Ephesians 4

1. Ephesians 4 The unity of the Church is only possible if there is a corresponding life change of all participants

2. Always positive and proactive, Paul states he is a prisoner defending the rights of the Gentiles to become believers without becoming a Jewish proselyte as well. Living godly in Christ will cost Axios (worthy) has the root meaning of balancing the scales—what is on one side of the scale should be equal in weight to what is on the other side. “No one can come to Me,” Jesus said, “unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). Later He said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself” (John 12:32). This is why you wanted to come to Christ when you did. Paul tells us that those whom God “predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Rom. 8:30). Along with his ministry of proclaiming Christ, Paul also was “admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ” (Col. 1:28). Little happens in lives without being exhorted to do so, to change or conform to Scriptures. First of Five Essentials to Faithful Living: Tapeinophrosune (humility) is a compound word that literally means to think or judge with lowliness– a sign of weakness to Romans— Most are characterized by boasting of themselves instead of living to benefit others Secondly, praotes is used of wild animals that were tamed, especially of horses that were broken and trained thus is power under the control of God. The meek person responds willingly to the Word of God, no matter what the requirements or consequences, he does not hurt someone in return when he is hurt (1 Pet. 2:23) Fourth, anechomai, “endurance” esp in agape, giving of one’s self to benefit others without personal benefit. “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). The forbearance could only be expressed in unselfish love. Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses. Fifthly, spoudazo, (diligent) “do one’s best; spare no effort” to (preserve) tereo, “watch over, guard”, henotes (unity) “unanimity, oneness” which is created by the Spirit (all believers are one with Spirit and one with each other); “…that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity” (John 17: 21–23) Thirdly, makrothurmia (patience) literally means long–tempered, and is sometimes translated longsuffering. The patient person endures negative circumstances and never gives in to them. Paul was willing to endure any hardship, affliction, ridicule, or persecution in order to patiently serve his Master. Aristotle said that the greatest Greek virtue was refusal to tolerate any insult and readiness to strike back. The Worthy Walk 1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

3. There is no denominational, geographical, ethnic, or racial body. There is no Gentile, Jewish, male, female, slave, or freeman body. “being fitted together [and are] growing into a holy temple in the Lord, … being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21–22) “There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12) We have different gifts, different ministries, different places of service, but only one … calling, the calling to “be holy and blameless before Him” (Eph. 1:4) and “to become conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29) “…the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” and for which we are to contend (Jude 3). Our one faith is the content of the revealed Word of God. Since Spirit baptism is referred to in v. 3- 4, this is best seen as a reference to water baptism—The public testimony of one’s unity with the Body of Christ “The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” (Deut. 6:4)--New Testament also reveals the more complete truth that the one God is in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19 Over all (Sovereign); through all (Omnipotent) and in all (Omnipresent) = reasons for unity! Cause of the Worthy Walk 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

4. Paul refers to Psa 68 where David wrote a hymn of victory after God’s victory of the Jebusite city and the ascent of the Ark to Mt Zion. Formerly captive soldiers, now freed, were given place of honor His triumph continues as millions of Satan’s captives are liberated and brought to glory: NAS Acts 18:10 for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.“ NAUActs 15:14,17 "Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name…:17 In order that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord” doma, a third term for gifts in the context: a comprehensive idea, not a specific reference to spiritual gifts Paul is explaining his use of the Psalm to describe how Christ first “descended” before He ascended: a reference to His death and burial NAUColossians 2:15 “When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” The objective of giving the gifts after His ascension is to “fill all things”– to be present in power and victory in all He fills through His special gift: the Spirit Christ’s Right to Give Gifts 8 Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men." 9 (Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

5. To Equip the church for service To Explain the Truth of God’s Word To Facilitate the Work of God To Authenticate the Revelation of God Purpose of the Gifts Special Gifts Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors Teachers Speaking Gifts: Prophecy Teaching Exhortation Word of Wisdom and Knowledge Gifts of Service: Service, Helps Leadership, administration Giving, Mercy Discerning of spirits, Faith Hospitality Sign Gifts: Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Miracles, Healing

6. Apostles: God’s special emissaries • NAS Acts 2:42 “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching…” • NAS 2 Corinthians 12:12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. • NAS Hebrews 2:3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmedto usby those who heard, God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

7. Means of confirming the divine nature of the message was “by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit”– that is, the “signs of apostles” Confirmed By those who heardHim (i.e., Jesus directly) “Confirmed to” the writer of Book of Hebrews Explanation of Heb 2:3-4 Gospel was First spoken by Jesus Do we need signs and wonders today? No, because FAITH is the acceptance of and dependence upon the already confirmed evidence of God’s promises of mercy – Seeking more signs today comes from a doubting spirit unwilling to accept the evidence of confirmation already given!

8. Our Inheritance in Christ Our Life in Christ 1:3 2:1 3:1 4:1 6:10 Blessings in Christ Experience of Salvation Growing, Knowledge and Strength Christian Conduct Christian Armor Introduction 1:1-2 Conclusion 6:21-24 WORK of God WALK of Christian Overview of the Letter to the Ephesians

9. 3 Responsibilities of Apostles and Prophets: • Lay the foundation of the Church (Eph 2:20) • Receive, declare and write under inspiration God’s Word (Acts 11:28; Eph 3:5) • Confirm the Word delivered by “signs and wonders” 2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:3-4) • * No where is apostleship considered perpetual or to be continued. Christ gave gifts to every individual, then gave some of the gifted men to the churches as delineated: NIV correctly reads, “gave some to be…” Prophets tended to work within a local church, but apostles traveled 1. Sometimes spoke from revelation (Acts 11:21-28) or expounded previous revelation along with teachers (Acts 13:1) 2. Considered secondary to Apostles, since their message was to be judged by Apostles (1 Cor 14:37) 3. A criteria for accepting a NT book as inspired was that the author had to be considered an apostle or a prophet (Mark, Luke, Hebrews, James) euangelistes, “proclaimer of good news” – only 3x in NT (text, Acts 21:8 “Philip the evangelist,” evidently the founder of the church at Caesarea and 2 Tim 4:5 where Timothy is commanded to do the “work of an evangelist” Verb form, euangelizo appears 54x, “evangelize” and in the noun form, euangelion, 76x, “Gospel” poimen, or “shepherd” (ref. to attitude and character), emphasis on care, protection and leadership. Synonym with “elder” (presbuteros, ref to who the man is); and “bishop” (episkopos, ref. what he does) 1 Pet 5:1-2 uses all three Acts 20:17, 28 uses all three didaskalos, teacher. 1 Tim 2:7, Paul considered himself a “Teacher of the Gentiles” 2 Tim 1:11, appointed “a preacher, …and a teacher of the Gentiles” Acts 13:1 Leadership team in Antioch included teachers Heb 5:12, In time, after instruction, most should be teachers Rom 12:7, If gifted teacher, then he must be committed to teach Gal 6:6, Commanded to be generous with your teachers! Hint! Ha! The Gifts of Christ to the Whole Church 11 And He gave some asapostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

10. Global Expansion and Edification of the Church Evangelists (missionaries) Pastors Teachers Church Age Strategy Foundation Jesus Christ – Chief Cornerstone Apostles and Prophets NAS Eph 2:20 …having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone

11. katartismos, “to fit, restore, prepare for use”, a medical term for setting the bones, “Finally… be madecomplete” 2 Cor 13:11 “Now the God of peace … equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight” Heb 13:20-21 First goal of Equipping: (1)diakonias, “serving”- Every part of Body must function to increase (Eph 4:16) Peter divides the gifts into speaking and serving gifts (70% est.) (1Pet 4:10-11) Exhorted to abound in work, that is, serving one another (1 Cor 15:58) Peter calls this “spiritual sacrifices” 1 Pet 2:5 RESULT C: Maturity is to be like Christ (Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…”)– Manifesting His character qualities 1 John 2:6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. Second objective of Equipping: (2) oikodome, “building a house” Jesus used it to say “I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). Some will be gifted to teach, exhort, preach, speak and communicate the truths that will change purposes, values, morals and wisdom of the followers of Christ. This refers to the speaking gifts. “I commend you to God and the Word…which is able to build you up” (Acts 20:32) The Word should be desired as babes desire milk (1 Pet 2:2) RESULT A:katanesomen, “reach” UNITY, based on the united belief in God’s Word, principles and commands; where everyone learns to serve one another; who constantly respond to God’s testing and suffering together RESULT B:epignoseos, full knowledge, not just salvation (Phil 3:8-10, “That I may know Him…” Life long process: John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” • Four Basic Tools for Equipping Saints: • The Bible (2 tim 3:16-17)– Leaders must feed church His Word (Col 1:28 • Prayer: Epaphrus labored in prayer for their maturity (Col 4:12-13) • Testing from God has purpose of our maturity (James 1:2-4) • Suffering allowed by God is on purpose(1 Pet 5:10; Phil 3:10; 2 Cor 1:4-5) A B C 1 2 Though all believers have unredeemed flesh (Rom 7:14; 8:23) therefore cannot attain to perfection, yet we must continue in progress toward Christlike maturity –Col 1:28 And we proclaim Him, admonishing … and teaching every man …, that we may present every man complete in Christ. And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Church Leadership Focus 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

12. hina, “in order that” statement of ultimate purpose — a reference back to the primary cause, i.e. the ministry of service and edification kludonizomai, “whirled around by the sea” making one dizzy or without footing—metaphorically: unable to think clearly, confusing you with partial or impressive information or philosophy that contradicts clear teachings of Scriptures As a ship without a rudder, always turns into the wind—it has no resistance or means of countering the force of the wind—thus teachings persuasively presented persuade those who have no basis of evaluation what is true or not. A ship would use a “sea anchor” to avoid being turned or swept along by a powerful wind, likewise a clear knowledge of truth will keep you from being deceived. nepios, “one who does not talk”; used of the Corinthian believers (1 Cor 3:1; 14:20); one who falls prey to new religious fads or novel interpretations. The immature is gullible: Rom 16:18For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. NLT Prov 14:15Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. Kubia, transliterated “cube”, used for dice, especially “loaded dice”, infamous for cheating the naïve out of their goods. Thus the manipulation of “truth” and philosophy to logically convince people of their false notions panourgia, “clever manipulation” of error to appear as truth methodia, “schemes, strategies, methods”. Used of the “schemes of the devil” (6:11)– a planned systemized error introduction to the church 4th result of God’s Priority in Church 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

13. The goal of Bible knowledge, learning and maturing is to be LIKE JESUS. That is what is beautiful in a believer. Real maturity is measured in how much we are like our Creator/Savior God “For me, to live is Christ” Phil 1:21 (Gal 2:20) auxano, “cause to increase, become greater, more important or reach full maturity” The church is assumed to be immature and unlike Christ, except when these principles function aletheuo, “speak, deal, act” according to body life truth, lit. “truthing” making a verb of a noun. Involves not lying, but also not destroying each other with truth statements 5TH Result of God’s Priority in Church 15but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ,

14. Review: Results of God’s Plan: Leader’s function is to train members for service and edification • Unity • Knowledge/Wisdom • Maturity like Christ • Stability from being deceived • Communication resulting in Christlikeness

15. sunarmalogeo, “seize or dragged off course (by the wind)– illustrates the closeness and influence we are to have on one another Notice it is a synergy power: both by what Christ/Spirit contributes and by what we contribute sumbibazo, “knit together, united, conclude, decide” – held together by ideal or commitment. Used of copulation! Col 2:19 “…holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together…” metron, “measured” – each part that doesn’t contribute, weakens the whole body from its potential “He does not hold on to the head, from whom the whole body, which is nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that comes from God” Col 2:19 epichoregia, “through working in measure or part”– refers to everyone exhorting one another, instructing, encouraging, accepting, forgiving, teaching one another “in love” poieo, “accomplishes, brings about”– the primary means of maturing a church is through the ministry of the members one to another! oikodome, as construction of a building, metaphysically, “increasing in knowledge of truth applied in love to benefit others Note: Maturity not an individual affair The Power of God’s Pattern 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

16. Man thinking: to deny guilt, fear not being politically correct, rationalization, self-justification, blaming others, denying sin. Satan’s part: NAS 2 Cor 4:4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. porosis, “covered with a callus”, dulled perception, stubbordornness, hardness.” Used by doctors for calcification that forms around broken bones, often harder than the bone itself. apolgeo, “cease to feel pain, grief or guilt, insensitive” marturomai, “declare solemnly”; origin ofEng. martyr. A very powerful introduction: what I say is also what Jesus says to you nous, “faculty of perceiving, feeling, judging or understanding a thing” mataiotes, “devoid of truth, rather perverseness or depravity, void of useful goal” Ephesus was major commercial and pagan religious center with temples to Artemis or Dianna including sexual religious experiences dianoia, thoughts, feelings, belief patterns apallotrioo, “to alienate, shutout of fellowship, intimacy and understanding of insider information” meketi implies they had been living this way but should cease, by starting new habits and way of thinking aselgeia, “uncontrollable lust, excess, shamelessness” akatharsia, sexual lustfulness, luxurious living or impure motives pleonexia, “obsessive drive to have more, covetiousness, avarice” The Walk of the Old Man 17 This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; • and they, having become callous, • have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. NAS 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have NASGalatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you” 1 Peter 4:3-4

17. manthano, aor,“learn or come to know” thus a reference to salvation. Matt 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me” NIV Phil 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. NIV John 6:45 It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. Both verbs in aorist indicate a one-time past act; not a audible voice. “The one who belongs to God listens to the words of God. The reason you do not listen is because you do not belong to God” John 8:47 de, contrasting connector introducing opposites: the self-centered, purposeless, standardless wickedness is the opposite to follow “We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true.” 1 Jn 5:20. Life without God leads to cynicism about truth: “What is truth?” (Jn 18:38) Truth about salvation which leads to fullness of truth about God, man, creation, history, sin, grace, faith, life, death, eternity, purpose, relationships, heaven, hell, judgment, spirit beings, future events, etc. everything of value worth knowing is in Him! The Walk of the New Self 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,

18. apotithemi, aor mid, “strip off” as old filthy clothes. Rom 6 “we died to sin (v.2)…have been baptized into Christ Jesus (v.3) ..we have become united with Him…(v. 5) our old self was crucified with Him”(v. 6), our body of sin might be done away with”(v. 6) phtheiro pres. pass., “to defile, destroy, or pervert from intended use”— Old self is a tool for deceitful lusts to manipulate us “craving the forbidden” Deceitful because they promise joy and fulfillment but fail to deliver Delivered from the Old Self To demonstrate transformation of New Life: Paul uses three aor. infinitives to describe what we learn from Him directly : we have “laid aside”, have “been renewed”, have “put on” 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,

19. ananeoe, pres.pass. inf., modifying main verb, “put on”. Not as a doctrinal or intellectual issue, but a moral or value issue. Thus,”being renewed… put on” “Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may be able to determine what God’s will is – what is proper, pleasing and perfect.” NIV Kata, “according to what God is”– 2 Pet 1:4, believers are made “partakers of the divine nature” Gal 2:20, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” enduo, aor inf, “sink into” be endued with. Salvation relates to the mind, which is the center of thought and belief. This is not “psychological” nor merely a change of opinion about doctrine or practice. The part of your mind that was lost in the fall, the ability to perceive spiritual reality and communion with God. Instead of being darkened, ignorant, hardened, callused, sensual, impure and greedy is now enlightened, sensitive to sin, pure and generous Righteousness relates to our fellowman reflecting the 2nd Table of the Law (Ex 20:12-17) and holiness relates to duty to God and 1st Table of Law (Ex 20:3-11) Thus the believer possesses a new nature, a new self, a holy and righteous inner person fit for the presence of God. This is the believer’s true self! kainos, “entirely new”, new species or character. Not renovated, but different, change after a new nature The KJV and NAS are a little confusing here: NIV has “true righteousness and holiness” which better translates the Greek. Thus a genuine righteousness, not a superficial imitation, but one growing out of a changed mind and heart which love it. Become the New Self 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

20. apotithemi, “discard, cast off” Just as leaders “laid aside their robes at feet of …Saul (Act 7:58) Note:we are new but not yet all new! The new mind must dominate an old man (body). Rest of Epistle is how to do this. Lying has always been a characteristic of unregenerate man. Lying includes exaggeration, fibbing, deceiving, cheating in school or on taxes, or making excuses! Ups! Rev 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Truthfulness does not require telling everything we know. Not in conflict with keeping a confidence. What we say should be true. However, neither should we withhold information to deceive or mislead which is lying. Nor does it demand that we unburden our ill feelings, doubts, or hatreds about those we dislike as a Freudian pseudo-honesty. Venting hurts and offenses don’t help, nor are effective in self-justification. The parts of the body must communicate truthfully and helpfully to each other. Great harm can result without it. Karen Carpenter was teased about being overweight and starved herself to death believing a lie, to meet false expectations. Lets be truthful and accepting. NAS Romans 6:13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 1st Change: From Lying to Speaking Truth 25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. The only reliable evidence of being saved is not past experience, but present life reflecting Christ, “The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him” 1 Jn 2:4

21. Even righteous anger can turn to bitterness, resentment and self-righteous, so time limit is set for its expression—if prolonged it motivates vengeance violating Rom 12:17-21. orgizo, pres.pass.imp, “be provoked to anger, be furious”—without sinning! That is righteous indignation, anger at evil, abhorrence of injustice, immorality or ungodliness. Anger that is self-defensive, self-serving, resentful of hurts or desires to get even, is anger that leads to murder or hurting others which are all sinful. Satan can only guess at our thinking by our attitude or action. He will feed our self-pity, pride, self-righteousness, vengeance, defense of personal rights, and all selfish sins to get us to violate God’s will. 2nd Change: From unrighteous anger to righteous 26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity. Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NIV Colossians 3:8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. NAS 2 Corinthians 2:11 in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. NLT Galatians 5:20 idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, NAS Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger pacifies contention. James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. NIV 1 Timothy 3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. NIV 1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. NLT Ecclesiastes 7:9 Don't be quick-tempered, for anger is the friend of fools. NIV Proverbs 22:24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,

22. klepto, “steal” from which we get kleptomania agathos, “useful, agreeable, beneficial”– not a moral but practical description The basis of our reward is how useful we have been to the kingdom of God Eph 6:8 “For you know that everyone will receive a reward from the Lord for whatever good he has done…” metadidomi, pres. act. inf. NASRom 12:8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Even unemployment and desperation is no excuse for stealing, NAS2 Thess 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat. 3rd Change: From stealing to sharing 28 Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need. • Motive for work is two-fold: • Respect from outsiders and not being dependent upon others (1 and 2 Thess) • Caring for others and communal well-being (text) • What a change: the thief is to become a philanthropist! Only God can do this! • NIV Acts 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Early Christian literature interpreted the Christian “work ethic”—“Work hard so that you can live from your own means; for every idle man lives from what his hands can steal” Ps-Phocylides 153-54 NIV 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. In a slave driven or underprivileged society stealing is often a common practice: NIV Romans 13:9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

23. NIV James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 1 2 3 sapros, “corrupt or foul” used of rotten fruit, vegetables and spoiled food. Off-color jokes, profanity, dirty stories, vulgarity, sexual implications, etc. oikodome, “constructive, up building, encouraging, instructive, and uplifting.” Just as the uses of the Word of God: “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training” (2 Tim 3:16). “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.” Prov 25:12 charis, “favor, delight, sweetness, merciful”; what ever strengthens, benefits, enables “The Lord has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.” Isa 50:4 “And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips” Luke 4:22 “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt” Col 4:6 chreia, “business, need.” Never unnecessarily mention what might harm, discourage, or disappoint. Some things better left unsaid. Some require timing. “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances” Prov 25:11 “A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word” Prov 15:23 4th Change: From unwholesome words to wholesome words NAS Colossians 3:8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. NAS Matthew 12:34 "You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. NAS Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

24. Grieving the Spirit leads to “quenching” the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19) which eliminates His guidance for being sensed. NIV Isaiah 63:10 Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them. kai, connective joins thoughts on proper speaking and hurting the Spirit lupeo, imperf imp, “Stop grieving”, making sad or sorrowful, wound, or make uneasy, esp. with how the tongue hurts others, it thus hurts the Spirit Especially speaking sins that disrupt the communal life of the Body “sealed” –stamped with the character of the owner– Spirit is God’s guarantee of someday taking full and final possession of all of our being NIV Ephesians 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, :14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession Speaking and Relationship to the Spirit 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

25. thumos, boiling up, heat, explosive reaction 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. pikria, “hardheartedness, harboring resentment” Acts 8:23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin James 3:14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don't brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie. Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be embittered against them. orge, a natural disposition, long-term attitude against someone, with a desire for punishment to be inflicted Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. airo, aor. Imp. Pass, “remove sweep away, conquer” Luke 9:23 Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. krauge, “shouting” only use in NT. Is a lack of restraint, which results in angry yelling, usually hurting someone James 1:20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. kakia, “ill-will, desire to injury, willingness to hurt another to get even” 1 Peter 2:1 So get rid of all malicious behavior and deceit. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with hypocrisy and jealousy and backstabbing. blasphemia, abuse and vilifying of others Colossians 3:8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. From natural vices to Supernatural Virtues 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

26. kathos, “to the degree that…” Parable of the unforgiving servant who had been forgiven his immense debt concludes with Matthew 18:35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." chrestoi, “what is suitable or fitting to a need” Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? charizomai, “to give freely, give graciously as a favor” – showing grace in reconciling relationships Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. eusplanchnoi, “inner emotions of affection” Philippians 1:8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. Philemon 1:7 For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. Supernatural virtues to live out 32 And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.