19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.
Therefore is defined: for that reason: consequently, because of that. So, because, man’s anger does not allow us to live in God’s righteousness, we need to take the next step and rid ourselves (as one of my commentaries stated) of all things that are not right in our lives!
Ephesians 1:13: When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:22: You took off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires;
Colossians 3:8: But now you must also put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.
The greek word and tense for ridding are literally, having put off, just as you would your clothes. We need to rid ourselves of wickedness which is evil intent or desire before we can receive God’s Word. When we have accepted Christ as our Saviour, The Holy Spirit is implanted and lives within us. This is wonderful news because I don’t have the capacity to live a life without sin and need guidance from the Holy Spirit. But, with the Holy Spirit, I can live a life that bears much fruit. Isn’t that good news?
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 1:19–21). (Col 3:8): (Eph 4:22). (Eph 1:13). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
