Rooted: Do the New

Have you ever made a New Year's resolution only to abandon it within weeks? You're not alone. Statistics show that 92% of resolutions fail, with nearly half of people quitting by the end of January. But why do we keep pushing this idea of transformation when it so often fails? Perhaps it's because deep down, we recognize something is missing. In fact, research shows that 96% of people don't believe they're living up to their full potential. This isn't just about statistics—it's about our deep human desire for meaningful change. In Ephesians 4:25-32, Paul provides practical guidance for this transformation process, showing us how to become the new person God designed us to be.

What Does It Mean to Become a New Person in Christ?

Our faith is rooted in becoming a new creation. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells one story: how sin damaged God's perfect creation, and how God is working to restore everything through Jesus Christ. When we encounter Jesus, He never intends to leave us as we are. The entire biblical narrative points to God graciously making everything new—starting with us.

As you read through Ephesians 4:25-32, notice three important patterns:

1. These are practical commands meant to be lived out in community
2. Each instruction follows a pattern of taking off the negative and putting on the positive
3. Every command is rooted in theological truth—we don't just act differently, we act differently for different reasons

Paul outlines several specific areas where we need transformation:

Replace Lying with Truth (v.25)

"Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor. Because we are members of one another."

Deceit is foundational to who we are without Christ. We naturally pursue our own interests, often at the expense of truth. But truth forms the foundation of community. When we speak truth, we imitate God, who is truth itself. When we choose deceit, we imitate the enemy, the father of lies.

Replace Uncontrolled Anger with Righteous Response (v.26-27)

"Be angry and do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger, and don't give the devil an opportunity."

Notice that anger itself isn't sin—it's what we do with our anger that can become sinful. Jesus himself demonstrated righteous anger when confronting injustice in the temple. But we must deal with anger quickly and not let it fester, because unresolved anger gives the enemy an opportunity in our lives.

Remember: the only thing necessary to drift away from God is doing nothing. We must actively manage our emotions rather than letting them control us.

Replace Stealing with Generous Work (v.28)

"Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands so that he has something to share with anyone in need."

This verse provides a foundation for a good theology of work. We don't just work to provide for ourselves—we work so that we can give to others. Our generosity reflects our understanding of work's true purpose.

Replace Destructive Words with Encouraging Speech (v.29-30)

"No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit."

This goes far beyond simply avoiding profanity. The Greek word for "foul language" refers to anything rotten or decaying. Our words have tremendous power—they can either build up or tear down. When we speak words that destroy rather than build up, we actually grieve the Holy Spirit within us.

Replace Bitterness with Kindness and Forgiveness (v.31-32)

"Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ."

Paul lists several negative attitudes that must be completely removed from our lives:

• Bitterness: a sour, resentful spirit that refuses reconciliation
• Anger and wrath: both passionate rage and settled hostility
• Shouting: raising your voice in quarrels
• Slander: speaking evil of others, especially behind their backs
• Malice: ill will, wishing harm on others

In their place, we're called to put on kindness, compassion, and forgiveness—qualities that reflect God's character. The Greek word for kindness (christos) is remarkably similar to the word for Christ (Christos), highlighting how fundamental this quality is to Christian character.

Why Is Transformation a Process Rather Than an Event?

Notice that Paul doesn't just say "be kind" as a momentary action. He's talking about becoming someone who embodies kindness as their nature. Transformation is not about a single decision but about ongoing change.

The goal has never been to "be yourself"—it's to be like Jesus. From the beginning, we were made in God's image, called to reflect that image to a world that needs to see Jesus in us.

This transformation isn't something we can accomplish through willpower alone. It requires God's power working in us. As John Owen famously said, "Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you." We don't have the option to merely manage sin—we must put it to death and replace it with Christ-like qualities.

Life Application

Which area from Ephesians 4:25-32 do you most need to focus on in your own life? Perhaps you struggle with speaking truth, managing anger, working generously, using encouraging words, or showing kindness and forgiveness.

Ask God to point out what one thing from this list you need to "take off" so it can be completely removed from your life. Then ask Him for the power to put on the corresponding Christ-like quality.

Remember, this transformation isn't about your own strength—it's about God's power working in you. You can't do it on your own, but with Christ, all things are possible.

Ask yourself these questions this week:

1. What specific negative pattern do I need to "take off" in my life right now?
2. What positive, Christ-like quality do I need to "put on" in its place?
3. How can I remain connected to God's power rather than trying to change through my own strength?
4. Who in my community can help hold me accountable in this transformation process?

The world doesn't need more people who are good at pretending—it needs people who are being transformed into the image of Christ. As you take off the old and put on the new, you become a living testimony to God's transforming power.

Listen to this sermon via the podcast, watch the entire worship service from EDFBC via YouTube, or grab the notes from the Bible app here.