Transformed Together: Ryan Kwon on Eph. 4:25–5:14 [TGC Podcast Ep. 396]

Now, if you have your Bibles, please Now, if you have your Bibles, please turn to Ephesians chapter turn to Ephesians chapter turn to Ephesians chapter 4. Now, when I was told that I was 4. Now, when I was told that I was 4. Now, when I was told that I was teaching through the book of Ephesians, teaching through the book of Ephesians, teaching through the book of Ephesians, I was thrilled at the prospect of I was thrilled at the prospect of I was thrilled at the prospect of opening Paul's glorious soaring words opening Paul's glorious soaring words opening Paul's glorious soaring words about the riches of his grace. And then about the riches of his grace. And then about the riches of his grace. And then we talked about who was assigned which we talked about who was assigned which we talked about who was assigned which text. And I got Ephesians chapter text. And I got Ephesians chapter text. And I got Ephesians chapter 4. It's all about following rules. 4. It's all about following rules. 4. It's all about following rules. Um, it's about ethical injunctions. Now, Um, it's about ethical injunctions. Now, Um, it's about ethical injunctions. Now, it makes total sense that Dr. Piper it makes total sense that Dr. Piper it makes total sense that Dr. Piper would open up our conference by would open up our conference by would open up our conference by preaching Ephesians chapter 1 and the preaching Ephesians chapter 1 and the preaching Ephesians chapter 1 and the glorious realities of the divine glorious realities of the divine glorious realities of the divine election. But more curious, however, is election. But more curious, however, is election. But more curious, however, is our new president Mark our new president Mark our new president Mark Vogg. How he assigned himself, I mean Vogg. How he assigned himself, I mean Vogg. How he assigned himself, I mean was assigned was assigned Ephesians 2 was assigned was assigned Ephesians 2 was assigned was assigned Ephesians 2 and the oneness of Christ. and the oneness of Christ. and the oneness of Christ. Now, in Ephesians chapter 4, I get to Now, in Ephesians chapter 4, I get to Now, in Ephesians chapter 4, I get to tell you to stop yelling at each other tell you to stop yelling at each other tell you to stop yelling at each other and get a job. And and get a job. And and get a job. And so, perhaps the organizers of this so, perhaps the organizers of this so, perhaps the organizers of this conference, assuming that I'm a good conference, assuming that I'm a good conference, assuming that I'm a good Asian, is naturally inclined to follow Asian, is naturally inclined to follow Asian, is naturally inclined to follow some rules. And they're not wrong.

some rules. And they're not wrong. some rules. And they're not wrong. They're not They're not They're not wrong. My father used to tell me, "Ryan, wrong. My father used to tell me, "Ryan, wrong. My father used to tell me, "Ryan, you're not a Beijian, you're not a you're not a Beijian, you're not a you're not a Beijian, you're not a Seizian, you're an Seizian, you're an Seizian, you're an Asian." So, So, here we are. Here we are. Okay. But So, here we are. Here we are. Okay. But in all in all in all seriousness, Paul now shows us what seriousness, Paul now shows us what seriousness, Paul now shows us what reformed theology has always shown a reformed theology has always shown a reformed theology has always shown a light on. That God's indicatives always light on. That God's indicatives always light on. That God's indicatives always lead to God's lead to God's lead to God's imperatives. The commands don't cancel imperatives. The commands don't cancel imperatives. The commands don't cancel grace, but they're the fruit of God's grace, but they're the fruit of God's grace, but they're the fruit of God's grace. So by being made new in him grace. So by being made new in him grace. So by being made new in him through the grace of the gospel, you and through the grace of the gospel, you and through the grace of the gospel, you and I have now new means, new motivation to I have now new means, new motivation to I have now new means, new motivation to obey. And it's such a delight to obey. I obey. And it's such a delight to obey. I obey. And it's such a delight to obey. I first got a taste of this as an first got a taste of this as an first got a taste of this as an unbeliever. I didn't grow up in the unbeliever. I didn't grow up in the unbeliever. I didn't grow up in the Christian home. My father was an Christian home. My father was an Christian home. My father was an immigrant. He was agnostic to this immigrant. He was agnostic to this immigrant. He was agnostic to this country. He worked hard. He was a stern country. He worked hard. He was a stern country. He worked hard. He was a stern man, a man of very few words. But in man, a man of very few words. But in man, a man of very few words. But in sixth grade, he gave me a commission sixth grade, he gave me a commission sixth grade, he gave me a commission over my life. He said, "You will become over my life. He said, "You will become over my life. He said, "You will become a doctor." And so I was I was a good a doctor." And so I was I was a good a doctor." And so I was I was a good student. I got good grades. But in my student. I got good grades. But in my student. I got good grades. But in my senior year in high school, I was caught senior year in high school, I was caught senior year in high school, I was caught reading a uh leading a cheating ring.

reading a uh leading a cheating ring. reading a uh leading a cheating ring. And there my principal called my dad to And there my principal called my dad to And there my principal called my dad to discuss whether they were going to expel discuss whether they were going to expel discuss whether they were going to expel me or not. I was so fearful because I me or not. I was so fearful because I me or not. I was so fearful because I had already gotten into the college of had already gotten into the college of had already gotten into the college of my choice and I was afraid that I'd be my choice and I was afraid that I'd be my choice and I was afraid that I'd be rejected by them. But I was more fearful rejected by them. But I was more fearful rejected by them. But I was more fearful of my dad. My dad was a fearful man. He of my dad. My dad was a fearful man. He of my dad. My dad was a fearful man. He comes into the office of my principles comes into the office of my principles comes into the office of my principles and he had a few words with him and he and he had a few words with him and he and he had a few words with him and he just walked out and I just followed him just walked out and I just followed him just walked out and I just followed him like a lost little duckling. He got into like a lost little duckling. He got into like a lost little duckling. He got into his car and waited there almost his car and waited there almost his car and waited there almost expecting me to come in. And so got I expecting me to come in. And so got I expecting me to come in. And so got I got into the back seat as to be free of got into the back seat as to be free of got into the back seat as to be free of the range of his fist. And so I sat the range of his fist. And so I sat the range of his fist. And so I sat there and the entire ride home it was there and the entire ride home it was there and the entire ride home it was completely silent and my imagination completely silent and my imagination completely silent and my imagination just ran wild as to what he was going to just ran wild as to what he was going to just ran wild as to what he was going to do to me when I got home. But when I got do to me when I got home. But when I got do to me when I got home. But when I got home, he sat on the couch and I stood in home, he sat on the couch and I stood in home, he sat on the couch and I stood in the middle of the living the middle of the living the middle of the living room. Minutes felt like hours as I just room. Minutes felt like hours as I just room. Minutes felt like hours as I just stood there. And suddenly he stood up stood there. And suddenly he stood up stood there. And suddenly he stood up with his fist clenched. He lunged with his fist clenched. He lunged with his fist clenched. He lunged towards me. In fearing the worst, I towards me. In fearing the worst, I towards me. In fearing the worst, I tighten up my face and my body. And to tighten up my face and my body. And to tighten up my face and my body. And to my utter surprise, instead of throwing a my utter surprise, instead of throwing a my utter surprise, instead of throwing a punch, he threw himself down at my feet punch, he threw himself down at my feet punch, he threw himself down at my feet and he started to bow to and he started to bow to and he started to bow to me as if he dishonored me. In the pool me as if he dishonored me. In the pool me as if he dishonored me. In the pool of his own tears, he said, "Ryan, of his own tears, he said, "Ryan, of his own tears, he said, "Ryan, forgive me. I failed you as a father. I forgive me. I failed you as a father. I forgive me. I failed you as a father. I have not taught you well, so I bear the have not taught you well, so I bear the have not taught you well, so I bear the responsibility."

responsibility." responsibility." And he continued to bow. Just innately I And he continued to bow. Just innately I And he continued to bow. Just innately I started to bow back to him. I didn't started to bow back to him. I didn't started to bow back to him. I didn't know what to do. You see, little did I know what to do. You see, little did I know what to do. You see, little did I know then, but this was my dad's attempt know then, but this was my dad's attempt know then, but this was my dad's attempt to propitiate for my sins. He was taking to propitiate for my sins. He was taking to propitiate for my sins. He was taking my shame. And I'll tell you that from my shame. And I'll tell you that from my shame. And I'll tell you that from that day, I went from a child of having that day, I went from a child of having that day, I went from a child of having to obey to wanting to obey. My heart to obey to wanting to obey. My heart to obey to wanting to obey. My heart shifted from duty to delight. And so shifted from duty to delight. And so shifted from duty to delight. And so when I first heard the gospel of Jesus when I first heard the gospel of Jesus when I first heard the gospel of Jesus Christ from a friend in college, I Christ from a friend in college, I Christ from a friend in college, I asked, "How can one man suffering on the asked, "How can one man suffering on the asked, "How can one man suffering on the cross save a multitude of sinners cross save a multitude of sinners cross save a multitude of sinners through all time?" And she went on to through all time?" And she went on to through all time?" And she went on to say, "Because that one man is worth more say, "Because that one man is worth more say, "Because that one man is worth more than all of them put than all of them put than all of them put together. Put every person who would together. Put every person who would together. Put every person who would ever believe throughout all time on one ever believe throughout all time on one ever believe throughout all time on one side of the scale and put Jesus Christ side of the scale and put Jesus Christ side of the scale and put Jesus Christ on the other and Jesus would outweigh us on the other and Jesus would outweigh us on the other and Jesus would outweigh us all." all." all." And when I realized that, my eyes opened And when I realized that, my eyes opened And when I realized that, my eyes opened for the first time and my heart leaned for the first time and my heart leaned for the first time and my heart leaned towards him through myself and I towards him through myself and I towards him through myself and I realized to the hope that he was calling realized to the hope that he was calling realized to the hope that he was calling me. And my dad shed tears. But Jesus me. And my dad shed tears. But Jesus me. And my dad shed tears. But Jesus shed his blood forgiving my trespasses shed his blood forgiving my trespasses shed his blood forgiving my trespasses according to the riches of his grace.

according to the riches of his grace. according to the riches of his grace. And it was in that moment my heart went And it was in that moment my heart went And it was in that moment my heart went from duty to delight. And I remember from duty to delight. And I remember from duty to delight. And I remember thinking, if this gospel is true, then I thinking, if this gospel is true, then I thinking, if this gospel is true, then I will give my entire life and my service will give my entire life and my service will give my entire life and my service to him for the one who gave his life for to him for the one who gave his life for to him for the one who gave his life for me. Now Paul turns from Ephesians 1 me. Now Paul turns from Ephesians 1 me. Now Paul turns from Ephesians 1 through3 and what God has done and now through3 and what God has done and now through3 and what God has done and now he wants us to live out our calling in he wants us to live out our calling in he wants us to live out our calling in response to this grace. And Paul says in response to this grace. And Paul says in response to this grace. And Paul says in chapter 4:1, I therefore I urge you to chapter 4:1, I therefore I urge you to chapter 4:1, I therefore I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling walk in a manner worthy of the calling walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. You and I to which you have been called. You and I to which you have been called. You and I have been called to put off a form of have been called to put off a form of have been called to put off a form of living and to put on another. Often in living and to put on another. Often in living and to put on another. Often in the Bible, this ethical teaching could the Bible, this ethical teaching could the Bible, this ethical teaching could be simply summarized as this. Not do be simply summarized as this. Not do be simply summarized as this. Not do what I say, but be what you are. Be what what I say, but be what you are. Be what what I say, but be what you are. Be what you are. is to say that if we were to you are. is to say that if we were to you are. is to say that if we were to collect all the ethical injunctions that collect all the ethical injunctions that collect all the ethical injunctions that are written in Ephesians chapter 4 are written in Ephesians chapter 4 are written in Ephesians chapter 4 through 6 40 through 6 40 through 6 40 plus that would be a list just as much plus that would be a list just as much plus that would be a list just as much about who you are than what to do about who you are than what to do about who you are than what to do because the Christian life is not because the Christian life is not because the Christian life is not informed by the gospel but it's ignited informed by the gospel but it's ignited informed by the gospel but it's ignited by the by the by the gospel it is a power it doesn't have gospel it is a power it doesn't have gospel it is a power it doesn't have power but the gospel is power and it power but the gospel is power and it power but the gospel is power and it revolutionizes every square inch of our revolutionizes every square inch of our revolutionizes every square inch of our lives and This is what Paul assumes as lives and This is what Paul assumes as lives and This is what Paul assumes as he lays out these injunctions. Now, Paul he lays out these injunctions. Now, Paul he lays out these injunctions. Now, Paul lays out here three ways that we are lays out here three ways that we are lays out here three ways that we are empowered to live this Christian

empowered to live this Christian empowered to live this Christian life. And it's almost as if every point life. And it's almost as if every point life. And it's almost as if every point he escalates or even amplifies it to he escalates or even amplifies it to he escalates or even amplifies it to give us all that we need to live give us all that we need to live give us all that we need to live faithfully. As Peter echoes that in his faithfully. As Peter echoes that in his faithfully. As Peter echoes that in his second letter in chapter 1:3, he says, second letter in chapter 1:3, he says, second letter in chapter 1:3, he says, "His divine power, the gospel, has "His divine power, the gospel, has "His divine power, the gospel, has granted us all things to pertain to life granted us all things to pertain to life granted us all things to pertain to life and godliness, who has called us to his and godliness, who has called us to his and godliness, who has called us to his own glory and excellence." So here's own glory and excellence." So here's own glory and excellence." So here's what Paul calls us to. First, to live what Paul calls us to. First, to live what Paul calls us to. First, to live out who we are. Second, to live out who out who we are. Second, to live out who out who we are. Second, to live out who we are together. And third, to live out we are together. And third, to live out we are together. And third, to live out who we are together in God's family. who we are together in God's family. who we are together in God's family. There's this individual identity that's There's this individual identity that's There's this individual identity that's given, then a collective identity, then given, then a collective identity, then given, then a collective identity, then a familial identity. So that would be a familial identity. So that would be a familial identity. So that would be our outline. First, Christians live out our outline. First, Christians live out our outline. First, Christians live out who we are. Individual identity has been who we are. Individual identity has been who we are. Individual identity has been given to us. Paul says in verse 17, I given to us. Paul says in verse 17, I given to us. Paul says in verse 17, I have to backtrack and get a running have to backtrack and get a running have to backtrack and get a running start towards verse 25. Now this I say start towards verse 25. Now this I say start towards verse 25. Now this I say and testify in the Lord that you must no and testify in the Lord that you must no and testify in the Lord that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do. Now longer walk as the Gentiles do. Now longer walk as the Gentiles do. Now realize that Paul is talking to Gentiles realize that Paul is talking to Gentiles realize that Paul is talking to Gentiles saying, "Don't be like Gentiles." And saying, "Don't be like Gentiles." And saying, "Don't be like Gentiles." And what he means is not referring to their what he means is not referring to their what he means is not referring to their ethnicity, but their new spiritual ethnicity, but their new spiritual ethnicity, but their new spiritual reality. You see, you have a gentile reality. You see, you have a gentile reality. You see, you have a gentile passport. Yes. But yet now you've been passport. Yes. But yet now you've been passport. Yes. But yet now you've been citizens of the kingdom of God and a citizens of the kingdom of God and a citizens of the kingdom of God and a brand new identity. So the mystery of brand new identity. So the mystery of brand new identity. So the mystery of Paul that speaks in Ephesians 1 in this Paul that speaks in Ephesians 1 in this Paul that speaks in Ephesians 1 in this letter brought these Gentiles under the letter brought these Gentiles under the letter brought these Gentiles under the union with Christ. Yet Paul warns these union with Christ. Yet Paul warns these union with Christ. Yet Paul warns these Ephesians Gentiles because though they Ephesians Gentiles because though they Ephesians Gentiles because though they are made

are made are made new. Some of them have fallen into the new. Some of them have fallen into the new. Some of them have fallen into the old pattern of living. So he reminds old pattern of living. So he reminds old pattern of living. So he reminds them what they are redeemed from. Verse them what they are redeemed from. Verse them what they are redeemed from. Verse 18, they are darkened in their 18, they are darkened in their 18, they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life understanding, alienated from the life understanding, alienated from the life of God because their ignorance that is of God because their ignorance that is of God because their ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of the in them due to the hardness of the in them due to the hardness of the heart. They have become callous and have heart. They have become callous and have heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, given themselves up to sensuality, given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of greedy to practice every kind of greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that's not the way you impurity. But that's not the way you impurity. But that's not the way you learned Christ. And the picture here is learned Christ. And the picture here is learned Christ. And the picture here is of a skin that has been hardened, of a skin that has been hardened, of a skin that has been hardened, calloused, where you lose a sense of calloused, where you lose a sense of calloused, where you lose a sense of feeling. And you and I know that there feeling. And you and I know that there feeling. And you and I know that there are medical conditions of people who are medical conditions of people who are medical conditions of people who lose all sensations of feeling. And lose all sensations of feeling. And lose all sensations of feeling. And after all, that's a dangerous medical after all, that's a dangerous medical after all, that's a dangerous medical condition because after all, they cannot condition because after all, they cannot condition because after all, they cannot feel what they're touching. If they feel what they're touching. If they feel what they're touching. If they touch a hot stove or they put their hand touch a hot stove or they put their hand touch a hot stove or they put their hand in the fire, it's dangerous, quite in the fire, it's dangerous, quite in the fire, it's dangerous, quite threatening because they're not threatening because they're not threatening because they're not realizing that their hands are burning. realizing that their hands are burning. realizing that their hands are burning. They're hurting themselves. And Paul is They're hurting themselves. And Paul is They're hurting themselves. And Paul is saying that's exactly what it's like to saying that's exactly what it's like to saying that's exactly what it's like to live without God, to know sin. And yet live without God, to know sin. And yet live without God, to know sin. And yet persistent sin still is to become persistent sin still is to become persistent sin still is to become callous morally, leading to sensuality, callous morally, leading to sensuality, callous morally, leading to sensuality, desiring more and more to every kind of desiring more and more to every kind of desiring more and more to every kind of impurity. Now listen, this is a stunning impurity. Now listen, this is a stunning impurity. Now listen, this is a stunning warning against the Christians that warning against the Christians that warning against the Christians that while knowing our sins, our persistence while knowing our sins, our persistence while knowing our sins, our persistence to still sin can dull our senses to the to still sin can dull our senses to the to still sin can dull our senses to the heinous effect of sin, whether it be heinous effect of sin, whether it be heinous effect of sin, whether it be premarital sex or extramarital sex,

premarital sex or extramarital sex, premarital sex or extramarital sex, pornography, pornography, pornography, idolizing career success, or idolizing idolizing career success, or idolizing idolizing career success, or idolizing our kids, prioritizing them and their our kids, prioritizing them and their our kids, prioritizing them and their sports above the worship of God. And by sports above the worship of God. And by sports above the worship of God. And by the way, you know Caitlyn Clark? Well, the way, you know Caitlyn Clark? Well, the way, you know Caitlyn Clark? Well, your seven-year-old ain't her. Just get over her. Just get over it. And whatever our sins are, if we it. And whatever our sins are, if we it. And whatever our sins are, if we persist in them, it can dull us. And you persist in them, it can dull us. And you persist in them, it can dull us. And you see, we know that sin is destructive. see, we know that sin is destructive. see, we know that sin is destructive. But the terrifying thing about sin is But the terrifying thing about sin is But the terrifying thing about sin is not that it's only not that it's only not that it's only destructive, but it is a destructive, but it is a destructive, but it is a seditive. And so the longer we do them, seditive. And so the longer we do them, seditive. And so the longer we do them, we think to ourselves, well, this is not we think to ourselves, well, this is not we think to ourselves, well, this is not hurting me. It's like the addicts who hurting me. It's like the addicts who hurting me. It's like the addicts who have to take increasing doses of have to take increasing doses of have to take increasing doses of substance that they are abusing to get substance that they are abusing to get substance that they are abusing to get the same effects. And before long, our the same effects. And before long, our the same effects. And before long, our lives will resemble more like a gentile, lives will resemble more like a gentile, lives will resemble more like a gentile, giving ourselves to sensuality, greedy giving ourselves to sensuality, greedy giving ourselves to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

to practice every kind of impurity. to practice every kind of impurity. And we'll need more of this kind of sin And we'll need more of this kind of sin And we'll need more of this kind of sin to experience the same hit and thrill. to experience the same hit and thrill. to experience the same hit and thrill. And my question to you this morning is And my question to you this morning is And my question to you this morning is what are the sins that you are callous what are the sins that you are callous what are the sins that you are callous to? Think about that because if nothing to? Think about that because if nothing to? Think about that because if nothing comes quick to your mind and heart, comes quick to your mind and heart, comes quick to your mind and heart, perhaps the sin is not just destroying perhaps the sin is not just destroying perhaps the sin is not just destroying you, but it's also sedating you, but it's also sedating you, but it's also sedating you. And then in verse 20, we're given a you. And then in verse 20, we're given a you. And then in verse 20, we're given a great contrast. But that is not the way great contrast. But that is not the way great contrast. But that is not the way you learn Christ. assuming that you have you learn Christ. assuming that you have you learn Christ. assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him heard about him and were taught in him heard about him and were taught in him as the truth in Jesus. Put off your old as the truth in Jesus. Put off your old as the truth in Jesus. Put off your old self which belongs to your former manner self which belongs to your former manner self which belongs to your former manner of life and corrupt is corrupt through of life and corrupt is corrupt through of life and corrupt is corrupt through deceitful desires and be renewed in the deceitful desires and be renewed in the deceitful desires and be renewed in the living I mean in the spirit of your living I mean in the spirit of your living I mean in the spirit of your minds and to put on the new self created minds and to put on the new self created minds and to put on the new self created after the likeness of God. Now before after the likeness of God. Now before after the likeness of God. Now before Paul gives us the moral injunctions Paul gives us the moral injunctions Paul gives us the moral injunctions here, his final appeal to us is that we here, his final appeal to us is that we here, his final appeal to us is that we are to understand that these aren't just are to understand that these aren't just are to understand that these aren't just a list of Christian dos and don'ts, but a list of Christian dos and don'ts, but a list of Christian dos and don'ts, but these are who we are as a natural flow these are who we are as a natural flow these are who we are as a natural flow of who we are in a new creature, a new of who we are in a new creature, a new of who we are in a new creature, a new creation. Remember, you and I are made creation. Remember, you and I are made creation. Remember, you and I are made new. Therefore, we're to put on a new new. Therefore, we're to put on a new new. Therefore, we're to put on a new set of clothes and realize what's on us set of clothes and realize what's on us set of clothes and realize what's on us instead of what was behind us. We no instead of what was behind us. We no instead of what was behind us. We no longer wear the prisoner's garb, but yet longer wear the prisoner's garb, but yet longer wear the prisoner's garb, but yet now we have the righteous robe of Jesus now we have the righteous robe of Jesus now we have the righteous robe of Jesus Christ. So keep living this way.

Christ. So keep living this way. Christ. So keep living this way. Ephesians. Secondly, c Christians live Ephesians. Secondly, c Christians live Ephesians. Secondly, c Christians live out who we are together. Together. This out who we are together. Together. This out who we are together. Together. This is a collective identity that we're is a collective identity that we're is a collective identity that we're given. Now we go from the big picture to given. Now we go from the big picture to given. Now we go from the big picture to the details of what Christian living the details of what Christian living the details of what Christian living looks like. Verse 25. And therefore, looks like. Verse 25. And therefore, looks like. Verse 25. And therefore, having put away having put away having put away falsehood, let each of one of you speak falsehood, let each of one of you speak falsehood, let each of one of you speak the truth with his neighbor. For we are the truth with his neighbor. For we are the truth with his neighbor. For we are members of one another. So it tells us members of one another. So it tells us members of one another. So it tells us to put away falsehood and speak truth. to put away falsehood and speak truth. to put away falsehood and speak truth. Why? Look at the reason. It doesn't say Why? Look at the reason. It doesn't say Why? Look at the reason. It doesn't say don't lie because it's bad. Don't lie don't lie because it's bad. Don't lie don't lie because it's bad. Don't lie because honesty is the best policy. because honesty is the best policy. because honesty is the best policy. Notice the reason given here. Because we Notice the reason given here. Because we Notice the reason given here. Because we are members of one another. says, "We're are members of one another. says, "We're are members of one another. says, "We're a spiritual family. We're alive a spiritual family. We're alive a spiritual family. We're alive together." And this is amazing because together." And this is amazing because together." And this is amazing because when you look at these list of when you look at these list of when you look at these list of injunctions, most of these commands in injunctions, most of these commands in injunctions, most of these commands in the Bible might be found under other the Bible might be found under other the Bible might be found under other worldviews and other religions. But what worldviews and other religions. But what worldviews and other religions. But what makes this distinctively Christian is makes this distinctively Christian is makes this distinctively Christian is not just theological or not just theological or not just theological or ideological, but it's relational because ideological, but it's relational because ideological, but it's relational because the theme of the unity of the body flows the theme of the unity of the body flows the theme of the unity of the body flows through this letter. Why? Because it through this letter. Why? Because it through this letter. Why? Because it flows through the heart of flows through the heart of flows through the heart of God. And remember Ephesians 1:9, we see God. And remember Ephesians 1:9, we see God. And remember Ephesians 1:9, we see the heart of God. God making known to us the heart of God. God making known to us the heart of God. God making known to us the mystery of his will according to his the mystery of his will according to his the mystery of his will according to his purpose which he has set forth in Christ purpose which he has set forth in Christ purpose which he has set forth in Christ as a plan to unite all things to him.

as a plan to unite all things to him. as a plan to unite all things to him. The heart of God in 214 for he has made The heart of God in 214 for he has made The heart of God in 214 for he has made us both one and has broken down the us both one and has broken down the us both one and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility that he might dividing wall of hostility that he might dividing wall of hostility that he might create in himself one new man in place create in himself one new man in place create in himself one new man in place of two. That's Jews and Gentiles coming of two. That's Jews and Gentiles coming of two. That's Jews and Gentiles coming together so making peace that might together so making peace that might together so making peace that might reconcile us both to God in one body. We reconcile us both to God in one body. We reconcile us both to God in one body. We learned about the vertical and the learned about the vertical and the learned about the vertical and the horizontal horizontal horizontal relationships. And then we go on in relationships. And then we go on in relationships. And then we go on in 3:16. This mystery is that the Gentiles 3:16. This mystery is that the Gentiles 3:16. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same are fellow heirs, members of the same are fellow heirs, members of the same body through the gospel. And Paul body through the gospel. And Paul body through the gospel. And Paul continues to share God's heart for unity continues to share God's heart for unity continues to share God's heart for unity in 44. There is one body and one spirit in 44. There is one body and one spirit in 44. There is one body and one spirit just as you were called to the one hope just as you were called to the one hope just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call. And simply that belongs to your call. And simply that belongs to your call. And simply put, God's will for us is to build put, God's will for us is to build put, God's will for us is to build unity. And yet the thing that destroys unity. And yet the thing that destroys unity. And yet the thing that destroys unity is not our unity is not our unity is not our passivity but it is specifically in this passivity but it is specifically in this passivity but it is specifically in this context. Sin sin destroys our unity. So context. Sin sin destroys our unity. So context. Sin sin destroys our unity. So the ethics that Paul gives is always the ethics that Paul gives is always the ethics that Paul gives is always related to being a part of the family.

related to being a part of the family. related to being a part of the family. Don't lie. Tell the truth. Why? Because Don't lie. Tell the truth. Why? Because Don't lie. Tell the truth. Why? Because we're one we're one we're one body. Now that doesn't penetrate a lot body. Now that doesn't penetrate a lot body. Now that doesn't penetrate a lot of us because we tend to read the Bible of us because we tend to read the Bible of us because we tend to read the Bible through our own cultural grid. And I get through our own cultural grid. And I get through our own cultural grid. And I get it. For most of us, our cultural grid is it. For most of us, our cultural grid is it. For most of us, our cultural grid is driven by this individualistic western driven by this individualistic western driven by this individualistic western culture rather than the eastern family culture rather than the eastern family culture rather than the eastern family culture. And we tend to believe that our culture. And we tend to believe that our culture. And we tend to believe that our family exists for me instead of the family exists for me instead of the family exists for me instead of the other way around. We tend to think that other way around. We tend to think that other way around. We tend to think that our family exists for our win opposed to our family exists for our win opposed to our family exists for our win opposed to we existing for our family's win. Now, we existing for our family's win. Now, we existing for our family's win. Now, growing up, my father made it very clear growing up, my father made it very clear growing up, my father made it very clear to me that I existed for the family's to me that I existed for the family's to me that I existed for the family's win, not the other way around. My dad win, not the other way around. My dad win, not the other way around. My dad would wake me up early on Saturday would wake me up early on Saturday would wake me up early on Saturday mornings and say, "Hey, we're going to mornings and say, "Hey, we're going to mornings and say, "Hey, we're going to clean up the entire house." And then I clean up the entire house." And then I clean up the entire house." And then I would protest and say, "Dad, but that's would protest and say, "Dad, but that's would protest and say, "Dad, but that's not my stuff." And he would say, "Oh, I not my stuff." And he would say, "Oh, I not my stuff." And he would say, "Oh, I know it's not your stuff, but it's your know it's not your stuff, but it's your know it's not your stuff, but it's your family stuff, and it'd be fine if the family stuff, and it'd be fine if the family stuff, and it'd be fine if the family existed for you, but listen, you family existed for you, but listen, you family existed for you, but listen, you exist for the family." He would say, exist for the family." He would say, exist for the family." He would say, "Ryan, you have a first name, but you "Ryan, you have a first name, but you "Ryan, you have a first name, but you wouldn't have a first name if you didn't wouldn't have a first name if you didn't wouldn't have a first name if you didn't first have your last name." That's what first have your last name." That's what first have your last name." That's what he would say.

he would say. he would say. And now I say that to my kids, "Dad, I didn't make that mess." kids, "Dad, I didn't make that mess." I'm like, "That's not my job." Son, I'm like, "That's not my job." Son, I'm like, "That's not my job." Son, don't clean up for your first name, but don't clean up for your first name, but don't clean up for your first name, but clean up for your last name. Now, for clean up for your last name. Now, for clean up for your last name. Now, for some of you who play sports, you some of you who play sports, you some of you who play sports, you understand your coach saying something understand your coach saying something understand your coach saying something similar to say, "Don't play for the name similar to say, "Don't play for the name similar to say, "Don't play for the name that is I mean, play for the name in the that is I mean, play for the name in the that is I mean, play for the name in the front of your jersey, not the name in front of your jersey, not the name in front of your jersey, not the name in the back." Why? Because you and I are the back." Why? Because you and I are the back." Why? Because you and I are family. We are alive but more alive family. We are alive but more alive family. We are alive but more alive together. That's just not an individual together. That's just not an individual together. That's just not an individual identity but a collective identity. And identity but a collective identity. And identity but a collective identity. And then Paul gives us four specific ethical then Paul gives us four specific ethical then Paul gives us four specific ethical injunctions to make sense of this. injunctions to make sense of this. injunctions to make sense of this. Something that the Ephesians were Something that the Ephesians were Something that the Ephesians were struggling in unity. Number one he says struggling in unity. Number one he says struggling in unity. Number one he says be honest with each be honest with each be honest with each other. Now this is not just saying don't other. Now this is not just saying don't other. Now this is not just saying don't lie in general but in particular in lie in general but in particular in lie in general but in particular in God's family as one body. Do not lie to God's family as one body. Do not lie to God's family as one body. Do not lie to each other because then we cannot be each other because then we cannot be each other because then we cannot be members of one another. Now, what does members of one another. Now, what does members of one another. Now, what does this mean? Well, when my children were this mean? Well, when my children were this mean? Well, when my children were young and I used to catch them in a lie, young and I used to catch them in a lie, young and I used to catch them in a lie, I would always give them a one-hour I would always give them a one-hour I would always give them a one-hour lecture. Um, maybe that's why they lecture. Um, maybe that's why they lecture. Um, maybe that's why they stopped stopped stopped lying or maybe they got really good at lying or maybe they got really good at lying or maybe they got really good at lying. I don't know. But this is what I lying. I don't know. But this is what I lying. I don't know. But this is what I would say. I would say, "Son, if you would say. I would say, "Son, if you would say. I would say, "Son, if you lie, then you live out of a false lie, then you live out of a false lie, then you live out of a false identity." And that makes it impossible identity." And that makes it impossible identity." And that makes it impossible for you to be known and loved. And that

for you to be known and loved. And that for you to be known and loved. And that starts to erode the very thing that your starts to erode the very thing that your starts to erode the very thing that your soul needs is to be known and is to be soul needs is to be known and is to be soul needs is to be known and is to be loved. And you'll always believe then loved. And you'll always believe then loved. And you'll always believe then that people won't love you for who you that people won't love you for who you that people won't love you for who you really are, but who they think you are really are, but who they think you are really are, but who they think you are because of your lies. And that because of your lies. And that because of your lies. And that ultimately will distort you and ultimately will distort you and ultimately will distort you and eventually bleed into the reality that eventually bleed into the reality that eventually bleed into the reality that maybe maybe God can't love the real me. maybe maybe God can't love the real me. maybe maybe God can't love the real me. And that builds a resistance of the And that builds a resistance of the And that builds a resistance of the gospel. And like it, if we lie to one gospel. And like it, if we lie to one gospel. And like it, if we lie to one another, we are subtly believing that we another, we are subtly believing that we another, we are subtly believing that we cannot be loved as who we are. And if cannot be loved as who we are. And if cannot be loved as who we are. And if there is a purpose of gospel community, there is a purpose of gospel community, there is a purpose of gospel community, it is to reassure ourselves that you it is to reassure ourselves that you it is to reassure ourselves that you today, whichever form you are, you can today, whichever form you are, you can today, whichever form you are, you can be loved and you are loved as who you be loved and you are loved as who you be loved and you are loved as who you are. Nothing else. God doesn't love the are. Nothing else. God doesn't love the are. Nothing else. God doesn't love the future version of you. But by his grace, future version of you. But by his grace, future version of you. But by his grace, he cannot love you more than he loves he cannot love you more than he loves he cannot love you more than he loves you right now. In fact, we heard that he you right now. In fact, we heard that he you right now. In fact, we heard that he loved us before the creation of the loved us before the creation of the loved us before the creation of the world. That means not a single meritous world. That means not a single meritous world. That means not a single meritous act contributed to how God loves us. He act contributed to how God loves us. He act contributed to how God loves us. He loved us before and he loves us now the loved us before and he loves us now the loved us before and he loves us now the same. So tell the truth to each other same. So tell the truth to each other same. So tell the truth to each other because your fake you is because your fake you is because your fake you is tired. So be transparent with your tired. So be transparent with your tired. So be transparent with your sins. Be honest. Don't exaggerate. And sins. Be honest. Don't exaggerate. And sins. Be honest. Don't exaggerate. And some of us are avoiding hard some of us are avoiding hard some of us are avoiding hard conversations and we're withholding conversations and we're withholding conversations and we're withholding truth from the body. And Paul says, "Be

truth from the body. And Paul says, "Be truth from the body. And Paul says, "Be gospel people and be honest with one gospel people and be honest with one gospel people and be honest with one another." Secondly, put off anger. Verse another." Secondly, put off anger. Verse another." Secondly, put off anger. Verse 26, "Be angry and do not sin and do not 26, "Be angry and do not sin and do not 26, "Be angry and do not sin and do not let the sun go down on your anger. Give let the sun go down on your anger. Give let the sun go down on your anger. Give no opportunity to the devil." Now, no opportunity to the devil." Now, no opportunity to the devil." Now, notice the nuance here. It doesn't say, notice the nuance here. It doesn't say, notice the nuance here. It doesn't say, "Don't be angry." It says, "Be angry, "Don't be angry." It says, "Be angry, "Don't be angry." It says, "Be angry, but do not sin." This is a quote from but do not sin." This is a quote from but do not sin." This is a quote from Psalm chapter 4. Having righteous anger. Psalm chapter 4. Having righteous anger. Psalm chapter 4. Having righteous anger. After all, Jesus himself had righteous After all, Jesus himself had righteous After all, Jesus himself had righteous anger. And so often our anger though it anger. And so often our anger though it anger. And so often our anger though it leads to sin because the nature of our leads to sin because the nature of our leads to sin because the nature of our anger is not righteous. It's rather anger is not righteous. It's rather anger is not righteous. It's rather quite sinful and selfish and our bitter quite sinful and selfish and our bitter quite sinful and selfish and our bitter anger gets the best of us because we're anger gets the best of us because we're anger gets the best of us because we're not getting our way. And so our anger not getting our way. And so our anger not getting our way. And so our anger leads to sin. And Paul's ammonition here leads to sin. And Paul's ammonition here leads to sin. And Paul's ammonition here is to not sin. And this wonderful is to not sin. And this wonderful is to not sin. And this wonderful phrase, do not let the sun go down while phrase, do not let the sun go down while phrase, do not let the sun go down while you're still angry. It doesn't mean if you're still angry. It doesn't mean if you're still angry. It doesn't mean if you're from Alaska and the sun doesn't you're from Alaska and the sun doesn't you're from Alaska and the sun doesn't set for about three months that you're set for about three months that you're set for about three months that you're justified in your anger for three justified in your anger for three justified in your anger for three months. Or it doesn't mean that if you months. Or it doesn't mean that if you months. Or it doesn't mean that if you got into a fight with your spouse at got into a fight with your spouse at got into a fight with your spouse at night, then you have a whole another day night, then you have a whole another day night, then you have a whole another day to from sunrise to sun down as as you do to from sunrise to sun down as as you do to from sunrise to sun down as as you do in your anger. That's not what it's in your anger. That's not what it's in your anger. That's not what it's saying here. Paul is speaking saying here. Paul is speaking saying here. Paul is speaking proverbally here, not literally. And proverbally here, not literally. And proverbally here, not literally. And he's encouraging us the importance of he's encouraging us the importance of he's encouraging us the importance of timely resolution of anger. Why? Because timely resolution of anger. Why? Because timely resolution of anger. Why? Because anger is far more destructive than we anger is far more destructive than we anger is far more destructive than we think. Now notice in this context, this think. Now notice in this context, this think. Now notice in this context, this verse is often used and most exclusively verse is often used and most exclusively verse is often used and most exclusively used during marriage counseling and

used during marriage counseling and used during marriage counseling and through our marriage. But in this through our marriage. But in this through our marriage. But in this context, Paul uses it primarily for the context, Paul uses it primarily for the context, Paul uses it primarily for the church because Paul is concerned about church because Paul is concerned about church because Paul is concerned about the unity of Christ's bride. And then the unity of Christ's bride. And then the unity of Christ's bride. And then Paul ratchets it up. Verse 27, give no Paul ratchets it up. Verse 27, give no Paul ratchets it up. Verse 27, give no opportunity to the devil. opportunity to the devil. opportunity to the devil. Our very own HB Charles once said, Our very own HB Charles once said, Our very own HB Charles once said, "Anger is like giving the devil a couch "Anger is like giving the devil a couch "Anger is like giving the devil a couch to sit sit on in your heart." And the to sit sit on in your heart." And the to sit sit on in your heart." And the longer you are angry, the more he makes longer you are angry, the more he makes longer you are angry, the more he makes himself at home. himself at home. himself at home. Wow. The Greek word for opportunity here Wow. The Greek word for opportunity here Wow. The Greek word for opportunity here is literally a place. A place. So anger is literally a place. A place. So anger is literally a place. A place. So anger gives the devil a place to dwell. So if gives the devil a place to dwell. So if gives the devil a place to dwell. So if you want to dim your potential in your you want to dim your potential in your you want to dim your potential in your church to see the glory of God, if you church to see the glory of God, if you church to see the glory of God, if you want to limit the gospel impact in at want to limit the gospel impact in at want to limit the gospel impact in at work in your church, then keep providing work in your church, then keep providing work in your church, then keep providing a place for the devil through your a place for the devil through your a place for the devil through your anger. So keep avoiding that person in anger. So keep avoiding that person in anger. So keep avoiding that person in your church. Keep gossiping to one your church. Keep gossiping to one your church. Keep gossiping to one another. Refuse to reconcile. Keep another. Refuse to reconcile. Keep another. Refuse to reconcile. Keep attending the other services to avoid attending the other services to avoid attending the other services to avoid that person.

that person. that person. But Paul would say here, give no But Paul would say here, give no But Paul would say here, give no opportunity or the place for the devil. opportunity or the place for the devil. opportunity or the place for the devil. Third, put off Third, put off Third, put off stealing. Verse 28, let the thief no stealing. Verse 28, let the thief no stealing. Verse 28, let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor longer steal, but rather let him labor longer steal, but rather let him labor doing honest work with his own hands, so doing honest work with his own hands, so doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with that he may have something to share with that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Now, you might be anyone in need. Now, you might be anyone in need. Now, you might be watching the news and you might be watching the news and you might be watching the news and you might be infuriated by all the common thievery of infuriated by all the common thievery of infuriated by all the common thievery of the smash and grabs and looting. And the the smash and grabs and looting. And the the smash and grabs and looting. And the modern term, I suppose, is the flash modern term, I suppose, is the flash modern term, I suppose, is the flash rob. is not the flash mob anymore. It's rob. is not the flash mob anymore. It's rob. is not the flash mob anymore. It's the flash the flash the flash rob. Or when we hear about the unwise rob. Or when we hear about the unwise rob. Or when we hear about the unwise spending of our government, it just spending of our government, it just spending of our government, it just infuriates us. Yet these words, let the infuriates us. Yet these words, let the infuriates us. Yet these words, let the thief no longer steal, is not given to thief no longer steal, is not given to thief no longer steal, is not given to the world, but Paul gives it to the the world, but Paul gives it to the the world, but Paul gives it to the church. In fact, this is in the present church. In fact, this is in the present church. In fact, this is in the present active participle, which is best active participle, which is best active participle, which is best translated as we who are stealing translated as we who are stealing translated as we who are stealing currently should no longer steal. And currently should no longer steal. And currently should no longer steal. And this assumes then that you and I in the this assumes then that you and I in the this assumes then that you and I in the church are stealing in ways that we're church are stealing in ways that we're church are stealing in ways that we're not infuriated by, such as cheating on not infuriated by, such as cheating on not infuriated by, such as cheating on our taxes, or stealing from your our taxes, or stealing from your our taxes, or stealing from your employer, your time and employer, your time and employer, your time and resources, unauthorized sharing of your resources, unauthorized sharing of your resources, unauthorized sharing of your TV subscriptions with your family TV subscriptions with your family TV subscriptions with your family members, or plagiarizing sermons online.

members, or plagiarizing sermons online. members, or plagiarizing sermons online. Paul says, "Don't steal, but instead Paul says, "Don't steal, but instead Paul says, "Don't steal, but instead work usefully with your hands. Earn your work usefully with your hands. Earn your work usefully with your hands. Earn your money." But once again, look at the money." But once again, look at the money." But once again, look at the compelling reason as to why we shouldn't compelling reason as to why we shouldn't compelling reason as to why we shouldn't steal. It's not just moral. It's not steal. It's not just moral. It's not steal. It's not just moral. It's not just theological, but it's quite just theological, but it's quite just theological, but it's quite relational so that he may have something relational so that he may have something relational so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. So don't to share with anyone in need. So don't to share with anyone in need. So don't steal. Work hard. Why? You should steal. Work hard. Why? You should steal. Work hard. Why? You should provide others. And so, can you in this provide others. And so, can you in this provide others. And so, can you in this moment think of some people in your moment think of some people in your moment think of some people in your church that could be provided for? church that could be provided for? church that could be provided for? somebody that lost a job, somebody who somebody that lost a job, somebody who somebody that lost a job, somebody who is sick, somebody who's is sick, somebody who's is sick, somebody who's unable to ignore that need. It's like unable to ignore that need. It's like unable to ignore that need. It's like stealing, says Paul. But at the same stealing, says Paul. But at the same stealing, says Paul. But at the same time, Paul says, "Don't be a Robin time, Paul says, "Don't be a Robin time, Paul says, "Don't be a Robin Hood." Why? Robin Hood is seen as a hero Hood." Why? Robin Hood is seen as a hero Hood." Why? Robin Hood is seen as a hero in all of our fables. He loved the poor, in all of our fables. He loved the poor, in all of our fables. He loved the poor, gave to the poor, but how do he give to gave to the poor, but how do he give to gave to the poor, but how do he give to the poor? By stealing from the rich. And the poor? By stealing from the rich. And the poor? By stealing from the rich. And Paul says, "That's not actually the way Paul says, "That's not actually the way Paul says, "That's not actually the way you do it, Robin Hood. What you need to you do it, Robin Hood. What you need to you do it, Robin Hood. What you need to do is to get off from your couch, go on do is to get off from your couch, go on do is to get off from your couch, go on LinkedIn, and get a job. work hard so LinkedIn, and get a job. work hard so LinkedIn, and get a job. work hard so that you could give to the poor. This that you could give to the poor. This that you could give to the poor. This again is not a moral reason but a again is not a moral reason but a again is not a moral reason but a relational reason as to not steal that relational reason as to not steal that relational reason as to not steal that the body of Christ will be the body of Christ will be the body of Christ will be transformed. Fourth, build others up.

transformed. Fourth, build others up. transformed. Fourth, build others up. Verse 29, let no corrupting talk come Verse 29, let no corrupting talk come Verse 29, let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as out of your mouths, but only such as out of your mouths, but only such as good for building up as it fits the good for building up as it fits the good for building up as it fits the occasion that it may give grace to those occasion that it may give grace to those occasion that it may give grace to those who hear. Chapters 1 to three, we who hear. Chapters 1 to three, we who hear. Chapters 1 to three, we receive all this grace. Now, we're to be receive all this grace. Now, we're to be receive all this grace. Now, we're to be the dispensers of this same grace with the dispensers of this same grace with the dispensers of this same grace with words. So, it's not talking so much words. So, it's not talking so much words. So, it's not talking so much about truth and falsehood as it said in about truth and falsehood as it said in about truth and falsehood as it said in verse 25. This is refusing to use words verse 25. This is refusing to use words verse 25. This is refusing to use words that tear others down and rather build that tear others down and rather build that tear others down and rather build each other up. And it's been said that each other up. And it's been said that each other up. And it's been said that there are two buckets that we draw from there are two buckets that we draw from there are two buckets that we draw from when we argue with people. One bucket when we argue with people. One bucket when we argue with people. One bucket you have gasoline and the other you have you have gasoline and the other you have you have gasoline and the other you have water. And when you open your mouth, you water. And when you open your mouth, you water. And when you open your mouth, you draw from one of the two buckets. First, draw from one of the two buckets. First, draw from one of the two buckets. First, if you choose gasoline, if you choose gasoline, if you choose gasoline, sarcasm, shouting, blame, then you are sarcasm, shouting, blame, then you are sarcasm, shouting, blame, then you are feeding the fire, making the conflict feeding the fire, making the conflict feeding the fire, making the conflict even hotter, more destructive. And yet, even hotter, more destructive. And yet, even hotter, more destructive. And yet, if you choose water, then patience, if you choose water, then patience, if you choose water, then patience, empathy, understanding comes into play empathy, understanding comes into play empathy, understanding comes into play and you cool things down. You diffuse and you cool things down. You diffuse and you cool things down. You diffuse tension and you promote healing. And tension and you promote healing. And tension and you promote healing. And Paul is saying, "Think about your Paul is saying, "Think about your Paul is saying, "Think about your words." They say men on the average use words." They say men on the average use words." They say men on the average use 10,000 words a day while women use 10,000 words a day while women use 10,000 words a day while women use 20,000 words. And just in case you think 20,000 words. And just in case you think 20,000 words. And just in case you think I'm picking on you, preachers use 30,000 I'm picking on you, preachers use 30,000 I'm picking on you, preachers use 30,000 words.

words. words. Yes. Could you imagine if we recorded Yes. Could you imagine if we recorded Yes. Could you imagine if we recorded all of our conversations in a given week all of our conversations in a given week all of our conversations in a given week and play them back? and play them back? and play them back? I just wonder what percentage of our I just wonder what percentage of our I just wonder what percentage of our conversations and words are building conversations and words are building conversations and words are building others up, glorifying God, and others up, glorifying God, and others up, glorifying God, and dispensing grace. We've got great power dispensing grace. We've got great power dispensing grace. We've got great power to build each other up since we're one to build each other up since we're one to build each other up since we're one body. Proverbs 15:4 says, "The soothing body. Proverbs 15:4 says, "The soothing body. Proverbs 15:4 says, "The soothing tongue is a tree of tongue is a tree of tongue is a tree of life, but perverse tongue crushes the life, but perverse tongue crushes the life, but perverse tongue crushes the spirit." spirit." spirit." Could I encourage you never to assume Could I encourage you never to assume Could I encourage you never to assume the person next to you is doing as well the person next to you is doing as well the person next to you is doing as well as they look? Could I just encourage you as they look? Could I just encourage you as they look? Could I just encourage you of that? That all around us in our of that? That all around us in our of that? That all around us in our churches, there are brothers and sisters churches, there are brothers and sisters churches, there are brothers and sisters who feel unheard, unseen, and they're who feel unheard, unseen, and they're who feel unheard, unseen, and they're crying out desperately, sometimes in crying out desperately, sometimes in crying out desperately, sometimes in silence for that encouragement. And if silence for that encouragement. And if silence for that encouragement. And if we could hear their cries, we would we could hear their cries, we would we could hear their cries, we would hear, "I just need an unsolicited word hear, "I just need an unsolicited word hear, "I just need an unsolicited word of life from you." Would you give that? of life from you." Would you give that? of life from you." Would you give that? we get enough corrupting talk from the we get enough corrupting talk from the we get enough corrupting talk from the news and social media. What if our news and social media. What if our news and social media. What if our church were the primary source for the church were the primary source for the church were the primary source for the words that give life in our society words that give life in our society words that give life in our society today? And so, build each other up and today? And so, build each other up and today? And so, build each other up and give grace to those who hear. Now, in give grace to those who hear. Now, in give grace to those who hear. Now, in verse 30, we're given a marvelous verse 30, we're given a marvelous verse 30, we're given a marvelous summary statement of this whole thing.

summary statement of this whole thing. summary statement of this whole thing. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom you were sealed for the day of by whom you were sealed for the day of by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Now, this is quite stunning. redemption. Now, this is quite stunning. redemption. Now, this is quite stunning. God, the Holy Spirit, the third person God, the Holy Spirit, the third person God, the Holy Spirit, the third person of the of the of the trinity. Somehow we could grieve him as trinity. Somehow we could grieve him as trinity. Somehow we could grieve him as we first heard in the first session of we first heard in the first session of we first heard in the first session of how Chachi BBT cannot have a heart to how Chachi BBT cannot have a heart to how Chachi BBT cannot have a heart to glorify God. That God created this world glorify God. That God created this world glorify God. That God created this world with the heart. Now on the opposite with the heart. Now on the opposite with the heart. Now on the opposite side, we see outside of this world that side, we see outside of this world that side, we see outside of this world that God is not Cat GPT either. that he has a God is not Cat GPT either. that he has a God is not Cat GPT either. that he has a heart and that you and I could grieve heart and that you and I could grieve heart and that you and I could grieve him. That's a stunning thought for us to him. That's a stunning thought for us to him. That's a stunning thought for us to reflect on. And this passage happens to reflect on. And this passage happens to reflect on. And this passage happens to tell us that the best way that we grieve tell us that the best way that we grieve tell us that the best way that we grieve God's heart in this context is to God's heart in this context is to God's heart in this context is to promote this unity that if we lie, we promote this unity that if we lie, we promote this unity that if we lie, we get angry, we steal, we use words to get angry, we steal, we use words to get angry, we steal, we use words to tear down, we grieve the Holy Spirit. tear down, we grieve the Holy Spirit. tear down, we grieve the Holy Spirit. After all, the Holy Spirit unites us. After all, the Holy Spirit unites us. After all, the Holy Spirit unites us. And according to Ephesians 1, he has And according to Ephesians 1, he has And according to Ephesians 1, he has sealed us. And now we're told the same sealed us. And now we're told the same sealed us. And now we're told the same word sealed to one another for the day word sealed to one another for the day word sealed to one another for the day of of of redemption. So the Holy Spirit is active redemption. So the Holy Spirit is active redemption. So the Holy Spirit is active in spreading the gospel, bringing all in spreading the gospel, bringing all in spreading the gospel, bringing all things together under one head, Jesus things together under one head, Jesus things together under one head, Jesus Christ. And so when we act in this Christ. And so when we act in this Christ. And so when we act in this unity, we grieve him. But also, we unity, we grieve him. But also, we unity, we grieve him. But also, we forget the day of redemption. It's forget the day of redemption. It's forget the day of redemption. It's speaking of that final day when Jesus speaking of that final day when Jesus speaking of that final day when Jesus returns and when you and I will enter returns and when you and I will enter returns and when you and I will enter into the new heavens and new earth and into the new heavens and new earth and into the new heavens and new earth and we'll spend eternity with one another in

we'll spend eternity with one another in we'll spend eternity with one another in love and perfect harmony. And yet, if we love and perfect harmony. And yet, if we love and perfect harmony. And yet, if we live in this unity now, we're live in this unity now, we're live in this unity now, we're forgetting, my brothers and sisters, forgetting, my brothers and sisters, forgetting, my brothers and sisters, where we're going. You know, Martin where we're going. You know, Martin where we're going. You know, Martin Luther once said, "There are two days on Luther once said, "There are two days on Luther once said, "There are two days on my calendar, this day and that day." my calendar, this day and that day." my calendar, this day and that day." which means that I live today in light which means that I live today in light which means that I live today in light of that day. And when you're having a of that day. And when you're having a of that day. And when you're having a bad day or maybe perhaps a series of bad bad day or maybe perhaps a series of bad bad day or maybe perhaps a series of bad days, then remember the ultimate day is days, then remember the ultimate day is days, then remember the ultimate day is drawing near. So let's live in light of drawing near. So let's live in light of drawing near. So let's live in light of that reality. Ephesians. So Paul that reality. Ephesians. So Paul that reality. Ephesians. So Paul continues verse 31, let all bitterness continues verse 31, let all bitterness continues verse 31, let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and and wrath and anger and clamor and and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you along with slander be put away from you along with slander be put away from you along with all malice. Be kind to one another, all malice. Be kind to one another, all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as tenderhearted, forgiving one another as tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven you. And God in Christ has forgiven you. And God in Christ has forgiven you. And there seems to be an intentional there seems to be an intentional there seems to be an intentional progression here. Paul says, "Don't progression here. Paul says, "Don't progression here. Paul says, "Don't think bitter thoughts that lead to think bitter thoughts that lead to think bitter thoughts that lead to bitter deeds that lead to bitter words bitter deeds that lead to bitter words bitter deeds that lead to bitter words that lead to all forms of malice and that lead to all forms of malice and that lead to all forms of malice and refuse to think badly of another person.

refuse to think badly of another person. refuse to think badly of another person. Assume the best in others. Because of Assume the best in others. Because of Assume the best in others. Because of all the things that we judge people for, all the things that we judge people for, all the things that we judge people for, it's likely that our source of judgment it's likely that our source of judgment it's likely that our source of judgment comes from 1% of what we know about them comes from 1% of what we know about them comes from 1% of what we know about them while the 99% is in them that we do not while the 99% is in them that we do not while the 99% is in them that we do not know or under them we don't know. So be know or under them we don't know. So be know or under them we don't know. So be kind to one another, kind to one another, kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as tenderhearted, forgiving one another as tenderhearted, forgiving one another as Christ has forgiven us. Finally, Christ has forgiven us. Finally, Christ has forgiven us. Finally, three, Christians live out who we are three, Christians live out who we are three, Christians live out who we are together as God's family. Now, this is a together as God's family. Now, this is a together as God's family. Now, this is a familial identity and Paul here familial identity and Paul here familial identity and Paul here continues to amplify the means to which continues to amplify the means to which continues to amplify the means to which we have to live out the Christian life. we have to live out the Christian life. we have to live out the Christian life. Not only do we have a new identity, not Not only do we have a new identity, not Not only do we have a new identity, not only is it collective in that we do it only is it collective in that we do it only is it collective in that we do it together, but that we're not just part together, but that we're not just part together, but that we're not just part of an old family, but we're part of of an old family, but we're part of of an old family, but we're part of God's family. Verse one, therefore, be God's family. Verse one, therefore, be God's family. Verse one, therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. imitators of God, as beloved children. imitators of God, as beloved children. Walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering, himself up for us, a fragrant offering, himself up for us, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice to God. Now, the word a sacrifice to God. Now, the word a sacrifice to God. Now, the word beloved here is the Greek word beloved here is the Greek word beloved here is the Greek word agapeos, which doesn't mean that you're agapeos, which doesn't mean that you're agapeos, which doesn't mean that you're liked or you're just valued. It is the liked or you're just valued. It is the liked or you're just valued. It is the same word that the father had to had to same word that the father had to had to same word that the father had to had to Jesus when he was being baptized. And he Jesus when he was being baptized. And he Jesus when he was being baptized. And he said in Matthew 3:1 17, "This is my said in Matthew 3:1 17, "This is my said in Matthew 3:1 17, "This is my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased."

beloved son in whom I'm well pleased." beloved son in whom I'm well pleased." And to be called the beloved means that And to be called the beloved means that And to be called the beloved means that we're wrapped up in the same eternal we're wrapped up in the same eternal we're wrapped up in the same eternal unbreakable love of the father that he unbreakable love of the father that he unbreakable love of the father that he had for his son. And the language here had for his son. And the language here had for his son. And the language here is covenant affection. And so you're not is covenant affection. And so you're not is covenant affection. And so you're not adopted to God's family just in status, adopted to God's family just in status, adopted to God's family just in status, but you are adopted and cherished with but you are adopted and cherished with but you are adopted and cherished with divine divine divine affection. Then Paul goes on to say that affection. Then Paul goes on to say that affection. Then Paul goes on to say that we're not just beloved, but we're we're not just beloved, but we're we're not just beloved, but we're children. children. children. He could have said beloved servants. He He could have said beloved servants. He He could have said beloved servants. He could have said beloved could have said beloved could have said beloved disciples. But we're his beloved disciples. But we're his beloved disciples. But we're his beloved children. Now, would you just notice how children. Now, would you just notice how children. Now, would you just notice how far we've come from Gentiles to chosen far we've come from Gentiles to chosen far we've come from Gentiles to chosen to chosen to chosen together now chosen to chosen to chosen together now chosen to chosen to chosen together now chosen to be God's family and his children. And to be God's family and his children. And to be God's family and his children. And that same pattern was first seen in that same pattern was first seen in that same pattern was first seen in chapter 2 19. So then you're no longer chapter 2 19. So then you're no longer chapter 2 19. So then you're no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow strangers and aliens, but you are fellow strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens of a household of God. citizens of a household of God. citizens of a household of God. See, so this is our ultimate covenantal See, so this is our ultimate covenantal See, so this is our ultimate covenantal identity and therefore imitate him. Not identity and therefore imitate him. Not identity and therefore imitate him. Not to earn his approval, but because you to earn his approval, but because you to earn his approval, but because you have his full approval. Because Christ have his full approval. Because Christ have his full approval. Because Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a loved us and gave himself up for us as a loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Fragrant offering is used particularly Fragrant offering is used particularly Fragrant offering is used particularly in the Old Testament to describe a in the Old Testament to describe a in the Old Testament to describe a sacrifice that is pleasing to God. And sacrifice that is pleasing to God. And sacrifice that is pleasing to God. And so when we love one another, we please so when we love one another, we please so when we love one another, we please the father and we please the father the father and we please the father the father and we please the father because he's already so pleased with us. because he's already so pleased with us. because he's already so pleased with us. And secondly, we imitate him because And secondly, we imitate him because And secondly, we imitate him because children naturally are like their children naturally are like their children naturally are like their parents. In fact, in Jewish culture is parents. In fact, in Jewish culture is parents. In fact, in Jewish culture is expected that children will grow up to expected that children will grow up to expected that children will grow up to be like their parents. So God's children be like their parents. So God's children be like their parents. So God's children as his children, we follow in this as his children, we follow in this as his children, we follow in this likeness. Why? Because we are made in likeness. Why? Because we are made in likeness. Why? Because we are made in his image. Now, when my family and I are his image. Now, when my family and I are his image. Now, when my family and I are out and about in the city and some out and about in the city and some out and about in the city and some family that recognizes us sees us, family that recognizes us sees us, family that recognizes us sees us, they'll always comment 100% of the time, they'll always comment 100% of the time, they'll always comment 100% of the time, they're like, "Oh, your son is a they're like, "Oh, your son is a they're like, "Oh, your son is a spitting is a spitting image of your spitting is a spitting image of your spitting is a spitting image of your wife or your daughter looks just like wife or your daughter looks just like wife or your daughter looks just like you." Well, the question is, are you the you." Well, the question is, are you the you." Well, the question is, are you the spitting image of your heavenly father? spitting image of your heavenly father? spitting image of your heavenly father? When people look at you, do you look When people look at you, do you look When people look at you, do you look like the offspring of like the offspring of like the offspring of God or the offspring of the world, the God or the offspring of the world, the God or the offspring of the world, the sons of disobedience? And so Paul says sons of disobedience? And so Paul says sons of disobedience? And so Paul says here, verse 5, "For you may be sure of here, verse 5, "For you may be sure of here, verse 5, "For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually this, that everyone who is sexually this, that everyone who is sexually immoral and impure or who is covetous immoral and impure or who is covetous immoral and impure or who is covetous has no inheritance in the kingdom and has no inheritance in the kingdom and has no inheritance in the kingdom and God."

God." God." Now, King I mean Tim Keller argues here Now, King I mean Tim Keller argues here Now, King I mean Tim Keller argues here that the sin of sexual immorality and that the sin of sexual immorality and that the sin of sexual immorality and greed and covetousness are Paul's way of greed and covetousness are Paul's way of greed and covetousness are Paul's way of getting across the comprehensive getting across the comprehensive getting across the comprehensive spectrum of the law of God. For spectrum of the law of God. For spectrum of the law of God. For instance, there are churches across the instance, there are churches across the instance, there are churches across the land in particular in the West Coast land in particular in the West Coast land in particular in the West Coast where I'm from where greed is seen as where I'm from where greed is seen as where I'm from where greed is seen as the sin of the hour. Yes. Because all the sin of the hour. Yes. Because all the sin of the hour. Yes. Because all injustice they would say flows out of injustice they would say flows out of injustice they would say flows out of the sin of greed and is poured out into the sin of greed and is poured out into the sin of greed and is poured out into society. But when it comes to biblical society. But when it comes to biblical society. But when it comes to biblical ethics of sexuality, they minimize it. ethics of sexuality, they minimize it. ethics of sexuality, they minimize it. They think it's archaic and it's out They think it's archaic and it's out They think it's archaic and it's out ofd. And yet there are other churches in ofd. And yet there are other churches in ofd. And yet there are other churches in the country where they're they put ton the country where they're they put ton the country where they're they put ton of emphasis on the sin of sexuality, but of emphasis on the sin of sexuality, but of emphasis on the sin of sexuality, but are totally silent and mute when it are totally silent and mute when it are totally silent and mute when it comes to Christian charity for the poor comes to Christian charity for the poor comes to Christian charity for the poor and the marginalized. And Keller says, and the marginalized. And Keller says, and the marginalized. And Keller says, "The law of God is so comprehensive that "The law of God is so comprehensive that "The law of God is so comprehensive that we're all tempted to ignore the parts we're all tempted to ignore the parts we're all tempted to ignore the parts that don't fit our that don't fit our that don't fit our temperament." Wow. temperament." Wow. temperament." Wow. Isn't that so true? We often so Isn't that so true? We often so Isn't that so true? We often so cherrypick the laws based on our cherrypick the laws based on our cherrypick the laws based on our preferences, our comfort, and some of preferences, our comfort, and some of preferences, our comfort, and some of the biases that we have deep inside. We the biases that we have deep inside. We the biases that we have deep inside. We we're not even aware of. I call this the we're not even aware of. I call this the we're not even aware of. I call this the trail mix trail mix trail mix theology. All of us love eating trail theology. All of us love eating trail theology. All of us love eating trail mix, pick and choose what we want, and mix, pick and choose what we want, and mix, pick and choose what we want, and leave behind what we don't like. I know leave behind what we don't like. I know leave behind what we don't like. I know this because at the bottom of every this because at the bottom of every this because at the bottom of every trail mix in your cupboard, on the trail mix in your cupboard, on the trail mix in your cupboard, on the bottom of that trail mix is those nasty, bottom of that trail mix is those nasty, bottom of that trail mix is those nasty, unsanctified, wrinkled things called unsanctified, wrinkled things called unsanctified, wrinkled things called raisins.

raisins. raisins. Yes. Well, how do you get there? How'd Yes. Well, how do you get there? How'd Yes. Well, how do you get there? How'd it get there? Oh, you know, we pretend it get there? Oh, you know, we pretend it get there? Oh, you know, we pretend to grab to grab to grab indiscriminately. But immediately what indiscriminately. But immediately what indiscriminately. But immediately what we become are like California gold we become are like California gold we become are like California gold miners, you know, and we start sifting miners, you know, and we start sifting miners, you know, and we start sifting for the M&M's first, then the nuts, then for the M&M's first, then the nuts, then for the M&M's first, then the nuts, then sometimes the dry fruit, leaving all sometimes the dry fruit, leaving all sometimes the dry fruit, leaving all those nasty, sinful those nasty, sinful those nasty, sinful raisins fall through the cracks. And raisins fall through the cracks. And raisins fall through the cracks. And Paul says here, "You got to eat your Paul says here, "You got to eat your Paul says here, "You got to eat your raisins, too." That's what he's raisins, too." That's what he's raisins, too." That's what he's saying. In fact, Ji Packer puts it saying. In fact, Ji Packer puts it saying. In fact, Ji Packer puts it better. He says, "If we edit the laws of better. He says, "If we edit the laws of better. He says, "If we edit the laws of God, take in what we like and leave out God, take in what we like and leave out God, take in what we like and leave out what we don't, we are no longer sitting what we don't, we are no longer sitting what we don't, we are no longer sitting under God's word, but we're standing under God's word, but we're standing under God's word, but we're standing over it." And God forbid that we ever stand it." And God forbid that we ever stand over God's glorious word. And instead, over God's glorious word. And instead, over God's glorious word. And instead, as God's children, we sit at his as God's children, we sit at his as God's children, we sit at his feet longing for every word that comes feet longing for every word that comes feet longing for every word that comes out of the mouth of God. It should taste out of the mouth of God. It should taste out of the mouth of God. It should taste like honey to our lips. So Paul aims to like honey to our lips. So Paul aims to like honey to our lips. So Paul aims to motivate us by being imitators of God as motivate us by being imitators of God as motivate us by being imitators of God as his children, warning us the impact of his children, warning us the impact of his children, warning us the impact of sin. Verse six, let no one deceive you sin. Verse six, let no one deceive you sin. Verse six, let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these with empty words. For because of these with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes upon the things, the wrath of God comes upon the things, the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not become partakers of them.

become partakers of them. become partakers of them. Now Paul purposely gives us a stunning Now Paul purposely gives us a stunning Now Paul purposely gives us a stunning contrast between beloved children and contrast between beloved children and contrast between beloved children and sons of disobedience. Now he's doing sons of disobedience. Now he's doing sons of disobedience. Now he's doing this in in a in some ways of a finality this in in a in some ways of a finality this in in a in some ways of a finality for us to experience the impact of where for us to experience the impact of where for us to experience the impact of where we were to where we have come from who we were to where we have come from who we were to where we have come from who we are today. And Paul is drawing a we are today. And Paul is drawing a we are today. And Paul is drawing a sharp contrast between the two reminding sharp contrast between the two reminding sharp contrast between the two reminding us it's just like those weight loss us it's just like those weight loss us it's just like those weight loss pictures of the stunning transformation. pictures of the stunning transformation. pictures of the stunning transformation. And he's saying you are a different And he's saying you are a different And he's saying you are a different person now. First we were once sons of person now. First we were once sons of person now. First we were once sons of disobedience. Our former family by disobedience. Our former family by disobedience. Our former family by nature. And Paul echoes this in chapter nature. And Paul echoes this in chapter nature. And Paul echoes this in chapter 2:2. Our na natural inheritance is one 2:2. Our na natural inheritance is one 2:2. Our na natural inheritance is one of rebellion against God. And so this of rebellion against God. And so this of rebellion against God. And so this family in turn will receive God's wrath. family in turn will receive God's wrath. family in turn will receive God's wrath. And by the way, wrath does not unhinge And by the way, wrath does not unhinge And by the way, wrath does not unhinge emotions from God as we think. The Bible emotions from God as we think. The Bible emotions from God as we think. The Bible talks about wrath as a judicial talks about wrath as a judicial talks about wrath as a judicial condemnation for those who are in sin. condemnation for those who are in sin. condemnation for those who are in sin. Now Paul intentionally creates that Now Paul intentionally creates that Now Paul intentionally creates that tension between who we once were to who tension between who we once were to who tension between who we once were to who we are we are we are now. He wants to give us this amazing now. He wants to give us this amazing now. He wants to give us this amazing glorious picture of what we look like glorious picture of what we look like glorious picture of what we look like now as God's children. Verse eight, for now as God's children. Verse eight, for now as God's children. Verse eight, for at one time you were darkness. You were at one time you were darkness. You were at one time you were darkness. You were darkness. You didn't just do darkness.

darkness. You didn't just do darkness. darkness. You didn't just do darkness. You were, it's not an activity. It's an You were, it's not an activity. It's an You were, it's not an activity. It's an identity. You were darkness, but now you identity. You were darkness, but now you identity. You were darkness, but now you are light in the world. Walk as children are light in the world. Walk as children are light in the world. Walk as children of light. Now, what does that look like of light. Now, what does that look like of light. Now, what does that look like to walk in children of light? He goes on to walk in children of light? He goes on to walk in children of light? He goes on verse 9, "For the fruit of light is verse 9, "For the fruit of light is verse 9, "For the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and found in all that is good and right and found in all that is good and right and true." And so, to the degree that you true." And so, to the degree that you true." And so, to the degree that you delight in the fact that you are delight in the fact that you are delight in the fact that you are children of light, you will live this children of light, you will live this children of light, you will live this way. But conversely, the reason why you way. But conversely, the reason why you way. But conversely, the reason why you and I make foolish choices today is and I make foolish choices today is and I make foolish choices today is because we are not thrilled because we are not thrilled because we are not thrilled enough to be children of light. So, how enough to be children of light. So, how enough to be children of light. So, how could we thrill our hearts again? And could we thrill our hearts again? And could we thrill our hearts again? And the answer lies in this prepositional the answer lies in this prepositional the answer lies in this prepositional phrase found in verse 8. For at one time phrase found in verse 8. For at one time phrase found in verse 8. For at one time you were darkness but now you are light. you were darkness but now you are light. you were darkness but now you are light. How? In the Lord. In the Lord. In the How? In the Lord. In the Lord. In the How? In the Lord. In the Lord. In the first part of Ephesians, God says the first part of Ephesians, God says the first part of Ephesians, God says the moment that you have received Christ, moment that you have received Christ, moment that you have received Christ, you are united in him and you are put in you are united in him and you are put in you are united in him and you are put in him. And in a sense, while you are still him. And in a sense, while you are still him. And in a sense, while you are still sinners and while you are still a part sinners and while you are still a part sinners and while you are still a part of darkness, while you are still flawed of darkness, while you are still flawed of darkness, while you are still flawed in Christ, you are seen as brilliant, in Christ, you are seen as brilliant, in Christ, you are seen as brilliant, beautiful, acceptable as goodness, beautiful, acceptable as goodness, beautiful, acceptable as goodness, righteousness, and truth. And this is righteousness, and truth. And this is righteousness, and truth. And this is incredible. And you say, "How could this incredible. And you say, "How could this incredible. And you say, "How could this be?" Well, imagine a little boy growing be?" Well, imagine a little boy growing be?" Well, imagine a little boy growing up in a forgotten orphanage. He never up in a forgotten orphanage. He never up in a forgotten orphanage. He never knew his parents. He slept on a cot in a knew his parents. He slept on a cot in a knew his parents. He slept on a cot in a crowded room. He wears handme-downs, all

crowded room. He wears handme-downs, all crowded room. He wears handme-downs, all too big, all too worn. And every day he too big, all too worn. And every day he too big, all too worn. And every day he eats what's given. He only speaks when eats what's given. He only speaks when eats what's given. He only speaks when he's spoken to and keeps his he's spoken to and keeps his he's spoken to and keeps his expectations low because that's what expectations low because that's what expectations low because that's what he's learned, not to hope for he's learned, not to hope for he's learned, not to hope for much. Then one day, everything changes. much. Then one day, everything changes. much. Then one day, everything changes. A couple walks in, dignified, kind, A couple walks in, dignified, kind, A couple walks in, dignified, kind, compassionate, warm, and the father compassionate, warm, and the father compassionate, warm, and the father kneels down, looks at him square in the kneels down, looks at him square in the kneels down, looks at him square in the face, eye to eye, and says, "We've come face, eye to eye, and says, "We've come face, eye to eye, and says, "We've come for you. We want you to be our for you. We want you to be our for you. We want you to be our son." Papers are signed. The child is son." Papers are signed. The child is son." Papers are signed. The child is whisked into a new car that he's never whisked into a new car that he's never whisked into a new car that he's never dreamt of riding in. Lands in a home dreamt of riding in. Lands in a home dreamt of riding in. Lands in a home that is far greater than he's ever that is far greater than he's ever that is far greater than he's ever imagined. His room is ready. He has new imagined. His room is ready. He has new imagined. His room is ready. He has new clothes on. He has a new name. His clothes on. He has a new name. His clothes on. He has a new name. His future is secure. But more than all the future is secure. But more than all the future is secure. But more than all the possession now that he's ever possession now that he's ever possession now that he's ever had, now he has a father's hand to hold, had, now he has a father's hand to hold, had, now he has a father's hand to hold, a mother's voice to sing over him and a a mother's voice to sing over him and a a mother's voice to sing over him and a seat at the family table. You see, he seat at the family table. You see, he seat at the family table. You see, he didn't earn it. He didn't fill out an didn't earn it. He didn't fill out an didn't earn it. He didn't fill out an application. He wasn't chosen because he application. He wasn't chosen because he application. He wasn't chosen because he was impressive. He was beloved. It was a was impressive. He was beloved. It was a was impressive. He was beloved. It was a covenantal love that made him theirs.

covenantal love that made him theirs. covenantal love that made him theirs. What God has done through Christ is just What God has done through Christ is just What God has done through Christ is just that for us. You and I are spiritual that for us. You and I are spiritual that for us. You and I are spiritual orphans, sons of disobedience, without orphans, sons of disobedience, without orphans, sons of disobedience, without hope, without family. But our father hope, without family. But our father hope, without family. But our father sought us. The son paid the price to sought us. The son paid the price to sought us. The son paid the price to redeem us. And now the spirit according redeem us. And now the spirit according redeem us. And now the spirit according to Galatians 4:7 says, "You're no longer to Galatians 4:7 says, "You're no longer to Galatians 4:7 says, "You're no longer a slave, but a son. And if a son, then a slave, but a son. And if a son, then a slave, but a son. And if a son, then heir through God." So put away your old heir through God." So put away your old heir through God." So put away your old self. live out of your newness together self. live out of your newness together self. live out of your newness together as God's family for the glory of God. as God's family for the glory of God. as God's family for the glory of God. Let us pray. Father, what love is pray. Father, what love is this that we would go from being sons of this that we would go from being sons of this that we would go from being sons of disobedience to be called the children disobedience to be called the children disobedience to be called the children of God? What grace is this that you of God? What grace is this that you of God? What grace is this that you would call us to be transformed through would call us to be transformed through would call us to be transformed through the unity of your bride? And we cannot the unity of your bride? And we cannot the unity of your bride? And we cannot see your glorious grace unless you help see your glorious grace unless you help see your glorious grace unless you help us. So open our eyes, open our hearts, us. So open our eyes, open our hearts, us. So open our eyes, open our hearts, open them wide and help us to marvel at open them wide and help us to marvel at open them wide and help us to marvel at your belovedness so that all of our your belovedness so that all of our your belovedness so that all of our duties will simply melt into our duties will simply melt into our duties will simply melt into our delights. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.