Ephesians (ESV Edition): The Mystery of the Body of Christ (Preaching the Word) by Hughes R. Kent

Author:Hughes, R. Kent [Hughes, R. Kent]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781433536281
Publisher: Crossway
Published: 2013-08-31T00:00:00+00:00

A Life free from Rot (v. 29)

Finally, our text reveals the Holy Spirit’s concern that our speech be constructive: “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” (v. 29).

The language Paul uses is very descriptive. “[C]orrupting talk” literally means “rotten, putrid or filthy.”9 This includes obscene language, but the emphasis is on decay-spreading conversation that runs others down and delights in their weaknesses. A person who engages in this is like the fabled slave who took poison into her system a little at a time, and then more and more, until at last her whole being was so full of poison that her very breath would wither the flowers. There are Christians who unwittingly become like this. To them wicked witticisms come as naturally as breathing.

Such talk must not be part of the believer’s life. St. Augustine, in recognition of this principle, hung this motto on his dining room wall: “He who speaks evil of an absent man or woman is not welcome at this table.”

Our text concludes that we are to speak “only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” We are to converse in such a way that our words become a vehicle and demonstration of the grace of God. We are to be like Alexander Whyte, of whom it was said, “All of his geese became swans.” We should speak constructive talk, talk that builds others up. As Eliphaz said of Job, “Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have made firm the feeble knees” (Job 4:4). Instead of being rot, our speech should “always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Salt preserves that to which it is supplied. It retards decay. Our talk must maintain and elevate others. “[T]he tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18b). It also brings the smile of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is not a phantom—he is a Person. In infinite love he has condescended to indwell us and to suffer pain and joy through us. Is he grieved with us, or is he singing over us?

Our text calls to us in summary, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (vv. 30–32).

Do we have the frown or smile of the Holy Spirit upon us? To gain his smile, I would like to suggest a spiritual exercise that can be done alone but may be enhanced in tandem. If you are married, ask your spouse to participate. If you are single, invite a Christian friend to go through this exercise with you. Take each of the four categories in succession—truth (v.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.