Tearing Down & Building Up

What do they need to know-

Why do they need to know it-

What do they need to do-

Why do they need to do it-

How can I help them remember-

In:

Series- “From death to life”

a. Ephesians 4:17-24 Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 Take off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God

b. Take off the old, put on the new

c. We dress for our new life as a new man

We take off Lies and Falsehood and put on Truth

We take off Takers and put on being Givers

We today we will take off Tearing others down and put on Building others up

Ephesians 4:29-30 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

I. TEARING DOWN

A. Gossip

Paul forbids all foul-mouthed speaking. 28

a. Christians should be characterized by words which help others (build up) and give grace

B. Revenge

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Bitterness pikria (Long standing resentment.) The spirit that refuses to be reconciled. 31

Outbreaks of passion thumos

Long-lived anger orge

Being out of control or under the control of anger

Clamour- loud outbursts, shouting, arguing

It would save a great deal of heartbreak in this world if we simply learned to keep our voices down and if, when we had nothing good to say to a person, we did not say anything at all

Slander blasphemia

Hurtful words. Saying things that aren’t true that put others in a bad light

The Jews spoke about what they called “the sin of insult”, and maintained that God does not hold anyone guiltless who speaks insultingly to another person.

Malice- Wishing ill-will on others. Hoping something bad happens to them

In one sentence Paul lays down the law of personal relationships – that we should treat others as Jesus Christ has treated us. 32

II. BUILDING UP

A. Words that build others up

Build them up- believe in them

The LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary (a good word in due season)

Minister grace to them

Kind to on another- useful, the right word at the right time

Paul tells us to be kind chrestos. The attitude of mind which thinks as much of his neighbors affairs as it does of its own.

Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting

Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time

Compassionate- compassionate- love in action

Forgiving on another- (just as Christ forgave you)

Cn: When we tear others down instead of building them up we grieve the Holy Spirit

Paul urges us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. 30

The Holy Spirit is the guide of life. (He is the one that comes along side to help.)

To act against the guidance of the Holy Spirit is to grieve the Spirit and to hurt the heart of God, the Father, who, through the Spirit, sent his word to us.