Lesson (9) Becoming More Christlike 2

Eph 4:25

Eliminate Falsehood

Summary: Ephesians 4:25–32 calls believers to put away falsehood and to embrace truth, emphasizing the necessity of integrity in our words and actions as a reflection of the Holy Spirit's work in us.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to examine areas in their lives where they may struggle with honesty or integrity, helping them to see the importance of truthful communication as a means of fostering community and spiritual growth. It addresses the damaging effects of deceit and disconnection from God, urging listeners to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength to change.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that truthfulness is foundational to Christian living. It emphasizes the need for authenticity in our relationships, both with God and with others, and underscores how our speech can either grieve the Holy Spirit or build up the body of Christ.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the larger biblical narrative, Christ embodies truth (John 14:6) and His work reconciles us to the Father, empowering believers to live out truthfulness in their lives through His Spirit. The passage highlights that the life of truth is a reflection of our relationship with Christ as the ultimate source of integrity and love.

Big Idea: Living a life rooted in truth transforms our relationships and honors the Holy Spirit, ultimately reflecting Christ’s character to the world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare to preach this sermon using Logos, consider delving into the original Greek terms used in Ephesians 4:25–32, such as 'lies' (pseudos) and 'truth' (aletheia). Examine historical contexts that influenced Paul’s exhortations on community ethics in the Ephesian church. It may also be beneficial to look at commentaries discussing the relationship between truth and the work of the Spirit in believers' lives.

The biblical story of Ananias and Sapphira shows us the danger of lying. They sold property but misrepresented how much they made, seeking praise. They 'told a little fib,' and it cost them dearly! Picture it: they wanted to look like spiritual heroes but ended up with a legendary tale of their own downfall. It reminds us that honesty, even little truths, keeps our spirits alive and our relationships healthy. God wants us to live in truth, not deception!

Assassinate Anger

Summary: In Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul highlights the importance of managing anger, instructing believers to be angry but not to sin, and not to let the sun go down on their anger, as doing so gives the devil an opportunity.

Application: This passage helps Christians recognize that feeling anger is a natural human emotion, but it emphasizes the importance of how we respond to anger. By managing our anger appropriately, we can strengthen our relationships and remain aligned with God's will, avoiding the pitfalls that come with unchecked emotions.

Teaching: This sermon could teach that anger, when handled correctly, can motivate us toward positive change and justice, but if left unchecked, it can lead to sin and division. It offers practical wisdom for everyday interactions and relationship management.

How this passage could point to Christ: In light of Scripture, Christ embodies perfect anger in His righteous indignation (e.g., at the temple), demonstrating that anger can be just and constructive when it aligns with the will of God. He also provides the ultimate solution for our sinful nature, enabling believers to handle feelings of anger with grace and forgiveness.

Big Idea: The righteous management of anger is essential for spiritual health and community harmony, as it reflects the character of Christ in the believer's life and helps us to love rather than lash out.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon on Ephesians 4:26-27, consider using your Logos library to explore the original Greek terms for 'anger' and 'sin,' as well as the cultural context of the Ephesian church regarding anger management and community ethics. Examine parallel passages in the New Testament that address anger, like James 1:19-20, to deepen your understanding of the scriptural guidance on this emotion.

A teenage boy once got so annoyed at his sister for borrowing his favorite video game without asking. Instead of bursting out in anger, he decided to write her a funny poem about borrowing things. Not only did it make her laugh, but it also turned a moment of anger into laughter and a shared experience, capturing the essence of expressing anger creatively rather than sinning in it.

Terminate Theft-

Bible Passage: Ephesians 4:28

Summary: Ephesians 4:28 addresses the problem of theft and encourages believers to abandon dishonest behaviors and contribute positively to society through honest work, reflecting the change that occurs when one lives in Christ.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to reflect on their own lives and consider how they can turn away from any form of theft or dishonesty, whether it be material or relational. It emphasizes the power of transformation in Christ to live generously, serving others with the fruits of honest labor.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that genuine faith in Christ leads to a change in behavior, where we move from self-serving actions to serving others. It underscores the importance of integrity and the impact of living an honest life on our influence in the community.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Christ exemplifies the ultimate giver who provided abundantly through His life, death, and resurrection. Our transformation into givers reflects His character and mission, showcasing the redemptive work of Christ that enables us to fulfill our purpose in Him.

Big Idea: True transformation in Christ shifts our identity from being self-serving thieves to generous givers, impacting our lives and those around us.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider utilizing Logos to explore the original Greek terms related to stealing and working in Ephesians 4:28, as well as cross-references that illustrate the biblical attitude toward work and generosity. You may also look into commentaries that delve into Pauline ethics, which can provide deeper insight into how early Christians were expected to live in light of the gospel.

There was a group of friends who saw a sale going on at a local store. One of the friends suggested pretending to be a customer and slipping a few items into their bags without paying. The rest laughed at the ridiculousness of being thieves. They then decided to buy the things instead and ended up having a fun day. Their light-hearted decision to choose honesty over theft showed that integrity can often lead to joyful experiences!

(Cousin Kopi) brother’s store stole blind.

Decontaminate Our Speech-

Bible Passage: Ephesians 4:29

Summary: Ephesians 4:29 instructs believers to avoid unwholesome talk and instead speak words that are helpful for building up others according to their needs, so that it may benefit those who listen.

Application: This sermon serves as a reminder to Christians of the impact their words can have on others. By choosing our words wisely, we not only strengthen the faith of others but also contribute to a more loving and edifying community. It challenges the audience to examine their speech and consider how they can use their words to reflect Christ's love and grace.

Teaching: The sermon could teach that our speech is not just a matter of communication but a powerful tool for encouragement, correction, and building relationships. It emphasizes the responsibility each believer has in using their words to create an atmosphere of grace and truth.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Jesus exemplified perfect speech, using His words to heal, teach, and uplift. He called His followers to be salt and light, emphasizing that our speech should reflect His character. This principle extends across the Bible, portraying that our communication is a reflection of our relationship with Christ.

Big Idea: Our words have the power to shape lives; let us choose to speak in a way that embodies the love and encouragement found in Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider exploring the original Greek terms used in Ephesians 4:29 to deepen your understanding of what constitutes 'wholesome talk.' You might also want to examine parallel passages in James regarding the tongue, as well as consider the cultural context of speech in the early church found in Logos. This can help you connect with contemporary issues related to communication in today's society.

At a recent family dinner, a young adult caught herself slipping into negative conversations about work. Aunt Margaret, ever the wise one, gently reminded her of Proverbs 16:24: 'Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul.' With a laugh, the young adult decided to make it her goal to share only sweet and joyful updates at the table. It sparked a trend! Suddenly, everyone was competing to share the most positive news. Who knew our speech could turn a dull dinner into a delightful feast of joy?