Witness Wear
Witness Wear
Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV)
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29Do 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. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I. Introduction:
Christian clothing, bumper stickers, and fish symbols are popular with many Christians. These can be used to identify yourself to others as a Christian, but often the testimony of the bumper sticker or T-shirt is not matched by the actions of the wearer. Hypocrisy is evident when this takes place. To be effective, the believer’s actions must match his wardrobe. Attire must accurately reflect attitude.
II. Take Off Old Rags
A. Falsehood
B. Uncontrolled Anger
C. Dishonest Gain
D. Corrupt Speech
E. Grieving the Spirit
F. Malicious Intent
III. Put On New Robes
A. Truth
B. Honest Labor
C. Building Each other Up
D. Kind and Compassionate
E. Forgiving One Another
IV. Conclusion:
Confession and conduct must match in order for our witness to be effective. It is not enough to wear our religion on our sleeve. We must also bear witness to its reality in our deeds.