Integrity and the Christian Eph 4:25-5:2 May 04: Appropriating integrity. June 22: Practicing integrity.

Integrity is imitating God’s character. Integrity begins with the renewal of the mind. Integrity is only possible when the church body works together.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you.

Old self vs. New self

The question is…… ….whose values?

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph 5:1-2

Integrity is based on God’s values, not ours. Integrity demanded from God is holistic, and not selective. Genuine integrity leads to a life of love, as it is God centered and other people centered. We are saved to be people of integrity, not saved by our integrity.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, 4:25 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. 4:15 So I tell you this and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 4:17 You were taught, with regards to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitudes of your minds: 4:23 Let no one deceive you with empty words 5:6 For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and the truth 5:9

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 4:25 Certainly the avoidance of lies is of little use without the active pursuit of truth. John Stott, pg 185, The Message of Ephesians

Lying is an art.

Believing lies unconciously.

Some of the most guilty exaggerators are pastors, who use loud one sided statements to make God look more wonderful and themselves more powerful. Klyne Snodgrass, pg 262, The Ephesians NIV Application Commentary.

Selective truth

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. A new set of clothes.

Fake Christians.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

26b Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every kind of malice.

anger slander malice brawling rage

anger slander malice brawling rage Bitterness See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15

26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Stealing is the bedfellow of lying.

Truth or lie? “Let me make some money first then I will serve God.” “I have no choice but to give bribes. It’s how my industry works.”

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 4:2

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Integrity is only possible when the body is growing together

Do we desire to lead lives of integrity? Remember your legacy. Renew your mind. Refresh with the Spirit. Revive your integrity with other believers.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:32 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16a Speaking the truth in love