Rules
Godly Living, 2 August 2026
03 08 26 Filed in: Sermons | Ephesians: Our True Identity
Godly Living
Ephesians: Finding Our True Identity
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
August 2, 2026
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Series Big Idea: For followers of Jesus, we find our true identity in Christ.
Big Idea: Following Jesus involves living a godly, alternative lifestyle that re-presents him well.
How many of you like rules?
How many of you like it when others break the rules?
Most rules are designed for the safety and welfare of people, which includes us. I am glad when people obey laws such as don’t murder, stay in your lane except to pass, don’t yell f-i-r-e in a crowded building, or don’t smoke indoors.
Christianity often gets a bad rap for being filled with rules that make life boring, when in fact every command in the Bible is designed for our good and God’s glory. Today continuing our study of the short book of Ephesians, we’ll look at a list of instructions given by Paul to Christians in the first century. Following Jesus involves living a godly, alternative lifestyle that re-presents him well.
The context from last week was a contrast from life BC—before Christ—and after.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Here’s a vision of the new self:
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (Ephesians 4:25)
Don’t lie. Tell the truth. Any questions? This does not mean blast people but rather speak the truth in love…for the benefit of the body, the Church.
He reminds his audience again we are one body. You and I are part of the body of Christ. Each part is important. Each part is different. Each part represents Jesus. We need every part…including yours!
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
First, Paul is quoting Psalm 4:4 which says in the New International Version:
Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. (Psalm 4:4, NIV)
I think the New Living Translation is easier to understand.
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. (Psalm 4:4, NLT)
How many have heard this as marriage advice? Don’t go to bed angry. While that’s an admirable goal and we should promptly address conflict, not every conflict can be resolved by midnight. But let’s look at this word “anger.”
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Does this imply anger is not a sin?
The word “anger” here is orgizo, to provoke or enrage, to become exasperated, to be angry. The word “angry” here, parorgismos, is rage or wrath. There are things like human trafficking and injustice which should make us angry and motivate us to selfless action. I believe most anger, however, is rooted in personal offense that can result in resentment, revenge, and unforgiveness.
I like what Brant Hansen says in his book Unoffendable:
The thing that you think makes your anger “righteous” is the very thing you are called to forgive. Grace isn’t for the deserving. Forgiving means surrendering your claim to resentment and letting go of anger. Anger is extraordinarily easy. It’s our default setting. Love is very difficult. Love is a miracle.
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
I believe what’s required of us is to die to ourselves, to our agendas, to our rights and submit to the will of the Father. This doesn’t mean we’re doormats without boundaries, but it means recognizing we’ve been forgiven and need to develop a lifestyle of forgiving others. We don’t have to have our way. We seek God’s way. We are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Anger is not required. Brant Hansen notes,
“the best police officers don’t do their jobs in anger. The best soldiers don’t function out of anger. Anger does not enhance judgment.”
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:25-28)
Don’t steal. Work. Share. Most of us are good with the first one. I think most of us understand the value and necessity of work. Generosity is next level, though. It’s not yours in the first place. Everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards. It’s God’s money. He gave us the ability to possess it, but we must never let it possess us. Generosity is the pathway to peace, contentment, and trust in God.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)
What does this mean? Edify, stupid! That’s an old high school joke.
Simply consider the Golden Rule spoken by Jesus:
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)
There’s a place for humor and joking, but not at the expense of another person. This includes people absent from the conversation, often known as gossip or slander. Here’s a simple test: would you say it if they were present?
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
The Holy Spirit is grieved when relationships and unity in the Church are broken by the things mentioned such as lying, foul language, and unforgiveness.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (Ephesians 4:31)
Get rid of all rage and anger. We will get angry, but then we must get rid of it. How?
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
This is radical! Where do we see kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in our culture?
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)
This is the essence of the gospel, the good news: Jesus! Jesus is LORD! He came, lived, loved, died, rose from the dead, and is returning soon.
Jesus never asks us to do something he has not already demonstrated.
We are to follow his example, not just obey his commands. To walk in the way of love, we must experience it. To walk in the way of forgiveness, we must experience it.
If you’re going to call yourself a Christian, act like Jesus, which first requires you to spend time with Jesus, know Jesus, and obey Jesus.
So What?
The Bible is really not a collection of rules. It’s a master plan of how to live an abundant, flourishing life filled with meaning, purpose, satisfaction, and joy. While the world seeks revenge, deceit, manipulation, gossip, envy, and personal happiness at all cost, the way of Jesus is radically different. It’s not just avoiding things, but replacing sinful behavior with righteous, godly action.
Last Sunday we talked about the old self and the new self, a true transformation. Here’s a summary:
Old Self New Self
Lies Truth
Sinful anger Peace and reconciliation
Stealing Honest work and generosity
Corrupt speech Encouragement
Bitterness Forgiveness and kindness
Self-centered Selfless and Christ-centered love
Which one of these areas needs the most attention in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one step for you to take this week.
Instead of a rule book, the Bible is a life book, a complete guide to joy, peace, and purpose. Imagine a world in which everyone has taken off the old self and put on the new self, where everyone is becoming like Christ.
Following Jesus involves living a godly, alternative lifestyle that re-presents him well. There’s no better way to live!
Ephesians: Finding Our True Identity
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
August 2, 2026
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Series Big Idea: For followers of Jesus, we find our true identity in Christ.
Big Idea: Following Jesus involves living a godly, alternative lifestyle that re-presents him well.
How many of you like rules?
How many of you like it when others break the rules?
Most rules are designed for the safety and welfare of people, which includes us. I am glad when people obey laws such as don’t murder, stay in your lane except to pass, don’t yell f-i-r-e in a crowded building, or don’t smoke indoors.
Christianity often gets a bad rap for being filled with rules that make life boring, when in fact every command in the Bible is designed for our good and God’s glory. Today continuing our study of the short book of Ephesians, we’ll look at a list of instructions given by Paul to Christians in the first century. Following Jesus involves living a godly, alternative lifestyle that re-presents him well.
The context from last week was a contrast from life BC—before Christ—and after.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Here’s a vision of the new self:
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (Ephesians 4:25)
Don’t lie. Tell the truth. Any questions? This does not mean blast people but rather speak the truth in love…for the benefit of the body, the Church.
He reminds his audience again we are one body. You and I are part of the body of Christ. Each part is important. Each part is different. Each part represents Jesus. We need every part…including yours!
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
First, Paul is quoting Psalm 4:4 which says in the New International Version:
Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. (Psalm 4:4, NIV)
I think the New Living Translation is easier to understand.
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. (Psalm 4:4, NLT)
How many have heard this as marriage advice? Don’t go to bed angry. While that’s an admirable goal and we should promptly address conflict, not every conflict can be resolved by midnight. But let’s look at this word “anger.”
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Does this imply anger is not a sin?
The word “anger” here is orgizo, to provoke or enrage, to become exasperated, to be angry. The word “angry” here, parorgismos, is rage or wrath. There are things like human trafficking and injustice which should make us angry and motivate us to selfless action. I believe most anger, however, is rooted in personal offense that can result in resentment, revenge, and unforgiveness.
I like what Brant Hansen says in his book Unoffendable:
The thing that you think makes your anger “righteous” is the very thing you are called to forgive. Grace isn’t for the deserving. Forgiving means surrendering your claim to resentment and letting go of anger. Anger is extraordinarily easy. It’s our default setting. Love is very difficult. Love is a miracle.
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
I believe what’s required of us is to die to ourselves, to our agendas, to our rights and submit to the will of the Father. This doesn’t mean we’re doormats without boundaries, but it means recognizing we’ve been forgiven and need to develop a lifestyle of forgiving others. We don’t have to have our way. We seek God’s way. We are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Anger is not required. Brant Hansen notes,
“the best police officers don’t do their jobs in anger. The best soldiers don’t function out of anger. Anger does not enhance judgment.”
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:25-28)
Don’t steal. Work. Share. Most of us are good with the first one. I think most of us understand the value and necessity of work. Generosity is next level, though. It’s not yours in the first place. Everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards. It’s God’s money. He gave us the ability to possess it, but we must never let it possess us. Generosity is the pathway to peace, contentment, and trust in God.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)
What does this mean? Edify, stupid! That’s an old high school joke.
Simply consider the Golden Rule spoken by Jesus:
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)
There’s a place for humor and joking, but not at the expense of another person. This includes people absent from the conversation, often known as gossip or slander. Here’s a simple test: would you say it if they were present?
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
The Holy Spirit is grieved when relationships and unity in the Church are broken by the things mentioned such as lying, foul language, and unforgiveness.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (Ephesians 4:31)
Get rid of all rage and anger. We will get angry, but then we must get rid of it. How?
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
This is radical! Where do we see kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in our culture?
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)
This is the essence of the gospel, the good news: Jesus! Jesus is LORD! He came, lived, loved, died, rose from the dead, and is returning soon.
Jesus never asks us to do something he has not already demonstrated.
We are to follow his example, not just obey his commands. To walk in the way of love, we must experience it. To walk in the way of forgiveness, we must experience it.
If you’re going to call yourself a Christian, act like Jesus, which first requires you to spend time with Jesus, know Jesus, and obey Jesus.
So What?
The Bible is really not a collection of rules. It’s a master plan of how to live an abundant, flourishing life filled with meaning, purpose, satisfaction, and joy. While the world seeks revenge, deceit, manipulation, gossip, envy, and personal happiness at all cost, the way of Jesus is radically different. It’s not just avoiding things, but replacing sinful behavior with righteous, godly action.
Last Sunday we talked about the old self and the new self, a true transformation. Here’s a summary:
Old Self New Self
Lies Truth
Sinful anger Peace and reconciliation
Stealing Honest work and generosity
Corrupt speech Encouragement
Bitterness Forgiveness and kindness
Self-centered Selfless and Christ-centered love
Which one of these areas needs the most attention in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one step for you to take this week.
Instead of a rule book, the Bible is a life book, a complete guide to joy, peace, and purpose. Imagine a world in which everyone has taken off the old self and put on the new self, where everyone is becoming like Christ.
Following Jesus involves living a godly, alternative lifestyle that re-presents him well. There’s no better way to live!