NBBC Summer Family Week - Ephesians 4:25, 29-30, 32

Introduction: Friends, so far this week we have looked at Who produces unity among us and all that we have in common as believers prompts us to want to be together. Tonight, I want for us to consider what are some things that we say and don’t say when we’re together because we belong to God.

Ephesians 4:25 “25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

We should put off lying because lying is sin that God hates and, going against what it means to live like God’s child.

We have God’s Spirit, God’s Word, and God’s people to encourage us to tell the truth instead of lie.

Ephesians 4:29 “29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

For something to be unwholesome, it means it’s something that is not good for anything.

These could be bad words.

These could be disgusting jokes.

Friends, these could even be words that you use to hurt others: yelling to get your way, making fun of someone else.

Friends, instead, we’re to use every moment to encourage others to rely on God’s Spirit to help them live God’s Word like God’s people.

Friends, I know that you’ve done this!

I’ve seen Anna Kate, Selah, Harvey, Daphne, Quincy, and Harold do this during bicycle ministry welcoming the riders to enjoy some cold gatorade and a rest.

I’ve seen Olivier do this in helping me greet others a few Sundays ago.

I’ve seen Chloe and Matthew do this when they’ve asked about how Harold is doing.

Everyone, we have seen the Lord use our words to be an encouragement to others!

Ephesians 4:30 “30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

What does it mean to grieve someone?

People grieve when they lose someone or something; they’re sad over that loss.

You can also make someone that loves you sad when you act in a way that is hurtful.

What do you think makes the Holy Spirit sad?

When someone lies, Ephes 4:25.

When someone does sinful things in anger, like hurting others, speaking mean words, or destroying things; Ephesians 4:26.

When someone holds onto their anger and refuses to forgive someone, Ephesians 4:26.

When someone lets their anger control them instead of being controlled by the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 4:27.

When someone steals, Ephesians 4:28.

When someone says bad things that no one should ever say, Ephesians 4:29.

In a word, when believers sin.

Why would this make the Holy Spirit sad?

Because He lives inside each believer in Jesus.

This is what it means when Paul says that the Holy Spirit has sealed believers.

From Ephesians 3:16, we learned that the Holy Spirit living inside of us is God’s power to help us to live like Jesus.

We have the power of the Holy Spirit to fight against sin and live pleasing to the Lord!

Therefore, there is no excuse for sin.