Source of Truth – Ephesians 4:20-28 (NIV)

Source of Truth – Ephesians 4:20-28 (NIV)

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your 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 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

The ways of the Gentiles is not the way they were taught. They were taught to put that life away and put on the new life in Christ. In contrast to the old life, they were to speak truthfully to one another. This gives a bit of insight into how they were before; how we are without God.

We are not to sin in our anger. How do we tend to sin in our anger? In our anger, our thoughts and actions are not loving. Anger is inevitable. How we act when angry is within our control. Persistent anger allows the Devil to set up shop in our hearts. It allows bitter seeds to be planted and take root. When angry, strive to resolve it.

In contrast to selfishness and stealing, we are to be useful and contribute to others.

Again, I think the message here is don’t believe something new but live the same as before. Be honest, peaceful and helpful/useful to others. Our lives should show the change our souls have experienced. This is based on the truth that is in Jesus – the source of truth.