Because We Are Members of One Another (2) Ephesians 4:25-32

■ In our last lesson we began noting some practical things Paul mentions in our text which will build up the body of Christ and promote unity. ■We addressed 1)Putting away lying, 2) managing anger, and 3) the need to work

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■ The tongue can do great damage ( cf. James 3:1-12) ■ Corrupt – unwholesome, unsound. Language that is harmful, evil. ■ Psalm 141:3, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” Let no corrupt word ( 25 )

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■ But what is good for necessary edification. ■ Words that build up. Using our tongues for good, as God intended. ■ James 1:19, at times, silence is the right word! Proverbs 10:19 ■ What is necessary is about them! Let no corrupt word ( 25 )

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■ How does this promote unity? ■ Rightly chosen word build us up! Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.” Let no corrupt word ( 25 )

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■The Holy Spirit can be grieved (a person) ■ Grieve is to sadden. Sorrowful or distressed, Mark 3:5, Matthew 26:37, 22 ■ Grieving the Holy Spirit, cf. Acts 2:38, Eph. 1:13. See Hebrews 10:29, Luke 15:7, 10 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit ( 30 )

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■ How do we grieve the Holy Spirit? ■ Context – uncontrolled anger, stealing, corrupt words rather than building up, etc. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit ( 30 )

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■ Bitterness – an attitude of sharp resentment, Heb. 12:14-15 ■ Wrath – fury, intense outbursts of anger. This is one who loses his temper Galatians 5:20 Putting away ungodly attitudes ( 31 )

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■ Anger – burning fury that doesn’t subside, James 1:20 ■ Clamor – loudly expressing oneself, loud quarrelling, often irrational. All know of his anger. Putting away ungodly attitudes ( 31 )

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■ Evil speaking – blaspheme. To malign, revile or curse someone. Slander. Degrading to personal attacks ■ With ALL malice – a feeling of hostility and strong dislike, with possible desire to cause harm. 1 Cor. 14:20 Putting away ungodly attitudes ( 31 )

■How does this promote unity? ■ Problems are solved with calmness and a reasoned disposition. If you harbor ungodly attitudes, you have not put to death the man of sin! Cf. Colossians 3:9

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■ Be kind to one another – We need kindness. 1 Cor. 13:4. Involves being useful in dealing with others, cf. Eph. 2:7, Rom. 2:4, 1 Peter. 2:3 ■ Tenderhearted– understanding, compassionate, merciful. Cf. Matt. 9:36, 14:14 Put on the new man ( 32 )

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■ Forgiving as we have been forgiven – a willingness to pardon. ■A concept with great warning. Matthew 6:12, Colossians 3:13 The word here is associated with being gracious Put on the new man ( 32 )

Putting away lying ( 25 ) ■How does this promote unity? ■ These qualities lend toward working through our differences and resolving disputes. One who possesses these, very likely have overcome the old man and his ways. He thinks about others ( Phil. 2:3-4 ) Put on the new man ( 32 )

Am I striving to be all that God would have me to be?