Forgiveness and God's Glory
June 30, 2024 Preacher: Gareth Franks Series: Ephesians - Gospel Truths Lead to Gospel Living
Topic: Christian Living, The Church Scripture: Ephesians 4:31–32
The apostle Paul has been teaching that those who have been born again, have been created anew in righteousness and holiness of the truth (4:24). In our text he emphasis, that if we are genuine Christians we must get rid of all sinful anger, put off all bitterness and replace it with kindness and forgiveness, just as God in Christ forgave you. Our study will follow the outline below:
- Stop Being Bitter (v.31a)
- Stop Being Wicked (v.31b)
- Start Being Kind (v.32)
In verse 31, Paul uses six terms to describe the old, sinful behavior that we must put off. Then, in verse 32, he uses three terms to describe the new, godly behavior that we are to put on. Finally, he gives us the motive or reason why we should adopt this new behavior.
Paul’s focus here is on how we interact with each other within the church. The Apostle Paul has been calling on us as Christians to live distinctly as Christians in this world, in order to enhance the unity of the body of believers, so that we will glorify Christ together as a local church.
Getting Started
- Can you remember the first time you had to show kindness when everything inside you screamed unforgiveness? Share your story.
- Read Ephesians 4:23-32
- What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?
Digging Deeper
- As we have seen, Paul’s pattern is not only to have us stop doing the evil behaviour, but also to begin practicing godly behaviour. What are we to replace lying with (v.25)? What are we to replace stealing with (v.28)? What are we to replace corrupting talk with (v.29)? What are we to replace sinful anger with (v.32)?
- Read James 1:19-21. According to this passage, what does anger not do? What does the Word do?
- Read Hebrews 12:14-15. What does bitterness do to those close to you? What does bitterness do to your relationship with God?
The Heart of the Matter
- As Christians we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us which we must not grieve (4:30). Some teach that the Spirit-filled life means “letting go and letting God.” Is this true or false? Is our role an active or passive role in our fight against sin?
- Having a new nature doesn’t mean that we never feel a surge of anger or the weight of bitterness in this life. But how we respond to those emotional urges matters. Do you strive to be holy as God is holy? Do you work to forgive others, to be tender-hearted and kind? Jesus said we would be known by our fruit. What is the flavour of your emotional life, of the responses that most often flow out of our mouth?
- The profound motive (reason) Paul gives us to forgive and be kind, is to remember the grace of God in sending Jesus to pay for our sins so we can be cleansed and forgiven of them (v.32). Did the Lord use anger, bitterness or unforgiveness (or any of the other specific mentioned sins in verse 25-32) in your life to reveal to you, your need for a Saviour? Share your story?
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