Holy Spirit, We Appreciate You pt. 2

Introduction

Last week we highlighted the following:

The nature of the Holy Spirit (has personhood, has a will)

He is God (All-knowing/powerful/present)

His nature demands that we treat Him with reverence and honour

We must not insult Him [disregard that honour/fail to acknowledge His greatness]

We must not resist Him [actively opposed Him by failing to follow His words]

How should we regard the Holy Spirit?

Eph 4:30

Ephesians 4:30 NASB95

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Keep the following in mind; Paul has a Gentile audience in mind (Ep 2:11-13)5

Some of the major themes of this book are reconciliation, unity in the body, newness of the believer.

It is in this context the above verse is mentioned, “do not grieve the Holy Spirit”

Eph 4:17-19 is a warning not to walk like they formally did and a reminder of the nature of that walk.

The rest is an encouragement about what to stop doing and what to start doing.

How does Eph 4:30 fit in to this segment? Why is it’s message pertinent to this crowd?

There are two parts of this text that need attention: i. Do not grieve ii. you were sealed

“You Were Sealed”

What message does Paul seek to get across with the reference to a seal?

“Seals” were used as proof of identity (of the owner)

Implies we do not belong to ourselves anymore, we are now “in possession of someone else” hence the need for a change in behaviour. You have a new brand. Ep 4:20-21; 23-24 . c.f. Ep 1:3

Everything about you needs to be consistent with the seal you bear.

Seals were used to protect what was being sealed

Whatever has been sealed is protected from violation. Someone may say something contrary but the seal says otherwise. Possible application can be the ineffectiveness of our Accuser Rev 12:10; Zech 3:1.

This makes sense because Gentile brethren were not readily accepted in the early church. Don’t walk like your former selves (Ep 4:17-19)

Metaphorically used to establish confirmation Jn 3:33. Consider then what Paul says about the Spirit in Rom 8:16-17

What does Roman 8 discuss? Identity in Christ [Ro. 8:1; 2; 5-6 ‘contrast’; Ro 8:9-10 introduces the idea of “belonging”.

The word “testifies” means to CONFIRM something by providing evidence. The Spirit confirms with evidence that we are “children of God”.

“for the day of redemption” - Salvation to come is the most likely ref. 1 Pet 1:5; 2 Pet 1:11; Ep. 1:13-14

“Do not grieve”

The word grieve is used to express sorrow or distress for someone that has a direct interest at hand. lit. it hits home.

The word also refers to someone being saddened based on their interaction with someone else.

The word implies

that there must be a deep connection existing between the believer and God.

How could the Ephesians grieve Him?

What if, what we do is inconsistent with the one who seals us?

Confirmation

Ownership

Preservation

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians D. The Cultivation of Holiness (vv. 25–32)

You should live like the one you have become. Live in unity and mutual ministry with others and in holiness before God.