Opening Thought
Galatians 6:9 NIV Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Ephesians 4:25-32 NIV
25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
(Dt 24:13) There is such a thing as righteous indignation, for anger is ascribed to God and to Jesus. Thus it is also legitimate for Christians to express anger. But it can easily degenerate into bitterness—hence, the appended prohibition. Under the Mosaic law all sureties were to be returned and all wages paid before sunset
28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
“To share” (GK 3556) means to distribute personally rather than through some agent or official
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Remember Chapter 4 Opened With:
Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
What not to do:
- Live like the Gentiles v 17
- Darkened Understanding v 18
- Harden Hearts v 18
- Loss of Sensitivity v 19
- Deceive Others v 25
- Don’t Live Angry v 26
- Don’t Steal v 28
- Don’t Trash Talk (Unwholesome Talk) v 29
- Don’t Grieve the Holy Spirit v 30
What To Do:
- Live a Life Worthy of the Calling v 1
- Be Humble v 2
- Bear With Each Other v 2
- Be The Peacemaker v 3
- Speak The Truth in Love v 15
- Put Off the Old Put on the New Self v 22 – 23
- The New Attitude of the Mind v 24
- Speak the Truth v 25
- Take Out the Trash v 31
- Be Kind v 32
- Be Compassionate v 32
- Forgive as you have been Forgiven in Christ v 32