Ephesians 4:17-32

J.B. Phillips New Testament

Have no more to do with the old life! Learn the new

^17-19 This is my instruction, then, which I give you from God. Do not live any longer as the Gentiles live. For they live blindfold in a world of illusion, and cut off from the life of God through ignorance and insensitiveness. They have stifled their consciences and then surrendered themselves to sensuality, practising any form of impurity which lust can suggest.

^20-24 But you have learned nothing like that from Christ, if you have really heard his voice and understood the truth that he has taught you. No, what you learned was to fling off the dirty clothes of the old way of living, which were rotted through and through with lust’s illusions, and, with yourselves mentally and spiritually re-made, to put on the clean fresh clothes of the new life which was made by God’s design for righteousness and the holiness which is no illusion.

²⁵ Finish, then, with lying and tell your neighbour the truth. For we are not separate units but intimately related to each other in Christ.

^26-27 If you are angry, be sure that it is not out of wounded pride or bad temper. Never go to bed angry—don’t give the devil that sort of foothold.

The new life means positive good

²⁸ If you used to be a thief you must not only give up stealing, but you must learn to make an honest living, so that you may be able to give to those in need.

²⁹ Let there be no more foul language, but good words instead—words suitable for the occasion, which God can use to help other people.

³⁰ Never hurt the Holy Spirit. He is, remember, the personal pledge of your eventual full redemption.

^31-32 Let there be no more resentment, no more anger or temper, no more violent self-assertiveness, no more slander and no more malicious remarks, Be kind to each other, be understanding. Be as ready to forgive others as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.