Ephesians 4:17-32

Previewing in Outline Form (Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-2)

B.

Walk as becometh saints. Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-20.

1.

Walk not as the Gentiles walk. Ephesians 4:17-24.

a.

The command. Ephesians 4:17 a.

b.

The Gentile walk. Ephesians 4:17 b - Ephesians 4:19.

(1)

In the vanity of their mind. Ephesians 4:17 b.

(2)

Darkened in understanding. Ephesians 4:18 a.

(3)

Alienated from the life of God. Ephesians 4:18 b.

(a)

Because of the ignorance in them.

(b)

Because of the hardening of their heart.

(4)

Given over to lasciviousness. Ephesians 4:19.

(a)

Because they were past feeling.

(b)

To work all uncleanness with greediness.

c.

The Christian's walk. Ephesians 4:20-24.

(1)

Different from the Gentile's walk. Ephesians 4:20-21.

(2)

Must put away our former manner of life. Ephesians 4:22.

(3)

Must be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Ephesians 4:23.

(4)

Must put on the new man. Ephesians 4:24.

2.

Seven practical exhortations. Ephesians 4:25-32; Ephesians 5:1-2.

a.

Speak the truth. Ephesians 4:25.

b.

Control your anger. Ephesians 4:26-27.

c.

Steal no more. Ephesians 4:28.

d.

Speak that which is good. Ephesians 4:29.

e.

Grieve not the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30.

f.

Put away angry talk and attitudes. Ephesians 4:31.

g.

Be imitators of God. Ephesians 4:32; Ephesians 5:1-2.

(1)

Be kind.

(2)

Be tenderhearted.

(3)

Be forgiving.

(4)

Walk in love. Ephesians 5:2.

Text (Ephesians 4:17-19)

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts; 19 who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:17-19)

227.

Was it a simple task for the Ephesian Christians to walk no longer as the Gentiles walk?

228.

Paul seems to condemn the Gentiles quite heavily. Did the Gentiles as a whole live baser lives than the Jews?

229.

Did Paul mean to imply by his use of the word Gentile that non-Christians should be called Gentiles, regardless of their race?

230.

What is vanity? What Old Testament book exposes many things as being vanity?

231.

Describe the condition of the Gentiles-' understanding.

232.

Are the Gentiles aware that they are alienated from the life of God? Is there any other source of life, except from God?

233.

Note that the Gentiles are alienated from God because of the ignorance that is in them. What should this teach us about the state of the heathen who do not know God at present?

234.

What happens to the conscience when we harden our hearts and do not do what we know we should?

235.

Can a person get to the point that he is no longer pained by conscience?

236.

To what type of conduct do people without feelings of guilt and shame always give themselves (Ephesians 4:19)?

Paraphrase

17.

Now this I say, and bear testimony with all the seriousness of one who knows the Lord and is serving Him, that you must no longer be walking, that is, living each day, as other Gentiles walk. For they live according to the useless and perverse disposition of their minds, and not according to what is good and of God.

18.

The Gentiles are covered with darkness in their understanding. They are shut off from the life which God bestows, on account of the ignorance that is in them, and on account of the callusing of their hearts.

19.

They have gone so far in sin that they have lost all feeling of guilt and pain of conscience when they do wrong. Having no restraints within them, they have given themselves over to unbridled lust and shamelessness, to work all manner of uncleanness with unrestrained desires to have more of forbidden pleasures.

Notes (Ephesians 4:17-19)

1.

It took a lot of courage for the Ephesian Christians to no longer walk as the Gentiles walk. They lived in the shadow of the glorious temple of Diana, and with milling thousands of her worshippers, To refuse to associate in the practices of their former friends took much conviction and courage.

It still takes a lot of courage to walk no longer as the Gentiles walk. Social drinking, lewd motion pictures, night clubs, dancing, card-playing, and many other things that are displeasing to God are so much a part of modern American life that many Christians compromise their standards. Let us resolutely refuse to walk any longer as the Gentiles walk.

2.

Some modern commentaries make a great deal of the use of the word Gentiles in verse seventeen, attempting to prove that Paul could not have written Ephesians. It is alleged that Gentiles is contrasted with Christians, and that Paul never conceived of such a contrast as church members being Israelites, and non-Christians being Gentiles.

It is by no means implied in this verse that all non-Christians are to be called Gentiles. The word Gentiles in the verse obviously refers to non-Christian Gentiles. There were far more Gentiles living in and around Ephesus than there were Jews. The Ephesian church was predominantly Gentile. Quite naturally, therefore, Paul would speak to the Ephesians about how the Gentiles lived when he wanted to make a contrast between the lives of the Christians and the lives of the non-Christians.

The Gentiles around Ephesus were much given to magic, immorality, and high-mindedness before their conversion to Christ. Generally they lived much more sinful lives than the Jews. The Jews were not perfect, but they had known God and His Law for centuries, and did not walk in the idolatry and vain practices that were nearly universal among the Gentiles. Paul did not want his converts to continue to live as the Gentiles had always lived.
However, even if Paul did use the word Gentiles to denote non-Christians, it would not be un-Pauline. For in Galatians 6:16 he speaks of the church as the Israel of God. (Compare also Romans 2:28-29; Romans 9:6-8; Philippians 3:3.)

3.

Vanity is that which is devoid of truth and appropriateness; that which is worthless, useless, and has no good about it, In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon exposed many things that the world thinks are excellent (such as laughter, lust, liquor, learning, real estate, riches) as vanity, and a striving after wind. But the Gentiles (and also most unconverted Jews) are still striving after such things. Christians have been redeemed from their vain manner of life (1 Peter 1:18).

4.

The world considers itself too wise to believe the teachings of the Bible. Actually, this attitude is not due to wisdom, but to a darkening in its mind. Satan has blinded the minds of the unbelieving (2 Corinthians 4:4).

5.

God gives life to all. Hence, it is a perversion of nature to depart from the life of God. But the Gentiles are shut off from the life of God, being aliens to God's kingdom. (See the notes on Ephesians 2:12; Ephesians 2:19.) They are alienated for two reasons:

(1)

The ignorance that is in them.

(2)

The hardening (callusing) of their heart.

Note that the Gentiles did not know much, and that God does not excuse ignorance. Furthermore, they hardened their hearts against that which they did know.

6.

The King James Version wrongly has blindness for hardening in Ephesians 4:18. The skin on the hands develops a hardening or callus when it is exposed to pressure and work. Likewise, when the conscience is rubbed hard and its guidance ignored, it develops a hardening or callus. However, instead of being a protection from injury, this is merely a dulling of our finest nature.

7.

Sin is like anesthesia. At first, it is offensive, and our conscience revolts against it. However, if we do not get away from it, it soon becomes less offensive to us, and then finally overpowering. We could also compare it to the cold of the great North, which can benumb its victims until they are doomed, but feel no cold. Being past feeling is the last stage before destruction. If your conscience never bothers you any more, you are in terrible peril.

8.

Those who lose all feeling of guilt go readily into lasciviousness. Lasciviousness is a term that includes adultery, fornication, immodesty, shameless dress and speech, indecent behavior, etc. All of these things are natural for one who has thrown aside the feelings of conscience. Nothing is more terrible than the loss of shame. Immodesty should embarrass or anger us. If it does not, we need only to remove the checks of circumstances to complete the descent into sin.

9.

The Gentiles do not do iniquity hesitantly, but with greediness or eagerness. This term greediness (Authorized Version, covetousness) refers to a greedy desire to have more. They desire the pleasures of sin, and go greedily after them.

Fact Questions

226.

How were the Ephesians forbidden to walk?

227.

In what do most Gentiles walk (Ephesians 4:17)?

228.

What was the condition of the understanding of the Gentiles?

229.

For what two reasons were the Gentiles alienated from the life of God?

230.

To what did the Gentiles give themselves (Ephesians 4:19)?

Text (Ephesians 4:20-22)

20 But ye did not so learn Christ; 21 if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: 22 that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:20-22)

237.

Can one be taught of Christ so as not to be taught as the truth is in Jesus?

238.

If we have heard of Christ according to truth, what are we to put away?

239.

Are we Christians in truth because we know and accept correct words and doctrines (Ephesians 4:22)?

240.

Is putting away our old man to be done once for all, or is it a gradual process?

241.

Do sinners get better with age and experience? What does it mean when it says the old man waxeth corrupt?

242.

What are lusts of deceit? What is deceitful about lusts?

Paraphrase

20.

You Ephesians who learned the gospel did not learn of Christ to work uncleanness with greediness, so as to think these things allowable.

21.

Assuming that you have heard of Christ and were taught according to what is truth in Jesus,

22.

then ye were taught that you must put away all that concerns your manner of life before becoming a Christian; for that old man was getting worse and worse, decaying more and more, just as deceitful lusts always cause a spiritual decay.

Notes (Ephesians 4:20-22)

1.

Learn Christ means more than to learn certain doctrines. True knowledge of Christ must produce a transformed life.

2.

Truth in Jesus consists in putting away our former manner of life, and of putting on the new man, and of being renewed in the spirit of our mind. The Romish doctrine that a person can be morally bad and still be in good standing in the church is not of truth as it is in Jesus.

3.

Put away and put on (Ephesians 4:22; Ephesians 4:24) are verbs in the aorist imperative which indicates completed action, done one time. Be renewed (Ephesians 4:23) is in the present imperative, indicating continuous progressive action. This teaches us that repentance must be a thorough break with sin. There should be no gradual putting away the old man. However, the development of the new man is a progressive process.

4.

Lusts of deceit are deceitful lusts. The things we desire (lust for) in this world promise thrills, and satisfaction, Instead they bring only disappointment, shame, disgrace, and contention.

5.

Our old man, our former life before we accepted Christ, was becoming more and more corrupt through the deceitful desires he sought after. (See 2 Timothy 3:13.) Age and experience usually do not improve sinners. Their consciences become duller, and habits of evil more firmly fixed.

6.

Conversation in the King James Version (Ephesians 4:22) means our manner of life.

Fact Questions

231.

If the Ephesians learned of Christ as truth is, what would they put away?

232.

What is happening to the sinner's nature (the old man)?

Text (Ephesians 4:23-24)

23 and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:23-24)

243.

What is the spirit of our mind?

244.

How can the spirit of our mind be renewed?

245.

What is the new man which we are to put on?

246.

After whom have we been created? In what sense is the converted man created?

247.

How does God create us in righteousness? Do we not perform our own righteousness?

248.

What do you think the phrase holiness of truth means?

Paraphrase

23.

You Ephesians must not only put off the old nature, but be renewing yourselves in the spirit that directs your mind.

24.

Put on the new man, that new disposition and nature which has been created in the likeness of God in righteousness and true holiness.

Notes (Ephesians 4:23-24)

1.

Be renewed is a continuous duty and process.

2.

The spirit of your mind is the spirit that directs your mind. Before conversion it was a disobedient spirit. Now it must be a spirit of meekness, humility, and obedience.

3.

How often in the Bible are righteousness and Christian character compared to garments which may be put on or off! Thus we note that Christians can improve themselves with God's help. We do not have to be the same old detestable persons always. We can put on a new man.

4.

The new man, or new nature, is created (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10). The change in people that comes through faith and the incoming of the Holy Spirit is as great as the act that God wrought when He created the material universe. We are created after GOD. We are not created to be like the great men of this world, but to be like God (1 John 3:1).

5.

We are created in righteousness, because we have no righteousness in ourselves. Christ Jesus is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). God takes away our sins when we are saved, and declares us righteous as a result of what He has done for us. Of course, after being thus created in righteousness, we must live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:12).

6.

Holiness of truth means true holiness, not holiness which is just ceremonial or pretended. We were created to develop a Godlike character, true holiness. We are not saved merely to escape from hell and receive blessings.

Fact Questions

233.

In what are we to be renewed?

234.

What are we to put on?

235.

After whom are we created?

236.

In what two ways are we created after God?

Ephesians 4:25-32; Ephesians 5:1-2

SEVEN PRACTICAL EXHORTATIONS

1.

SPEAK THE TRUTH; Ephesians 4:25

2.

CONTROL YOUR ANGER; Ephesians 4:26-27

3.

STEAL NO MORE; Ephesians 4:28

4.

SPEAK THAT WHICH IS GOOD; Ephesians 4:29

5.

GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT; Ephesians 4:30

6.

PUT AWAY ANGRY TALK AND ATTITUDES; Ephesians 4:31

7.

BE IMITATORS OF GOD; Ephesians 4:32; Ephesians 5:1-2

-

BE KIND

-

TENDERHEARTED

-

FORGIVING

-

WALK IN LOVE Ephesians 5:2

Text (Ephesians 4:25-27)

25 Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 neither give place to the devil.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:25-27)

249.

What is the force of the wherefore in Ephesians 4:25? Compare the preceding verses before you answer.

250.

Why should the fact that we are members one of another curb our lying?

251.

Did Paul command us to be angry? Harmonize Ephesians 4:26 with Ephesians 4:31.

252.

Did Paul forbid us to be angry?

253.

What is the danger in anger?

254.

How long is wrath to be permitted to continue?

255.

What does it mean when it says, Neither give place to the devil?

256.

Is there any connection between being angry and giving place to the devil?

Paraphrase

25.

Because you are new creatures in Christ, created by God in true holiness, you must observe such practical duties as to stop lying to one another, and to speak the truth to your neighbors. This we must do because we are members one of another in the church.

26.

Furthermore, we must keep anger under control that we sin not. You may have anger arise at times, but let it not be prolonged. Put it away before the sun goes down.

27.

Neither give an opportunity to the devil to control your actions, which can easily be done if anger is prolonged.

Notes (Ephesians 4:25-27)

1.

After the lofty exhortations of Ephesians 4:23-24, Paul brings us down to earth with a jolt in these verses, We have been created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore, on account of that, certain duties are laid upon us.

2.

Ephesians 4:25 begins a series of seven practical exhortations concerning the walk of the Christian. See the outline.

3.

The admonition to put away falsehood and speak the truth always is very hard to keep, but it is repeatedly commanded in the New Testament. Verse Ephesians 4:25 is a quotation from Zechariah 8:16.

4.

In the church we are all members of Christ, and therefore members of one another. Now, in the human body, if one member, the nerves, were paralyzed, and lied to the stomach by carrying no sensations of hunger, the body might refuse all food and destroy itself. Likewise in the church, any lie by one member affects all the other members of the body. When one member is known to have lied, the whole church is discredited.

5.

Verse Ephesians 4:26 is a quotation of Psalms 4:4, where the reading is, Stand in awe and sin not. (The Revised Version margin reads, Be ye angry and sin not.) This is not a command to be angry but a caution not to sin when we are angry. People often do things when they are angry that they would not normally do.

While it is not a command to be angry, neither is it a prohibition of anger. Sometimes anger is necessary. Paul was occasionally angry (Acts 13:9-10; Acts 23:3). Even Christ Jesus felt anger (Mark 3:5). We need to have convictions strong enough to have strong feelings about wickedness.

Nonetheless, while anger may sometimes be justified, it must be speedily cooled down. Anger should subside the same day it arises. When the sun has gone down, let anger be gone.
The anger upon which the sun is not to go down is anger that expresses itself in exasperation and wrath, the anger in which one is almost beside himself.

6.

If anger is held very long, it becomes malice, hatred, and resentment, and produces a desire for revenge. It gives a place (opportunity) to the devil to lead us into transgression and self-ruination.

7.

While there is a connection between anger and giving place to the devil, there are also other ways we can give a place to the devil. For examples, (1) meditating upon lustful things, (2) meditating upon our unfair share of earthly riches, (3) reading books that undermine faith and morals.

Fact Questions

237.

What is the reason we are to speak truth to our neighbors?

238.

What are we to be careful not to do when angry?

239.

How long is anger to be allowed to continue?

240.

To whom are we not to give place?

Text (Ephesians 4:28)

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need,

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:28)

257.

Are there thieves in the church?

258.

Can this verse be harmonized with the Communist doctrine of state ownership of all property?

259.

What is the grand purpose of our labor?

Paraphrase

28.

Let anyone in the church who is stealing steal no more. But rather let him toil, working with his own hands which were formerly used to steal, doing work which is good, so that he may have the means to maintain himself, and to share with those who have need.

Notes (Ephesians 4:28)

1.

It may seem strange that Christians should have to be taught not to steal. But stealing is not uncommon. Nowadays there are many sophisticated forms of stealing embezzlement, cheating on tax reports, driving hard bargains, misrepresenting goods, loafing on the employer's time, shortening an employee's time, cheating on examinations, etc. Let him that stole regardless of how he did it, or what he stole steal no more.

2.

The best antidote for stealing is working. The word labor here implies wearisome, exhausting toil.

3.

It is plainly taught here that work is not only for selfish gain, but to help others. Honesty is inculcated by an appeal to the highest motives, And this verse certainly does not teach us to steal from the rich to give to the poor. We must work if we want to have the means to help those in need.

4.

This verse cannot be harmonized with Communist doctrine. The verse commands private generosity. But private ownership of property is a necessity if we are to have anything to give to others. Communism destroys private ownership, and makes all things state property.

Fact Questions

241.

What is the one who steals to do?

242.

With what is the ex-thief to work?

243.

What type of work is the ex-thief to do?

244.

What is the noble objective for which we toil and labor?

Text (Ephesians 4:29)

29

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:29)

260.

How often is our conversation actually uttered with a purpose in mind of edifying and giving grace to those who hear us?

261.

What types of utterance could be called corrupt speech?

262.

How can speech give grace to them that hear?

Paraphrase

29.

Let no rotten utterances go out from your mouth, but rather let that go out of your mouth which is good for building up people who may be in need of encouragement, correction, or instruction. Such speech will bring pleasure and profit to them that hear.

Notes (Ephesians 4:29)

1.

Christians must carefully control their speech at all times. Do not let any speech that is rotten and corrupt go out of your mouth. (Compare Ephesians 5:4; Matthew 12:36-37.) Words are not simply so much wind. They carry with them the personality and thoughts of the speaker. As character can be rotten and produce evil, words can also be corrupt, for they reflect character.

2.

Words are very powerful. They can fill many needs, such as giving instruction, encouragement, and correction.

Fact Questions

245.

What type of speech is not to be let out of our mouths?

246.

What type of speech is to be uttered?

247.

What is our speech to give unto those that hear?

Text (Ephesians 4:30)

30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:30)

263.

If the Holy Spirit can be grieved, is the Holy Spirit a personality, or some impersonal influence?

264.

How can we grieve the Holy Spirit?

265.

Where does the Holy Spirit live (1 Corinthians 6:19)?

Paraphrase

30.

In all of life's activities, such as working, speaking, etc., be not grieving the Holy Spirit of God, that divine one in whom we are sealed and stamped as God's own until that day when our bodies are redeemed at the resurrection.

Notes (Ephesians 4:30)

1.

We grieve the Holy Spirit by wicked actions and rotten speech. We grieve Him when we violate the commandments of the Spirit as given in Ephesians, chapter four. The Holy Spirit is sensitive. Holiness is always sensitive. Purity grows in sensitivity.

2.

Israel grieved the Holy Spirit by their sins in the wilderness and in the land of Canaan (Isaiah 63:10).

3.

How terrible it is to make the Holy Spirit which strengthens our inward man to be sorrowful and offended (Ephesians 3:16)!

4.

See notes on Ephesians 1:13-14 for comments on being sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption.

Fact Questions

248.

Whom are we not to grieve?

249.

Unto what day are we sealed?

Text (Ephesians 4:31-32)

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you with all malice: 32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:31-32)

266.

Is a Christian's personality any concern to God?

267.

Is it really possible to control feelings of bitterness, malice, etc.?

268.

How should we forgive each other?

Paraphrase

31.

In particular, grieve not the Holy Spirit by an evil disposition. Let all of the sharp, spiteful ways of feeling and speaking, along with anger, both in outbursts and temperament, and loud clamor, and blasphemous speech, be put away from you along with all ill will toward others. For these things displease the Spirit.

32.

Having put away evil traits and dispositions, be kind one to another, tenderhearted, graciously forgiving each other, as also God in Christ has graciously forgiven you of even greater offences against Himself.

Notes (Ephesians 4:31-32)

1.

Bitterness is sharpness, harshness, spitefulness, resentment.

2.

Wrath is anger erupting, anger that boils over but soon subsides.

3.

Anger is a settled disposition of indignation, an angry outlook upon everything.

4.

Clamor is a loud outcry, loud speech based on ungoverned feelings.

5.

Railing is blasphemy, slander, speech injurious to another's good name, especially against God.

6.

Malice is ill will, desire to injure.

7.

These evils are common among many disciples of Christ, in spite of the fact that they are utterly contrary to our calling, contrary to the Father, and contrary to the Holy Spirit within us. They are old cruel hounds from past life, from which we should have escaped long ago, but find baying at our heels.

8.

The word translated forgiving (Ephesians 4:32) does not simply mean to release from guilt, but to be gracious unto, be kind, be benevolent, pardon.

9.

Kind This word is usually used to describe God. It describes one who is virtuous, good, mild, pleasant.

10.

The motive for Christian goodness is different from that of worldly righteousness, Out in the world people are good because it pays. They get something in return. We are good and forgiving toward our fellow men because God has forgiven us. We realize how much we are indebted unto God. We therefore forgive the small offences our neighbors commit against us.

Fact Questions

250.

Name the six things mentioned in Ephesians 4:31 that we are to put away from us.

251.

Quote Ephesians 4:32 from memory.

Text (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell,

Thought Questions (Ephesians 5:1-2)

269.

What are we told about God's actions in Ephesians 4:32 that we are here urged to imitate?

270.

Which would God prefer, learning and greatness, or a childlike spirit? Can we have both?

271.

What does it mean to walk in love?

272.

Is there any difference between an offering and a sacrifice? Explain any difference.

273.

What Bible incidents does the expression an odor of a sweet smell bring to your mind?

Paraphrase

1.

Seeing that God in Christ has forgiven you, be ye therefore imitators of God's forgiving mercy as beloved children who imitate the actions of their parents.

2.

And live your lives in a disposition of love, even as Christ loved you, and gave himself up for you when he died on the cross, and made himself an offering and a sacrifice for an odor (savor) of a sweet smell unto God.

Notes (Ephesians 5:1-2)

1.

Many types of offerings in the Old Testament are called a sweet savor (odor) unto the Lord: the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:9; Leviticus 1:13), the meal (meat) offering (Leviticus 2:3; Leviticus 2:9), offering of first fruits (Leviticus 2:12; Leviticus 2:16), peace offerings (Leviticus 3:5; Leviticus 3:16), and sin offerings (Leviticus 4:21). The trespass offering is not so described.

Noah offered up his offering unto the Lord after the flood, and the Lord smelled the sweet savor (Genesis 8:21). The critics have had much sport out of belittling such descriptions of God as if He were in human form (anthropomorphisms). But if the Scriptures say that God smelled the sweet savor, we are not so wise that we can describe what God did any more accurately. The important thing is that the offering pleased the Lord and made the worshipper accepted. Like the people of ancient times, we sorely need an offering that will be accepted of and well-pleasing to God. We are a people of unclean hands, minds and lips. We thank God that Christ is our sacrifice and odor of sweet smell, and that through His sacrifice we may be accepted by God.

2.

The offering of Christ goes up to God for us in two respects:

(1)

A sacrifice for our transgressions. We deserve to die. Christ's death is a substitute for our death. He bore the punishment which we justly deserve to bear.

(2)

An offering to be presented when the transgression has been put out (or expiated), as an act of worship.

Fact Questions

252.

Whom are we to imitate? In what way are we to imitate Him?

253.

Christ gave Himself up for us as two things. Name them.