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:20-21), God sets forth some directions for each believer, and for each church comprised of believers. We have examined the first two directives: put off your old self and be renewed in the spirit of your minds. Today, we examine the third directive: to put on the new self.

How many of us consciously think about the clothes we are to put on any given day? Whether its work clothes, wearing something casual, or perhaps getting dressed up for a special occasion, most people give particular thought and care as to how they appear in a given situation. On the other hand, others do not give any thought at all as to what they wear.

This discipline and observance was impressed upon me as a young child, adolescent and adult. My grandfather was a tailor. I remember his basement where he had all of his equipment for making a men’s suit of clothes. I remember him making my dad a custom made suit. He impressed upon me the importance of investing in quality and not purchasing something on the cheap. Quality lasts.

With this thought and image in mind, the Lord instructs believers, through the Apostle Paul, regarding their spiritual clothing. Ephesians 4:24 guides believers to consciously and wholeheartedly put on (ἐνδύω; endyo) or to clothe themselves with the new self (καινός ἄνθρωπος; kainos anthropos). The new self is the new creation (2 Corinthians; Colossians 3:10) a believer in Christ has become due to regeneration by the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-8) and justification in the person and work of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-26; 5:1-11).

The new self is in the likeness (κατά; kata), resemblance or the facing toward the character of God. God’s character, and consequently the believer’s, is one God exclusively created (κτίζω; ktizo) in true (ἀλήθεια; aletheia) or real and factual righteousness (δικαιοσύνη; dikaiosyne) and holiness (ὁσιότης; hosiotes). Righteousness is what the believer in Christ does. Holiness is what the believer in Christ dedicates themselves to be.

This daily and personal discipline unto righteousness and holiness is for the believer’s lifetime. It is never ending until physical death.

Dr. Don Carson writes, “Paul’s original teaching was probably cast in the indicative—in union with Christ your old sinful humanity was crucified, and you were raised to new-creation life (cf. Rom. 6; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 2:11–12, and most obviously Col. 3:9–10, the direct parallel); but such indicatives imply corresponding imperatives (as here; cf. Rom. 6): we are responsible to live out with all seriousness and energy what God is doing in us (cf. Phil. 2:12–13). Failure to do so would precisely be to live in the ‘deceit’ (22) of the old creation rather than in ‘the truth’ of the new (24; cf. 21).”

Let each of us whom claim Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior to dress ourselves in the truth of the reality of our new self, and no longer in the deceit of our old self. May each of us seriously and energetically live out what God is doing in us (Phil. 2:12-13). So, what are you wearing today?        

Have a blessed day in the Lord.  

Soli deo Gloria!

²² …to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, ²³ and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22–24 (ESV)

In light of what believers in Christ have learned, heard and been taught concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:20-21), God sets forth some directions for each believer, and for each church comprised of believers. Yesterday, we examined the first directive: put off your old self. Today, we examine the second directive: be renewed in the spirit of your minds.

To be renewed (ἀνανεόω; ananeoo) means to be made new and different. To be renewed means to be superior or more excellent than one was before. Where does this renewal take place in the believer’s life?

God’s directive to be infinitely renewed occurs in the spirit of the believer’s mind. The word spirit (πνεῦμα; pneuma) is another word for an individual’s inner being or soul. Mind (νοῦς; nous) refers to the ability to understand, reason and make decisions based upon one’s thinking. It may refer to comprehend something not previously understood (Lk 24:45).

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Salvation involves the mind (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 10:5), which is the center of thought, understanding, and belief, as well as of motive and action (cf. Col. 3:1–2, 10). When a person becomes a Christian, God gives him a completely new spiritual and moral capability that a mind apart from Christ could never achieve (cf. 1 Cor. 2:9–16).”

Take time today to renew your mind by reading and meditating upon the Scriptures. Have a blessed day in the Lord.  

Soli deo Gloria!

²² …to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, ²³ and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22–24 (ESV)

In light of what believers in Christ have learned, heard and been taught concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:20-21), God sets forth some directions for each believer, and for each church comprised of believers. Today, we examine the first directive: put off your old self.

To put off (ἀποτίθημι; aotithemi) means to stop, to cease and to put sway. The verb phrase refers to stop and to get rid of somethings which has had prior entry into one’s life (Rom. 13:12; Eph. 4:22, 25; Col. 3:8; Heb. 12:1; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:1+). This ceasing is to be done with all of the believers mind, emotions and will. It is also to done infinitely.

What is the believer in Christ to put off, stop, cease, and/or put away? The answer is your old self (παλαιός ἄνθρωπος; palaios anthropos). This is a designation of one previous unconverted life. Paul describes the old self as belonging to your former manner of life (πρότερος ἀναστροφή; proteros anastrophe). This refers to the believer’s previous conduct and behavior prior to their conversion to Christ.

The former manner of living was characterized by corruption (φθείρω; phtheiro). This is a life of depravity, perversion and ruination. It is a striking image of those whose Christ less life is hell bent upon self-destruction.

This corruption and depravity is because of the unconverted sinner’s deceitful desires (ἀπάτη ἐπιθυμία; apate epithymia). Deceitful means that which is untruthful and misleading. Desires refers to lust, cravings, and evil covetousness.

Belonging to Jesus Christ involves rejecting one’s old way of living. This was life and living without Christ as Savior and Lord.

Dr. Don Carson writes, “The believer in Christ is to put off the old man/humanity corresponding to your former manner of life … and to put on the new man/humanity’. In other words, the readers were taught that Jesus embodies the truth, and that if they wished to live in it they needed to put off their former life and embrace one like his. According to Barth, the ‘old man’ to be put off is Adam and the ‘new man’, to be put on is Christ (as at Rom. 6:6; 13:14; cf. Gal. 3:27b).”

What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you regarding what is found in your present life in Christ, which was part of your old life without Christ? Whatever it is, repent of this deceitful desire and strive to be holy as Christ is holy (I Peter 1:16).

Have a blessed day in the Lord.  

Soli deo Gloria!

²⁰ “But that is not the way you learned Christ! — ²¹ assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,” (Ephesians 4:20–21 (ESV).

Believers in Christ are to no longer be callused, sensual and greedy (Ephesians 4:19). That was the way, to a greater or lesser extent, we used to live. It was our life prior to our justification by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-5:11). It was our living prior to our sanctification unto holiness by the Holy Spirit (Romans 6-8).

The Apostle Paul gives his readers three words describing the new birth (John 3:1-8). He provides three phrases describing the inner change which God has accomplished in our souls. First is the word learned; But that is not the way you learned Christ!  The second word is heard; But that is not the way you learned Christ! — ²¹ assuming that you have heard about him.

The third word is taught; ²⁰ “But that is not the way you learned Christ! — ²¹ assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,”

To be taught (διδάσκω; didasko) means to be instructed. Due to the fact that this verb is in the passive voice, to be taught presumes the existence of one who provides the instruction ((Matt. 11:1; Luke 11:1; Rom. 2:21; Col. 1:28; 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:12; 4:11; 2 Tim 2:2; Heb. 5:12; 1 John 2:27). This refers us back to the role and responsibility of pastor/teachers (Ephesians 4:11).

The instruction in question has to do explicitly with the person and work of Jesus Christ. This instruction is not about one’s personal experience but rather about the identity of and the completed work accomplished by Jesus Christ alone.

Truth (ἀλήθεια; aletheia) refers to that which is in accord with what really happens, facts that correspond to a historical reality (Luke 4:25; Acts 4:27).

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “In contrast (de) with the “old man” (vv. 17–19) believers did not come to know (lit., “learn”) Christ that way. Their minds are no longer darkened; their lives are no longer alienated from God; their hearts are no longer hardened and impure. Christ is the Subject (you heard of Him) and the Sphere (you were taught in Him) of a believer’s learning. This teaching and learning is in accordance with the truth, because He is the Truth (John 14:6).”

Is Jesus Christ the subject and sphere of your life and living? Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

²⁰ “But that is not the way you learned Christ! — ²¹ assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,” (Ephesians 4:20–21 (ESV).

Believers in Christ are to no longer be callused, sensual and greedy (Ephesians 4:19). That was the way, to a greater or lesser extent, we used to live. It was our life prior to our justification by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-5:11). It was our living prior to our sanctification unto holiness by the Holy Spirit (Romans 6-8).

The Apostle Paul gives his readers three words describing the new birth (John 3:1-8). He provides three phrases describing the inner change which God has accomplished in our souls. First is the word learned; But that is not the way you learned Christ!  

The second word is heard; But that is not the way you learned Christ! — ²¹ assuming that you have heard about him.

To hear (ἀκούω; akouo) means to listen, accept, and respond. Within the context, this is an active and personal listening, acceptance and response by the individual believer in Christ.

True saving faith involves all three characteristics of hearing. To be truly converted, the individual must not only know the facts about the person and work of Jesus Christ, but they must also accept these facts as true. Finally, they must embrace, and trust in Who, and what, Jesus Christ is and what He has accomplished. Such a trust involves not only embracing Christ as Savior but also submitting to Him as Lord. God calls believers to be loyal to Christ as their King.

Have you personally listened, accepted and responded to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Is He not only your Savior, but also your Lord?

Soli deo Gloria!

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Sixteen: Of Good Works. Part 2.

3. Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ.^a And that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is required an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit to work in them to will and to do of his good pleasure;^b yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty unless upon a special motion of the Spirit; but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them.^c

a. Ezek. 36:26-27; John 15:4-6. • b. Phil. 2:13; 4:13; 2 Cor. 3:5. • c. Isa. 64:7; Acts 26:6-7; Phil. 2:12; 2 Tim. 1:6; Heb. 6:11-12; 2 Peter 1:3, 5, 10-11; Jude 1:20-21.

4. They who in their obedience attain to the greatest height which is possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate and to do more than God requires, as that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do.^a

a. Neh. 13:22; Job 9:2-3; Luke 17:10; Gal. 5:17.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

\Soli deo Gloria!

²⁰ “But that is not the way you learned Christ! — ²¹ assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,” (Ephesians 4:20–21 (ESV).

Believers in Christ are to no longer be callused, sensual and greedy (Ephesians 4:19). That was the way, to a greater or lesser extent, we used to live. It was our life prior to our justification by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-5:11). It was our living prior to our sanctification unto holiness by the Holy Spirit (Romans 6-8).

The Apostle Paul gives his readers three words describing the new birth (John 3:1-8). He provides three phrases describing the inner change which God has accomplished in our souls.

First is the word learned; But that is not the way you learned Christ!  To learn (μανθάνω; manthano) means to understand or to come to realize a truth. This is a personal and inward understanding which actively impacts the believer in Christ. It is a stark contrast to our lack of desire and understanding of Christ prior to salvation.

I Corinthians 2:14 says, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” The unconverted individual lacks supernatural life and wisdom to comprehend God’s Word. These spiritually dead individuals are unable to understand the truth from, and of, God (John 5:37-39).

When the apostle refers to Christ, he is referring to all that Jesus Christ is and all which He accomplished while on this earth (Hebrews 1:1-13; I John 1:1-4). Therefore, the learning of which Paul speaks is not solely a knowledge about Jesus Christ, but rather a saving knowledge of Christ.

Nineteenth century theologian Charles Hodge states, “To learn Christ does not mean merely to learn His doctrines, but to attain the knowledge of Christ as the Son of God, the Holy One of God, the Savior from sin, Who to know is holiness and life. Anyone who has thus learned Christ cannot live in darkness and sin. Such knowledge is in its very nature, light. Where it enters, the mind is irradiated, refined and purified.”

Have you been so irradiated, refined and purified by the knowledge of Christ? Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

^17 “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. ¹⁹ They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.” (Ephesians 4:17–19 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Ephesian believers to no longer live the way they used to live. To do so is living with a futile mindset that is not befitting of a regenerated believer in Christ.

Paul then goes on to more fully describe the fallen world, and the spiritual condition of unbelievers, as being one of alienation from God due to their inward ignorance and hardened heart.  

Thirdly, the apostle states that the fallen world of the unconverted are callous, sensual and greedy. This is a spiritual condition for which they are personally responsible.

To be callous (ἀπαλγέω; apalgeo) means to lose the feeling of shame for one’s thinking and behavior. They have lost all sense of embarrassment or humiliation for their sinfulness.

Sensuality (ἀσέλγεια; aselgeia) refers to extreme immorality or licentious behavior. Licentiousness is a word hardly used any longer. It means to be sexually reckless, decadent, and depraved. Note that the unconverted actively give themselves up to this type of behavior and lifestyle.

Greediness, or to be greedy (πλεονεξία; pleonexia), means to be covetous and exploitive of other people. It is taking advantage of others (2 Cor. 9:5; 2 Peter 2:3, 14). The unconverted become so filled with greed that they practice (ἐργασία; ergasia) or engage in every kind of impurity (ἀκαθαρσία; akatharsia) or immorality.

Nineteenth century theologian Charles Hodge wrote, “Men in their folly think that morality may be preserved without religion and even that morality is religion; but reason, experience and Scripture all prove that if men do not love and fear God they give themselves up to vice in some form and commonly either to uncleanliness or avarice.”

Soli deo Gloria!

^17 “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. ¹⁹ They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.” (Ephesians 4:17–19 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Ephesian believers to no longer live the way they used to live. To do so is living with a futile mindset that is not befitting of a regenerated believer in Christ. Paul then goes on to more fully describe the fallen world and the spiritual condition of unbelievers. 

He continues by saying, “They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. Let’s unpack this verse.

The unconverted are darkened in their understanding concerning God and the Gospel.  Unbelievers cannot perceive and are incapable on understanding the truth of the Gospel by their natural mind, or their capacity to think. It is not that unbelievers are unwilling to believe, as many affirm. Rather, they are incapable of believing in the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say that the unconverted are also alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. What exactly does the apostle mean by this statement? 

To be alienated (ἀπαλλοτριόω; apallotrioo) means to be estranged, or even a foreigner. In other words, it means to be excluded. What are unbelievers excluded from?  Paul’s answer is succinct: from the life originating and sourced only in God. Paul is obviously not speaking of physical life, because even unbelievers can experience physical life on earth. What Paul is referring to is eternal or spiritual life which is sourced only in Jesus Christ. 

The reason for this alienation is because of their unconverted ignorance which is in their soul. Ignorance (ἄγνοια; agnoia) is a lack of knowledge or information (Acts 3:17; 17:30; Eph. 4:18; 1 Peter 1:14; 2:15; 2 Peter 2:13).

The reason for this ignorance is the unbelievers’ hardness of heart. Hardness (πώρωσις; porosis) refers to an unwillingness to learn, a mental stubbornness, and a close mindedness to the Gospel. This originates in their heart (καρδία; kardia), inner self, or soul. 

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Unbelievers are spiritually separated from God, thus ignorant of God’s truth (1 Cor. 2:14), and their willing spiritual darkness and moral blindness is the result (cf. Rom. 1:21–24; 2 Tim. 3:7). They are blind, or “hard” like a rock.”  

Do you know someone that fits this description? Were you someone that fit this description? Are you someone that presently fits this description? My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will change your heart of stone into a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 11:19; 26:26; Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10). 

Soli deo Gloria!