Together in purity

Major Althea Bawden wonders whether we reflect our new identity in Jesus Christ.

Key text

• Ephesians 4

When have you had to prove your identity? At the recent UK general election, every voter had their ID card, driving licence or passport checked at their polling station.

When watching their team in person or on television, football fans identify with their team by wearing team colours. At football matches, some fans chant and taunt the opposing side by shouting: ‘Who are you? Who are you?’

Who am I? I am a wife, mother, grandma, daughter, sister, auntie, friend, minister of the gospel and child of God.

In June 1944, as part of a series of poems from prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote the iconic ‘Who Am I?’, which asks that deep question. Is Bonhoeffer the person the prison wardens see, confident, cheerful and outwardly calm despite being imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp? Or is he the person who hurts, desperate for friends, birdsong and freedom? Bonhoeffer’s poem concludes that he is, in fact, both: he is a contradiction in terms who ultimately recognises he is God’s, and this is all that counts.

Bonhoeffer’s honesty is refreshing – he sees his own brokenness and vanity. He recognises that to really flourish and become fully himself, he needs Jesus Christ to find his new identity.

In our study passage, Paul encourages the believers in Ephesus to live a life that reflects their new identity in Christ. He focuses on how we, as believers in a church community, can live together in purity.

In July 2024, The Times newspaper published an article about how Brits should behave abroad. The list outlined expectations of general behaviour towards citizens visiting other countries.

Paul similarly gives the Christians at Ephesus a list regarding their behaviour (see vv17–32). Paul is concerned that the Gentiles’ darkened understanding of life and their continual lust to indulge in every kind of impurity was influencing the church.

Paul stresses the importance of a change in behaviour: ‘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 (v22). In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrases Paul’s exhortation: ‘Take on an entirely new way of life – a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you’ (v24).

Pause and reflect

• What does it mean to ‘put off your old self’? 
• How can we be made new in the attitude of our minds? 
• What are practical ways to put on your new self?

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes: ‘Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline... And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it’ (Colossians 3:12–14 MSG).

Pause and reflect

• What does the new you look like? 
• Do your new spiritual clothes fit well?

Before our wedding day, 38 years ago, my husband and I were given lots of advice. I do not remember everything that was said, but I remember hearing: ‘Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry’ (4:26).

Paul addresses the topic of anger because simmering anger, even when justified, erodes bodily health, and gives the Devil opportunity to divide and conquer. In his letter to the Romans, Paul urges: ‘Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord’ (Romans 12:19).

In Jesus’ sermon on the mount, he urges us to resolve any wrong we have against our brother or sister before bringing our offering to God (see Matthew 5). The Devil has no place at the table of relationships in the Church. Rather, our fellowship should be a place to seek a refuge of shalom.

Pause and reflect

• How can unresolved anger give the Devil a foothold? 
• Describe some ways to resolve anger in a godly manner.

In today’s society, social media is a key method of communication. Through various platforms we share our views by joining conversations, saying perhaps what we would not normally say in person. Unwholesome conversations are destructive and hurtful.

Jesus tells us that we will have to give an account of the careless words that we have spoken: ‘For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned’ (Matthew 12:37).

Pause and reflect

• What was your last conversation about? 
• Who was it with and were your words kind?

Paul encourages the church at Ephesus to create togetherness in unity, to build each other up, encourage one another and not to grieve the Holy Spirit. In place of bitterness and malice, there is to be kindness and grace, a willingness to forgive.

We are to treat others in a similar way. Love, kindness and graciousness are to drive our responses. Our speech is to reflect that core, all of which is rooted in the Spirit who resides in us. How can you contribute to the purity and unity of your community? Commit to one practical step this week to live out the teachings of this passage.

Pause and pray

• Heavenly Father, we thank you for the guidance in your word. Help us to live in purity and unity, reflecting your love and holiness in our lives. Empower us by the Holy Spirit to put off the old self and to put on the new self. May our community be a shining example of love, grace and truth.