More of Putting on the New Man in Christ? What's Your Next Move?

In today’s podcast, we continue with the thought of ‘what’s our next move’ now that we have put on Christ. The thought speaks to the idea of priority. Everything you know is not on the same level. I once heard a godly minister say that one of the secrets to living successfully in God is to major on the major and minor on the minors. A life-threatening experience has a way of rearranging one’s priorities. That was true in the lives of former Texas Governor John Connally and his wife after he was wounded by the assassin who took the life of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. In an interview, Connally explained, “As far as Nellie and I are concerned, it inevitably brought into sharper focus what’s important in life. We try not to participate in things that are shallow or overall meaningless.”¹

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#S4-034: Why You Can Absolutely Expect Powerful Healing Moves of God [Podcast]

[Tweet “With putting off the old man, and the putting on the new man comes this final decision. I will not lie.”

Read the Notes

You can view a primary transcript of this podcast at the bottom of this section.

Accept the Challenge

Each week’s podcast contains a call to action. The Word of God will not produce in your life unless you put it into operation.
This week’s call is:

Put away lying, put away stealing, give no ground to the enemy, put away corrupt communication; the ball is in your court.

Join the Conversation

Testimony is vital to a believer’s life. We overcome by it (Rev. 12:11). Each week’s podcast also contains a question designed to encourage testimony.
This week’s question is:

This week’s question is simple: based on what you heard, what’s your next move? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Episode Resources

1. We are currently teaching in the book of Ephesians. You can click on the links below to listen to some of these podcasts.

About Emery

Emery committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ over 40 years ago and has served as both a full-time pastor and an itinerant minister. Both he and his wife Sharon of 35 years emphasize personal growth and development through the Word of God. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is their mission’s focus and the hallmark. Read more about them here.

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If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate it on Stitcher Radio and leave a review. If you have a suggestion for a Bible topic you would like to see taught, or if you have a question, please e-mail me at emery@emeryhorvath.com.

Podcast Notes

Since We Have Put on Christ, What’s Your Next Move?

In last week’s podcast, we took on two of the ‘next moves’ you should make because you have put on Christ.
The first one was putting away lying.

Ephesians 4:25 (ESV) — 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

What’s your next move? — put away lying.
We saw that this putting away is a once and for all deal per Greek grammar.
You put off the old man, once and for all.
It’s a quality decision that you make once.
You don’t have to keep dedicating and rededicating this decision.
Quality decisions are choices of finality.
They are death-do-you-part decisions.
So, with putting off the old man, with putting on the new man comes this once and for all decision.
I will not lie.
The habit of lying is a habit of the old man.
You put off the old man; you put off lying — it’s a once and for-all decision.
Because you have made this quality decision, there is only one choice left: let every man speak truth with his neighbor.
We are connected in one body.
The heart should not lie to the lungs and say I’m going to send you life-giving nutrients – ‘ah, April Fools, I’m not sending it.
What a mess it would be if the members of your body lie to one another.

What’s Your Next Move? Put Away Anger

We also talked about putting away anger.
First, we put away lying — next; we put away anger.
That is the wrong kind of anger.

Ephesians 4:26 (ESV) — 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

We saw that the word anger is referred to twice in this passage but that they are not the same Greek words.
The first word is righteous anger displayed by Jesus in Mark 3:5.

Mark 3:1–5 (ESV)— 1 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. 2 And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” 4 And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5 And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

Jesus was angry at the synagogue leadership, intensely angry to a high degree.
But His fury did not lead to a sinful moment.
His anger instead led to a healing moment.
The second word for anger is the one you put off.
This word means anger to the point of exasperation, to point of being in an angry mood.
This kind of anger is forbidden.
Don’t lose cool points with heaven.
We need to get this anger situation before sundown.
All of which means that you have less than a twenty-four-hour span to reign yourself in.

What’s Your Next Move?

Ephesians 4:27 (NKJV) — 27 nor give place to the devil.

The next directive we have if we have put off the old man and have put on the new is to give no place to the devil.
Now, many translations have this verse as give the devil no opportunity.
The Greek word ‘place’ is the one you want to know and with that thought here is the Definition of the Day.
The word ‘place’ comes from the word ‘topas’ where we get the English word topography.
Topography as in the ground.
So, this verse means give the devil no ground.
Don’t give him any foothold.
Put the squeeze on the devil’s moves.
We could say it that way.
Now, that begs the question, what are the devil’s moves?
What is his MO?
How does he operate?

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV) — 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

The Greek word ‘advantage’ means to exploit.
It means to take advantage of someone, usually due to a motivation of greed—‘to take advantage of, to exploit, exploitation.’ ²
Rick Renner says that this word means to outwit; trick, or take advantage of someone through sinister or sneaky means.³
Sly, sinister, and sneaky — that’s how the enemy works.
The word ignorant is the next word we want to look at.
This word means to be uninformed about (BDAG has it this way), to be ignorant, to not recognize, to be unaware, to not understand.
It can especially denote “being mistaken” or “in error” as the character of the action.⁴
So we are building a picture with these words.
What do we have so far?
We have an evil greedy enemy trying to exploit you with his sly, sneaky, and sinister self to manipulate you.
And one of his tools of choice is ignorance.
He wants you to not recognize, to be unaware, and not understand.
But he has a problem with us.
We are not that way.
Jesus’ followers are not ignorant of Satan’s operations.
The last word we want to look at is devices.
We are not ignorant of Satan’s devices.
What is that? What are devices?
The Greek word devices mean design, purpose, intention⁵
You can throw the word ‘thoughts’ in there.
The Greek word is derived from the word used for mind or intellect.
We are not ignorant of Satan’s mind.
Nor are we uninformed about his designs, purpose, or intentions.
We know exactly what he is thinking.
With that thought, here is the illustration of the day.
Paul Harvey did a piece called ‘if I were the devil.’
Here’s how it went.

Satan’s overall strategy is to supersede and overthrow the kingdom of God. It is a strategy of destruction. If he was too clever for man in his perfection in Eden, he has a much greater advantage over man in his fallen state.

Now, that’s an excellent thought but be careful.
This is only if you are trying to take him on alone.
The truth of the gospel is that you are not alone.
Jesus said I am with you to the end of the world.
The Master said I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
The Savior of the world said you shall tread on serpents and scorpions.
You’re going to make them look bad.
They will have eggs all over their faces because I’m the Lord your God am your rear guard.
Yes, you were fallen, but you’re not fallen anymore.
You are a new creation in Christ Jesus.
That’s the key.
You must be in Christ – in Him.
That’s how you operate.
You move in Him.

Acts 17:28 (ESV) — 28 for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

The offspring of God is not subject to devils.
We are not ignorant of his plans.
Harvey went on to say this.

It has been said that he plans to destroy human government through anarchy. Any student of history can trace this stratagem of the devil, the pervading activity of a malign power, poisoning the stream of human history. He is the mastermind behind the present world system with its lust for power and its political and economic intrigue.

Now, that’s undoubtedly a fact.
A fact that we are all aware of.
How do we overcome this plot of the enemy?

2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV) — 14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Sharon reminded me of this verse the other day.
It’s my people who must pray.
God’s people must seek His face.
It’s believers who must turn from their wicked ways.
That’s what we have been talking about here in Ephesians.
Put off the old man and his ways.
Put on the new man in Christ.
And while you are at it, make these moves: put away lying, put away anger, and give no place to the devil.
Shut it down.

The enemy purposes to destroy human society through debauchery. Any student of sociology can trace a similar pattern in the cycles of human history. In our own day we have seen the world flooded with moral filth to a degree inconceivable fifty years ago.

Isn’t that what Paul said when he talked about the dark life — when he spoke about greed to practice impurity?
That’s Ephesians 4:19.
So, we are not ignorant of this device.
We have all these sin lists in the Word of God.
Jesus gave one such list in Mark seven.

Mark 7:21–23 (ESV) — 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Paul gave several of them.

Galatians 5:19–21 (ESV) — 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

What about Second Corinthians?

2 Corinthians 12:20 (ESV) — 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.

What about Colossians three?

Colossians 3:5–8 (ESV) — 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

So, we have these lists, and that’s why we are not ignorant.
All we must do is read and obey.
Harvey went on to say.

Satan aims to destroy true religion through apostasy. Any student of theology and church history can discern recurring heresies and apostasies through the centuries. And in our own day there has been a widespread recurrence of many of the old heresies in the heretical cults which have been spawned and are now encircling the globe.

Are we lacking in knowledge of this?
No.
We have been warned about wolves in sheep’s clothing.
I was admonished about false Christ and false teachers.
Told not to engage in endless genealogies and debates.

Titus 3:9–11 (ESV) — 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

As the god of this age, Satan has set up a complete counterfeit of Christianity. Not without reason did Augustine term him, the ape of God. He has his own trinity—the devil, the beast, and the false prophet; his own church—the synagogue of Satan (Rev. 2:9); his own ministers—ministers of Satan (II Cor. 11:15); his own gospel—another gospel (Gal. 1:6); his own theology—doctrines of devils (I Tim. 4:1); his own sacrifices—sacrifices offered to demons (I Cor. 10:21); his own table and cup (I Cor. 10:21–22).

Everything about him is false. He uses false and counterfeit instruments to achieve his purpose. He employs false teachers (Acts 20:30; II Peter 2:1) who specialize in his theology and “bring in damnable heresies.” They “creep in privily” into the churches and subtly mix truth with error. He enlists the support of false prophets (II Peter 2:1; Matt. 24:11). Professing to have a message from God, they in reality draw their inspiration from hell. He promotes false Christs (Matt. 24:4–5), self-constituted messiahs and deliverers. He [is] aided by false apostles, deceitful workers (II Cor. 11, 13), and false brethren (Gal. 2:4–5) who steal in to spy out the liberty of believers, in order to draw them back into legal bondage.

Paul sums up this aspect of the devil’s activities in these words:

2 Corinthians 11:14–15 (ESV) — 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

⁶

I went through that entire piece because I thought it was well said and appropriate for the hour in which we live.
So, Paul says don’t give any ground to the enemy.
So, what’s your next move?

What’s Your Next Move: Put Away Stealing

Next, Paul talks about stealing.

Ephesians 4:28 (ESV) — 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Do you have to talk to Christians about stealing?
I mean, we have the Ten Commandments, don’t we?
Doesn’t one of the ten states: “You shall not steal?” — Exodus 20:15 (ESV)
Well, some folks in the church of Ephesus supported themselves not by doing honest work — not by laboring — the Greek means to work hard — but by thievery.
Now, Paul led the way in this area of working hard with his hands.

1 Corinthians 4:12 (ESV) — 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

1 Thessalonians 4:11 (ESV) — 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

Paul lived this, and he taught this to the churches.
Quit stealing — stop looking for a handout — get a job.
So, what’s up next?
What’s our next move?

What’s Your Next Move: Quit Corrupt Communications

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) — 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

What is corrupt communication?
Well, it’s not just cursing.
Surely Christians are intelligent in their use of words.
It must be so that people know that foul language is foul.
Surely, we have better sense than to curse like a sailor or slander like a sinner.
But that’s not all that corrupt communication is.
The Spirit of God through the Apostle Paul defines it right here.
Communication should be good for building up.
If the words of your mouth tear down a person’s dignity, then that is corrupt communication.
Your words should give God’s grace to those who hear it; if it doesn’t, it is corrupt.
The Greek word ‘corrupt’ means rotten, worn out, unfit for use, worthless, or bad.⁷
It means of such poor quality to be of little or no value, bad or not good⁸
Cursing surely fits this definition, but verbal abuse also fits it.
Slander and demeaning a person’s character is unfit speech.
What are words of grace — words that produce grace?
Let the scriptures speak.

Proverbs 15:23 (ESV) — 23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

What is an apt answer?
It is the right response given at a key moment.
A person who gives an apt answer knows when it’s time to speak and when it’s not.
And because he gives the correct response at the right time, a response that brings help, healing, and wholeness to a situation brings joy to the man who delivers it.
A timely grace-filled answer spoken at the right season is an absolute occasion for joy.

Proverbs 25:11 (ESV) — 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

If you want to be happy and make others happy, make it a goal to give a timely answer and stay away from corrupt, downgrading speech.
One last thing about corrupt speech covers the area not only of speaking to one another but also speaking to God.
When we speak to God, we should speak in faith.

James 1:5–6 (ESV) — 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Faith is the language of heaven.
When you pray, you pray in faith.
What does that mean?
It means using faith-filled words.
What are faith-filled words?
They are words that are found in the Bible.
Speak the Word — speak the language of heaven.
Wouldn’t you agree that words of unbelief constitute corrupt communication?
Would it have been better for us not to say anything than to say something in unbelief — to say something where we doubt God?
To say something contrary to what God has declared.

Job 40:1–4 (ESV) — 1 And the Lord said to Job: 2 “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.” 3 Then Job answered the Lord and said: 4 “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.

Job exhibited wisdom.
He didn’t know the answer, so he laid his hand on his mouth.
Speak your faith and doubt your doubts.
If God promised us peace, we shouldn’t talk fear.
If He promised us provision, we shouldn’t talk lack.
If God promised us health, we shouldn’t talk sickness.
If He promised us long life, we should plan for it and allow it to be our constant conversation.
Anything other than that falls into the realm of corrupt communication.
There are a couple more moves you need to make.
But we are out of time, so it will have to be another podcast.

Now Father God, in the precious Name of Jesus, I pray for the people right now. I ask you to help us all. Grant unto us a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you and your ways. Thank you that the seed of the Word of God finds its way into good ground. You are a good God with a good word. Thank you for the action of your Word. I thank you that all that have come to the Father, have been kept by the power of God unto salvation unto this very hour in Jesus Name I pray.

You guys have a great God week in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What’s So Important about the Days of Noah?

__________
References

Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002). What’s important in life when you come to Jesus? What’s Your Next Move? More of Putting on the New Man Christ, that’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

Listen to the Audio

[powerpress url=http://traffic.libsyn.com/lighthousebridge/LOL-S9-037.mp3 ↩


 Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 757. ↩
 Renner, Rick. Sparkling Gems From the Greek Vol. 1 (p. 127). Harrison House Publishers. Kindle Edition. ↩
 Rudolf Bultmann, “Ἀγνοέω, Ἀγνόημα, Ἄγνοια, Ἀγνωσία, Ἄγνωστος,” ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 115. ↩
 BDAG, 675. ↩
J. Oswald Sanders, Cultivation of Christian Character, (Moody Press, Chicago; 1965), pp. 81–83 Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002). ↩
Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 4 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 115. ↩
 William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 913. ↩




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More of Putting on the New Man in Christ? What’s Your Next Move?

Podcast: Light on Life Season 9 Episode 37

by Emery Horvath