Living As Children Of Light

Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus addresses many behavioral issues. As Christians, we are called to be "imitators of God." Without the power of the Holy Spirit, it is an uphill battle.

In Chapter 4 of the book of Ephesians, Paul clearly spells out the ways we are "to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires (4:22), and "to be made new in the attitude of the mind; (4:23), and "to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (4:24).

We ALL have NATURAL "vices" in our life that run rampant within us when we don't have the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. As believers in Christ, we are called to rid ourselves of these things:

~ Falsehood - 4:25

~ Slander - 4:31 - speaking evil of a person

~ Bitterness 4:31- smoldering resentment

~ Malice 4:31 - revengeful

~ Rage - 4:31 - violent uncontrolled anger

~ Obscenity 5:4 - profanity

~ Anger - 4:31 - settled internal resentment

~ Foolish talk 5:4 rash, brainless talk

~ Brawling - 4:31 - violent public outbursts

~ Coarse joking 5:4 - rude; sarcastic

Instead, we are called to live as children of light, putting on SUPERNATURAL graces that are given to us when we ask God.

~ truthful - speak the truth in love  4:15,25

~ helpful - edifying; building up 4:29

~ necessary - as it fits the need 4:29

~ beneficial - gracious to the hearer 4:29

~ kind - caring 4:32

~ compassionate - concern for others 4:32

~ forgiving - stop feeling angry or resentful 4:32B