INTRODUCTION:
 
       A.  II Corinthians 5:17;  Ephesians 4:22-24

       B.  This lesson is intended for those who are spasmodic in their service to
             God more than those who are dilligently trying.

             1.  We can all benefit.

       C.  We live in a "sin centered" world.  Sin is a reality to us.

             1.  Sin has an influence in our lives daily.

       D.  Seeing that these things are true, we need some exhortation to aid in 
             developing righteous lives.

             1.  The need was the same in Ephesus.

       E.  The apostle Paul fills this need:

             1.  Ch. 1 - explains the work of the Godhead in redemption.

             2.  Ch. 2 - explains salvation by grace;  unity in Christ.

             3.  Ch. 3 - explains God's eternal wisdom in redemption.

             4.  Ch. 4 -6 - gives practical side of Christianity.

       F.  It should be our desire to live as a "New Man In Christ."

       G.  Today, let's search through Eph. 4:25-5:2 and see seven practical
             exhortations that will teach us, "How To Live As A New Man In Christ
            Jesus."
 

   I.  SPEAK THE TRUTH - 4:25

       A.  Some think of lying only as an out right telling of something untrue.  (This
             of course is lying.)

             1.  Any form of deception is LYING.

                   a.  Acts 5:1-6

             2.  A "shady deal" is a lie.

       B.  Your lying will influence those around you, not to mention the destruction of
             your soul.

  II.  CONTROL YOUR ANGER - 4:26-27

       A.  Anger in itself is not the sin.

             1. Anger usually produces sin.

             2.  When we allow anger to linger in our lives, it produces sin.

                   a.  Evidenced by "holding a grudge".

       B.  Jesus was angry - Mark 3:5

             1.  He did not allow this anger to dominate His life.

             2.  He was forgiving.

                   a.  On the cross - Luke 23:34.

       C.  Holding anger has caused:

             1.  Marriages to be disrupted.

             2.  Friendships to be dissolved.

             3. Businesses to go broke.

             4.  Churches to split.

       D.  A simple "I'm sorry" or "Let's talk it over" could solve many problems.

       E.  Holding anger gives the devil a foothold in our lives.

 III.  STOP STEALING, STEAL NO MORE - 4:28

       A.  Christianity is not a taking process but a giving process.

       B.  Many are not aware of the different things that are stealing.

             1.  Taking something that does not belong to you.

             2.  Idleness on the job -- stealing pay for something that was not done.

             3.  Bringing things home from work that do not belong to you, personally.

             4.  ???? Withholding your fellowship is stealing. ????

       C.  Work with your ability with the view of helping others.

  IV.  SPEAK THAT WHICH IS GOOD - 4:29

       A.  Filthy speech is destructive, not edifying.

       B.  Speak words that God would be proud of.

             1.  I Peter 4:11

             2.  Colossians 4:6

             3.  I Timothy 4:12

       C.  What you say can and will have an effect on yours and other's ETERNAL 
             DESTINY.

   V.  GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT

       A.  This is done by having evil communications (context).

       B.  Whenever you involve yourself in sin, you drag God into it.

       C.  Why treat the Spirit of God this way?  He has sealed you unto redemption.

             1.  Ephesians 1:13-14.

  VI.  PUT AWAY ANGRY TALK AND ATTITUDES - 4:31

       A.  These are a part of the "old man".

             1.  Bitterness.

             2.  Wrath - intense anger; fury; any action of vengeance.

             3.  Anger - hostile feelings.

             4.  Clamor - loud outcry; noisy demand or complaint.

             5.  Railing - talking back.

             6.  Malice - hatred.

 VII.  BE IMITATORS OF GOD - 4:32-5:2

       A.  Be kind to one another.

             1.  God is kind to you - ( Mercy - an act of kindness in a time of need ).

             2.  There should be no unkindness in the Christian life.

       B.  Be tenderhearted.

             1.  Must be learned.

             2.  Allows you to perform deeds such as Acts 2:44-45.

       C.  Be forgiving like God.

             1.  Forgive never to bring it up again.

       D.  Walk in -- create about you an atmosphere of love.

             1.  Following after the example of Jesus.

             2.  We ought to be willing to give up our lives for each other if necessary.

                  a.  I John 3:16.

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  If someone of the world were to evaluate your character, would they be
            able to determine if you are a Christian?

       B.  If the government were imprisoning people who were calling themselves 
             Christians, after the evidence was gathered, would there be enough
             evidence to convict you?

       C.  Can you stand before God today with a pure conscience and convince
             Him that you are living right?

       D.  Have you heeded the warnings and exhortations?