The Church: A Mysterious Body of Restoration (Ephesians) Section 3 The Spirit Fuels our New Identity. 4:25-32 Attitudes of The New Man Renewed Values

Transcription

1 The Church: A Mysterious Body of Restoration (Ephesians) Section 3 The Spirit Fuels our New Identity 4:25-32 Attitudes of The New Man Renewed Values 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. We Become a Truth Dependent Body Paul linked this section to the previous by one more use of the phrase putting away (Grk. Apotithemi) meaning to lay aside or cast off (see again Col 3:9-13). Another use of the word truth is also a link to the previous comments. This section further details Paul s thought in 4:1 regarding a walk worthy of our calling. It gives us a small bit of insight into how the internal realities of the new man, who is alive in Christ, play out in everyday life. Lying (Grk. pseudo) means falsehood, whatever is not what it seems to be or deceitful precepts. Paul has already given much detail about how our lives were previously rooted in falsehood. All of us grew up in the old Adam (Ro 5). We developed ways of thinking, desiring and behaving which over time become habits, allegiances, worldviews, etc. This was life as we knew it, and we had become quite accustomed to walking according to its course. Paul just made that abundantly clear in 4: In this passage he is developing what it means to no longer walk or live like the lost. John MacArthur said, One of the chief characteristics of our human lifestyle today is lying. Do you realize that we have an entire world system based on lying? Can you imagine what would ever happen if for one day, everybody in the world told the truth? We'd have World War III. If the truth ever came out about anything, if everybody all of a sudden decided to operate on truth, our entire system would collapse. You do what's expedient and lying is expedient. It's incredible. People lie about the little things and the big things. It's just an entire way of life. It is the outworking of a depraved nature. It lies because it is of its father, the devil, who is the father of lies has developed a system of lies. The whole religious system, apart from the truth of Christianity is a pile of lies...lies...and more lies. Satan lies about life, he lies about death, he lies about God, he lies about Christ, he lies about the Spirit, he lies about the Bible, he lies about Heaven, he lies about hell, he lies about good, he lies about bad, everything, the whole thing is based on lies. (MacArthur, Sermon 1930) Ephesians 4: of 14 Our old life was characterized as a life of active truth suppression (Rom 1:18; Col 3:9-10). By rejecting the truth of God s counsel, our core belief system was based in lies. Every decision was influenced by our sinful way of thinking which twisted truth to suit selfish desires. As stated in the previous passage it could be said we not only lie but we re numb to lies and are driven by lies. Our whole life in Adam was based upon lies, promised freedom and gave us nothing but bondage which would have ended in eternal torment if Christ had not stepped in. Paul said, wherefore having put away lying or falsehood (which lead to separation from God, others and creation) we should develop a new habit of speaking (Grk. laleo) or using words to declare our new mindset which is founded in truth. Paul has already stated we re dead to the old, natural man (Eph 2:1ff) and alive in the new man, Jesus Christ. The aorist tense of the verb putting away, just like in the previous section, states the nature which rejects truth (4:18-19) has been put away not that we have to put it away again. Yet there is a sense in which we must actively work to not let it infiltrate the new life. This is possible because Christ has re-created our hearts and made them receptive once again to God s truth as the only truth. Let s explore the word speak a little further to be clear about what Paul meant. As stated above, to speak (Grk. Laleo) means to use words in order to declare one s mind and disclose one s thoughts. It is regarded as revelation of the inward thoughts and feelings of the mind. Often when this word is used the focus is not on the specific words used but rather the source of the words (Mt 9:33; Mk 7:37; 16:17; Lk 11:14; Acts 2:4; 1 Cor. 12:30; Heb 1:1-2). This fits with Paul s context of explaining humans speak out of our hearts or inner man (Lk 6:45-47). Becoming a new creation in Christ renews the causal core of our speech so we can speak truth. Those with corrupt hearts speak falsehood and those with renewed hearts speak truth. So this is far more than robotically blurting out true statements. For instance, Paul was certainly not encouraging people to start telling others they are ugly or that they hate them. This is about a totally new standard of truth and caring about how and why we share it (4:15). We should have a great concern that the truth we are sharing is indeed God s truth. Since Christ is truth, God s people should be known as people of God s truth (Zech 8:16). We should never presume to know truth but check it against the standard of God s Word. Careful study of Scripture is sadly something which many believers fail to do. Neighbor in this case refers to other believers as is made clear by the phrase members of one another. This also connects us to Paul s Ephesians 4: of 14

2 statements in Ephesians 2 about our being made alive as members of Christ s body. Since Christ has paid for our sin and made us members of one another in Him, there is absolutely no reason to relate in any way but truth because our new identity exists within the one who is truth. When we lie to each other we are actually deceiving those who are part of our same body; it s like lying to ourselves! No matter how difficult, we should realize the most helpful thing we can do is to point each other to the truth of Christ because that s our only real hope. The most loving thing we can do for others is to help set them on the only paths that will lead them to true joy. Instead of suppressing the truth of God we should speak every man truth with his neighbor. Lying not only denies our new source of life but also causes mass division in our new body. Just like a physical body, the church can't function properly if it hides God s pure truth from each other. How can we possibly minister to each other, bear each other's burdens, care for each other, and pray for each other if we don't really know what's going on? How can our new body function when any of the parts are not giving truthful information to each other? Speaking truth to one another is a way we endeavor to keep the unity which is ours in Christ (4:3). Clearly truth telling, like every other Christian virtue, is not just about your integrity but about God s glory and the good of Christ s body. 26 Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. Truth helps us quickly quench our wrath so we don t aid Satan s work This is a very real-life example of our critical need to allow God s Word to keep our hearts with all diligence (Prov 4:23). Paul next said be angry and sin not. Notice Paul didn t say, Never get angry because sin in many ways should make redeemed thinkers angry (2Kings 11:1-9; 17:18; Ps 7:11). While there is nothing wrong with experiencing anger, Paul does say in 4:31 it should be put away from us. Humans are prone to misuse the God-given emotion of anger. We tend to vent uncontrollably and damage many relationships when we are angry or on the other hand, can also quietly harbor anger until it eventually destroys relationships. When we hold on to or nurse anger it can become deeply personal and flow into everything we think and do. It is easy to replay the offence over and over and magnify which eventually lead us to have no desire for a relationship with the offender. Ephesians 4: of 14 Jesus said there s even a point when anger can become just like the sin of murder (Mt 5:21-22). Frederick Buechner said, Anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontation still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back; in many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton at the feast is you (Hughes, 151). Anger, itself, is not Paul s main point. Paul s issues here are what we should do with anger and avoiding the sinful expression of anger by taking care how long we hold on to anger. So how can we keep anger from becoming sinful? By not holding on to it or not letting the sun go down on our wrath. Notice this does not say we must resolve problems by sundown. Certainly there are proper times and ways to resolve issues with others (Mt 18:15-17). But are all problems able to be resolved this quickly or are they sometimes ever resolved? NO! In fact, elsewhere Paul hints that our efforts to be at peace with others will not always be successful (Ro 12:18). Paul was not saying that resolving our wrath depends on getting others to settle things with us. His issue was that we don t let our wrath go on very long. Wrath (Grk. Parorgismos) means indignation or exasperation and has to do with our heart response to something. So to put it simply, we should not allow anger to control our hearts and thereby control us. As we have learned, what it is the meditations of our hearts that determine our paths. Once again the renewed mind helps us here. It helps us realize life is not one big scorecard where we keep track of offenses. Christ has freed us from that kind of selfish mindset. When we as sinners are angry it s usually because we are not getting what we want (Jas 4:1-3). It takes comparatively little trouble for us to forget we have the endless resources of Heaven at our disposal so we lack nothing we truly need (Eph 1:3; Phil 4:19). Doesn t anger remove our focus from what we have to want we think we need? In fact, sinful anger is like telling God He is not gracious and hasn t supplied all our needs according to His riches in glory. It denies God s care and provision of our lives and in essence turns the object of our anger into a functional provider and even a god. It is these kinds of truths which help us bring angry thoughts (and every thought) under the control of God s Spirit (2Cor 10:5). What Paul called not letting the sun set on our wrath, Proverbs called being slow to anger (Pr 15:18). In Galatians 5:22 Paul called it Ephesians 4: of 14

3 long-suffering and part of the Spirit s fruit. It is something only the Spirit can produce in our hearts. Proverbs 30:33 reminds us Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood: so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife. When we allow anger to go unchecked it turns to hatred and stirs up strife (Pr 10:12; 1Jn 3:15; 4:20). James 1:19-20 reminds us our wrath does not aid God s righteous work. In the next phrase we are told whose work our wrath does enable. A grateful attitude will help us release offenders, keep us from stewing over offenses very long and thereby prevent us from giving place to Satan. Place (Grk. Topos) means a plain, opportunity or position from which to carry out an operation. Paul warns us of the real danger of holding on to anger giving Satan a foothold to entrap or exploit our anger. We should recognize there are ways in which the new man can give Satan an advantage over him (2Cor 2:10-11). Anger is one of many areas where it s possible for Satan to gain a foothold or stronghold (2Cor 10:4). Even anger over right things has the potential to give Satan an opportunity to kill and destroy. Anger leads us to fight with those who are part of our new body and whom we are supposed to actively love. It naturally leads us to become a person who sows discord amongst God s people (Pr 6:19) and play right into the wiles of the Devil which we are warned to protect against in Ephesians 6:11. How can we who have been forgiven of so much possibly hold anything over the head of another or feel as though anyone owes us (Mt 18:23ff)? Perhaps meditating often on this perspective would lead us to be more loving and even keep us from much anger in the first place. In addition, when we realize we are becoming obsessed with an issue, Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6 that we should quickly turn our worry to prayer and thanksgiving unto God. He alone is the one who can work to bring about right results and we should be seeking Him to meet every one of our needs. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs. Those in Christ become givers rather than takers Paul said let him that stole steal no more. Since Christ is the ultimate giver His people should be known as generous and giving people. Generosity and giving are foreign to the old man but are absolutely inherent to the new man (Lk 6:29-36; 2Cor 8:1-15; 9:6-12). Ephesians 4: of 14 Where we used to be selfish and take from creation because we trusted only ourselves to supply our needs, we can now be generous and give to creation trusting God will supply everything we need (Phil 4:19). Thus working and giving (instead of stealing) are ways we can share Jesus with and love others (Mt 22:37-40; 25:31-46). Doesn t it seem odd Paul needed to instruct Christians not to steal? Consider the multitude of situations we face such as when selling items, reporting income and expense, making business deals, using software, music and video, dealing with library fines & other due dates, paying mortgage or rent, obeying curfews, dealing with relational pressures, misusing company time, etc. While there are times when it seems logical, necessary or even justified to steal in some fashion or even misrepresent truth (4:25), we must trust when God s Word tells us it is never best no matter how strong the pressure to do so. Paul wasn t just saying former thieves should become workers when he said but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good. Work is a stewardship given over to our management by God. Good (Grk. Gathos) means beneficial, generous, useful or worthwhile. So the new man embraces work as a worthy and valuable pursuit for God s glory (2Th 3:10). Work gives our hands something to do which benefits God and others. We were not created only to benefit ourselves. Sadly, many are not inclined in our day to work hard and dedicate their labor to expressing the glory of God. Instead, many fall into the habit of doing barely what s necessary to get by or get what they want. Paul gave a very uncommon reason for why we should work. When work is only seen as a means to get, we fall short of expressing God s design for labor. Think about it, Adam was not commanded to work before the fall only so he could get. He worked to express the glory of His Creator and that He was a faithful manager of what God had already given him. So by saying that he may have to give to him that needs Paul was directing our attention to the heart behind why we would not steal and why we should work. The heart of the new man is no longer just out for self because he trusts God to have his back. What we have, we have to give to him that needs. Give (Grk. Metadidomi) means to share or communicate the gospel. So far more than just keeping God happy with us, working and giving is an exact reversal of the fall. Instead of milking creation and depriving others for our glory, the renewed thinker desires to share creation with others for their good and God s glory. We become pictures of grace and mercy Ephesians 4: of 14

4 (Mt 25:31-46) who no longer live for self but for the one who died for us and rose again (2Co 5:15). Followers of Christ not only should have their eye upon their own needs but also the needs of others which is central to the gospel of what Christ did for us (Phil 2:4-11). Philippians reminds us this is what Jesus did for all of us and it becomes the mindset of those in Christ...for our sakes He became poor. A chief characteristic of the new man is that, like God, all of His work is self-sacrificing, merciful and generously aimed at the benefit of others who need it (Lk 6:29-36; 14:13; Acts 20:33-34; 2Cor 8:1-15; 9:6-12). As we shed our former selfishness we especially become eager to help the poor (Mt 5:7; 19:21; 25:35-36; Acts 24:17; Rom 15:26; 1Co 16:1-9; 2Co 8-9; Gal 2:10). Our concern for others is no longer aimed at justice but mercy like we received (Mt 18:23-35). 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed to the day of redemption. We become concerned that our communication aides the Spirit s work Since those in Christ become part of a body and a vine which needs to be constantly nourished and strengthened (Jn 15) we should let no corrupt communication proceed from our mouths. Corrupt communication (Grk. sapros logos) means rotten or worthless words which defile and cause injury (Mt 15:18). This involves obscenities but at its heart is conversation which runs down our brothers and sisters, seems to delight in their weakness and does nothing more than tear down others. Those in Christ realize all have sinned and that there is no reason to tear others down to make self look better. Tearing down others fails to keep in mind their weakness is our weakness (1Co 12:26). Paul s meaning became clear when he said but that which is good to the use of edifying. The word use (Grk. Chreia) means need or necessity. So Paul was referring to the body s need of being built up in our common life which apparently our speech can aid tremendously. It matters greatly we handle sin in the body of Christ in an opposite manner than our former way of life. Satan would also love for us to be buried in our sin. With the ongoing presence of sin in and around us there will be no shortage of opportunities to put down or slander other members of the body. Corrupt describes exactly how we Ephesians 4: of 14 communicated before we came to Christ (Titus 3:1-8). It s important we realize since Christ completely and fully paid for our sins then all that is left for us to do is encourage and lift up one another in our daily struggles with sin. We are to be means of grace to point and help renewed hearts go in right directions rather than instruments of guilt and condemnation (Ro 8:1). Every time we speak it can be helpful to remind ourselves that we want the Holy Spirit to do His perfect work in others and we are His vessel (2Tim 2:24-26). As if to be crystal clear, Paul said the communication of those in Christ should minister grace to the hearers (Col 3:16; 4:6). This statement literally means our speech should grace its hearers or be a means of God s grace to them. Doesn t this elevate the value of our speech in daily life? The way we talk should become some kind of vehicle to deliver God s grace to the hearers (Grk. Akouo) or audience. The manner in which believers communicate matters tremendously (Job 4:4; Lk 4:22; Pr 12:18; 15:23; 25:11; Col 4:6)! One would benefit greatly from studying the bountiful references to such things as speech, lips, talk, word and words in the book of Proverbs. Paul wanted us to realize non-edifying speech grieves the work of the Holy Spirit of God. It is so important we keep ourselves aware of the vast working of the Holy Spirit. He draws lost people to Jesus, spiritually baptizes them into the new body (1Co 12:13) and seals them (Eph 1:13; 4:30). He indwells us and makes our bodies to become the temple of God and a suitable place for Jesus to dwell (Ezek 36:27; 1Co 6:19; Eph 3:16-17). The Spirit is called many things including our Counselor, Comforter (Jn 14:16-17), Teacher (Jn 16:12-13) and even helps our prayer life (Ro 8:26-27). The Spirit testifies of God in the hearts of people (Jn 15:26). His role is significant in these and many other ways. But getting back to the point communication is a major vehicle of the Holy Spirit, the chief communicator who brought us God s Word. He is the part of God who inspired the Scripture writers and helps us understand what God s Word means (2Tim 3:16; 2Pet 1). We should work with, not against, the Holy Spirit as He empowers the new man to be all it can be to represent Christ. Over and over again in Ephesians Paul referenced the Spirit to emphasize His role as the unifying and empowering agent of Christ s new body. To grieve (Grk. Lupeo) means to make sorrowful. Consider how the fact we can cause Him grief and pain also supports the personhood of the Spirit who is part of God. How often do we think about our thoughts, words and actions grieving the very heart of God (Heb 4:15)? Ephesians 4: of 14

5 He truly loves us deeply and proves it continually through His working. The deeper His love the deeper His grief with our sin. Perhaps if we view hurting others as a way we hurt God it might increase our motivation to love people. Knowing believers are sealed to the day of redemption is further caution against speech which would tear down the body and thereby deny that truth. A seal (Grk. Sphragizo) is a mark of authentication. Remembering the Spirit is our guarantee (2Cor 1:22; Eph 1:14) removes all doubt as to whether or not all Christ has promised belongs to us forever. The point is that it is not our job to keep people saved but rather to encourage their faith in Christ. Could the way we communicate at times stem from a desire to play Holy Spirit rather than aid His work? Certainly we will hate our sin and that of our brothers and sisters in Christ but using corrupt communication to deal with it is not helpful to the edifying of Christ s body. In fact, any of the violations mentioned in this text could be said to grieve the Holy Spirit. No matter how helpful we think it is to handle issues with corrupt communication, again we must trust when God s Word says it is not helpful and won t aid the work of the Spirit. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ s sake has forgiven you. Our lives are marked by kind, tender forgiveness Paul summarized all he had been saying in this section. He said Christ s body is to put away with all malice such things as bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking. To put away (Grk. airo) means to take away or remove by force. With all malice (Grk. kakia) refers to a desire to injure. So the new man should put away these things with the same fervor as one who would desire to injure someone or something because it matters how God s people use their speech (1Pet 2:1). James said if we claim to be religious but can t bridle our tongue, our religion is simply vain (Jas 1:26). Bitterness (Grk. pikria) means extreme wickedness. Wrath (Grk. thumos) means fierceness, indignation or hot passion. Anger (Grk. orge) means vengeance or temper. Clamor (Grk. krauge) means outcry or harsh shouting. Evil Speaking (Grk. blasphemia) means to blaspheme or slander another. These are all qualities of the old nature which were put away in Christ s death and therefore should not be Ephesians 4: of 14 allowed to influence our new life in Christ. They are the marks of lives which do not trust God and are only out for self. The main difference between our old nature and our new is that we are now kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. Kind (Grk. Chrestos) means gracious and useful. Tenderhearted (Grk. Eusplagchnos) means full of pity and compassion. Forgiving (Grk. Charizomai) means to freely bestow pardon or graciously restore another. These heart virtues will cause the body to be built up in love (4:15; Col 3:12-13). Those who are in Christ should be marked by kindness, tenderhearted compassion and forgiveness because these are the qualities of Christ (Lk 6:35; Rom 2:1 11:22; 1Co 13:4; 2Co 6:6; 1Pet 3:8). Yet how little effort does it generally take for us to become short-fused and hurtful towards those whom we are closest? To not let truth guide our communication, to not let love and mercy cool our wrath, to take from others rather than give and to let corrupt speech flow from our hearts. These qualities are possible because God for Christ s sake has forgiven us. Not only has God forgiven us but it always helps to remember we are sinners in constant need of forgiveness. On the basis of Christ s complete work we are to forgive just as freely, generously, graciously, wholeheartedly, tenderly, spontaneously and eagerly as He does (Mt 18:21-27, 35; Lk 23:34). After all, could anyone possibly injure us any worse than the extreme ways in which we violated Jesus who forgave us in these ways and more (1Pet 2:21-25)? It s helpful to consider Christ even forgives us when we don t forgive as perfectly as Him. The point may not be so much that we perfectly forgive but rather learn to bear and share in the sufferings caused by creation which Christ willingly suffered (2Co 1:5-7). We can find strength to rejoice in sufferings when we view them as something we share with Jesus rather than merely a personal inconvenience (Phil 3:10; Col 1:24; 1Pet 4:13). As already stated, this section is far more than a list of duties. This verse pushes the life of the new man far beyond duty showing it reaches into the very depth of our hearts, our gratitude and our trust in God (Mt 18:21-35). Ephesians 4: of 14

6 Answers to the following are in the commentary above. A verse is listed to help guide you to the answer. They should lead you to meditate on verses & ideas from this study. Personal Study Questions How does our new life compare to our old life in regards to truth. How does truth supply and drive our new self? It may help to review the previous lesson. What is truth? How can you be sure your truth is God s truth? How much time do you spend in serious study to ensure this? Are you utilizing all the tools available to you? (4:25) Why is it so important to guard our hearts? What tools are available to us to help that process? What do venting, rage and other sinful expressions reveal about our hearts? How could we guard our hearts in the area of anger and wrath? (4:26-27) Do we have to resolve every problem before we deal with our anger or wrath? What was Paul saying? How could dealing with our wrath before attempting to resolve problems aid the process? (4:26-27) Define sinful anger in terms of not getting what you think you need. How can anger misdirect focus & show we don t trust God? How does anger give place to Satan or aid his work? Explain how it progresses in our minds and lives. Give some examples of how this has played out in your own life. (4:26-27) What does 2Cor 10:5 encourage us to do with every thought? How does God s truth aid this process? How important is it for us to quickly saturate sinful thoughts with God s truth? What are you angry about? What does the Bible say about those issues that can help you have right thinking concerning them? Consider making a quick reference card so you can meditate daily on these ideas. (4:26-27) Why does it make little sense for those in Christ to hang on to anger over offenses? How does Christ s work on the cross impact this? Who has offended you that you are unwilling to release? How has God treated you in comparison? (4:26-27) How does prayer and giving thanks help us with wrath? List the things you are angry about and spend time considering how you can be thankful and also take time to pray about each item for understanding, wisdom and God s work in them (4:26-27). Why would those in Christ become givers? What old mindset keeps us from giving? What keeps you from being a generous giver? (4:28) How should we view work? What did Paul specifically say should be our goal in working? Is this your goal? Why do you work? (4:28) For further study, use a concordance to look up the following words in Proverbs: speech, lips, talk, word and words. Discuss some examples Ephesians 4: of 14 where you have used good speech and bad speech. Talk about some areas of your speech that perhaps are not edifying to others. (4:29-30) How aggressive should you be to deal with the sinful emotions in your life? How aggressive are you? In what ways are you overcome with bitterness, wrath, etc? (4:31-32) Explain some of the ways Christ s forgiveness factors in to the equation of our lives with others. What specifically does it teach us? (4:31-32) Group Discussion Questions What do those in Christ now realize about truth? What does it mean that we are members one of another? What happens when we don t speak truth to one another? Do you speak truth to others or are you often reluctant in certain situations? Why or why not? (4:25) How does working and giving become ways we express God s glory and love for others? How is it a means of sharing the gospel? (4:28) Describe the mind of Christ expressed in Philippians 2:4-11. What form did Jesus take upon Him in order to benefit others? In what ways are is your life becoming more servant-oriented? What are some areas in which you still struggle with this? Perhaps you could use Phil 2 as a meditation and prayer passage to help you along. (4:28) Why is edifying speech so important to Christ s body? Why specifically is the Holy Spirit mentioned as the One who is grieved by corrupt communication? (4:29-30) What does it mean that our edifying speech ministers grace to the hearers? Think about the definition of grace in your answer and why that grace would be coming through you. (4:29-30) What things have you said to each other in the past few days that would not qualify as edifying or graceful to the hearer? Why did you say it? Are there ways you could have said things differently? Should you have said it? Did you pray for wisdom and God s help before saying what you said? Consider seeking forgiveness if you believe your speech didn t fit this description. (4:29-30) How does remembering genuine believers are sealed unto the day of redemption reassure us of the value of edifying speech? What is a seal? Whose job is it to convict and change people? What do we really believe if we use communication that tears down? Are there any examples where you tried to takeover the work of God s Spirit in the lives of others? (4:29-30) Ephesians 4: of 14

7 Are you a person who mostly speaks your mind or do you consider first how your speech can aid the work of the Holy Spirit? What could help you in this area to change or improve? (4:29-30) Family Discussion Ideas Keep simple (about 15mins/day). This is intended for parents to read to your family. Simply read verses & explanations; only elaborate if you have knowledge in that area. Monday: What do you do as a family to ensure your life is guided by truth? Discuss some situations that occurred recently and what truths guided your choices. How did your choice affect each other? (4:25) Tuesday: What does James 4:1-3 say about why we fight? What have you been angry over recently? How did you respond? Why? Discuss how Scripture can help us deal with wrath in our hearts no matter how others respond. (4:26-27) Wednesday: Discuss how each person views work. Why should we work? Then examine 4:28 and discuss how God wants us to view work. How is work an expression of God s glory? How can work be a way we share the gospel with others? Thursday: Discuss the way you speak to one another on a daily basis. What have you said lately that is constructive? Destructive? What were you trying to accomplish? Whose job is it to change people? How does our speech help or hurt that process? (4:29-30) Friday: Read a Bible story to your children, or have them read a story to you if they are old enough. Spend time praying for your pastors, deacons and church family specifically. Saturday & Sunday: Before you come to corporate worship, explain to your children that their ministry at church is to welcome new children, help their teachers, serve the other children in their class, to be good listeners and examples during service, talk about Jesus with any kids who are not yet Christians, and be looking for ways to pray for the other children throughout the coming week (Adults should review their own ministry too!). After service, please discuss with your children what they learned and how their ministry went. What specifically do you need to START doing in your life regarding your marriage, parenting, church, job, community involvement, etc? What help do you need (and from whom) to implement these changes? Begin praying for who might help you. List ways you could enlist other believers to help aid your change. Pray and repent to God about your specific sins, thanking God for the good things, His patience and asking Him for His help. Pray through 2Corinthians 7:9-11 taking note of how your repentance should look in real life, asking God for strength to focus and change. What s your mission? The Mission of Landmark is Christ s mission To reach all nations and generations with the gospel and lead them on Christ s mission for God s glory. (Mt 28:19-20; Acts1:8; 1Co 10:31; Rev 5:9) Note: As with any teaching, if you have any questions or concerns about this lesson, please direct them to the speaker in the spirit of Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1. (Bibliography will be available at the end of the series) Keeping the gospel central to this text: How does this text display how the gospel is changing us? In what areas does this text show your need to trust Christ more? What have you learned this week to specifically STOP & START doing regarding marriage, parenting, church, job, community involvement, etc? Ephesians 4: of 14 Ephesians 4: of 14