Sometimes the only solution is a ‘deep clean’ – a room or an entire building has got into such a terrible state that regular cleaning is insufficient. What is needed is a thorough clean that gets into all the corners and removes all the dirt. Spiritually, as saved sinners, Christians are in need of an ongoing ‘deep clean’ – not just once, but as a constant part of life. The sin that remains in us must be rooted out, to be replaced with positive godliness. We consider now Ephesians 4:25-32 Radical holiness.
1. Holy speech
Scripture lays great stress on the proper use of the tongue (as in James 3:1ff). Paul here begins with the need for honesty – ‘put off falsehood and speak truthfully’ (v25). Every kind of dishonest speech should be alien to a Christian, particularly within the Christian community. Thus v29 condemns ‘unwholesome talk’, including topics of conversation and humour. All our words should be tested by God’s Word. We are always in Christ’s presence – would we be ashamed to speak as we do before him? The word ‘unwholesome’ is used in Matthew 13:48 of the fish thrown away. It is not enough to avoid evil – the bad must be replaced by the good – ‘what is helpful for building others up’ (v29). Our words can bring great benefit – ‘grace’ according to v29. We need to discern the needs of others.
2. Holy attitudes
The way we view and treat others is transformed by the working of the Spirit. Thus v26 ‘In your anger do not sin’. There is a place for righteous anger at sin (as in God himself, Psalm 7:11), but our anger (often self-centred) when cherished is dangerous – ‘do not give the devil a foothold’. Quarrels should be settled quickly. If not, the result can be bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, malice (v31). The answer is to be positive – ‘Be kind and compassionate…forgiving one another’ (v32). This is to be a continuous way of life.
3. Holy labour
The Lord is concerned with our work, whatever form it takes. It is part of our Christian service. In the congregation were former thieves – hence ‘steal no longer’ (v28). Theft can take many forms, including stealing time from employers or doing a second-rate job. All such sins are covered by the Eighth Commandment. On the positive side, a Christian ‘must work, doing something useful with his hands’ – a general description of the use of whatever abilities the Lord has given. We are then ‘to share with those in need’, not self-centred.
4. Holy motives
It is vital to do the right thing for the right motive. Several are presented by Paul:
(a). ‘we are all members of one another’ (v25), each affecting all the others.
(b). ‘do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God’ (v30) as he seeks to make us holy.
(c). ‘as in Christ God forgave you’ (v32) – thus we reflect God himself.
Both actions and motives are to be sanctified gradually by the working of the Holy Spirit.