There are a lot of issues covered in Ephesians 4:25-32.

Christians are not to lie or have sinful anger. Anger is fine in its place. In fact, we must have righteous anger, for without it we are not truly passionate about the truth.

Saints are not to steal or use corrupt speech. We are commanded to work to provide for ourselves and help those in need. This is opposite of what some in the world espouse, that we should look for a handout whenever possible. Too, our words are to be good and tend toward a positive effect on the world.

We are not to grieve the Holy Spirit. If we do, we will pay the consequences. And, instead of having bitterness and a generally bad attitude, we are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Not only will it lead to an eternal reward, it will also pay dividends in this life.

The gospel is perfect, addressing every area of man’s life. If we would only apply it consistently, we would be far better off and much happier.

The disciples are the focus of this section. Mark highlights their faith (or lack of it), attitude, humility (or lack of it), respect, and usefulness. Each lesson is sorely needed for us today.

When Jesus came back down the mountain, He found disorder. The man who wanted his son healed was dismayed that the disciples could not cast out the demon (9:14-29). The fault did not lie with the man or his son, their faith or lack of it. Rather, the problem was with the faith of the disciples; “Because of your unbelief…” (Matt. 17:19-21). Anyone who claims that the person on whom a miracle is to be worked must have faith enough for it to be done is in error. Just think about it, when the dead were raised what kind of faith did they have?

Jesus revealed He would be betrayed and killed (9:30-32). He is working to prepare the disciples for what is to come. He wants them to know it is God’s will. However, they fail to understand. It was plain language, but their ears were dull. They could not comprehend such a disaster for the one they are beginning to see as the Christ. Like other Jews, and even men today, they pictured the Messiah as another earthly king, a great one, but not unlike others. Hence, His death would ruin all their hopes and dreams. Are we dull of hearing because of our preconceived ideas?

The disciples also received a lesson in humility (9:33-37). They were not to jockey for position in His kingdom. Again, just as the King was not like other kings, so the kingdom would not be like any other that ever existed. The great ones in the Lord’s kingdom are those who serve, not those who are ambitious for the top spot.

In 9:38-48, the disciples learn about respecting others who faithfully serve the Lord. The ones with whom they were angry were casting out demons in the Lord’s name. This means they were doing God’s will with God’s approval. Just because they were not engaged in the same work as the disciples did not mean they were not faithful. This is not an example where people believe and practice diverse doctrines. Rather, it is an example of two groups following the same truth, but just doing so separately. The warning Jesus gives is ominous; the person who causes one of His faithful children to stumble (fall away from Him) will burn in hell (if he does not repent).

The last thing the Lord addresses is the usefulness of His people. As long as we are “seasoned” we are useful and good. When we lose our “flavor” we are good for nothing. In other words, as long as we have an influence for good in this world, we are useful. When we lose that influence, through sin, neglect, or any other manner, we are useless.