Lesson for August 9, 2009 - Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (Living Bible)
(25)Stop lying to each other; tell the truth, for we are parts of each other and when we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves. (26)If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry – get over it quickly; (27)for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil.
(28)If anyone is stealing he must stop it and begin using those hands of his for honest work so he can give to others in need. (29)Don’t use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing.
(30)Don’t cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who marks you to be present on that day when salvation from sin will be complete.
(31)Stop being mean, bad-tempered and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. (32)Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.
(5:1)Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. (2)Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to him.
A few questions for all of us to think about:
How truthful are we – really truthful? (in our relationship with God and others, in our finances, in our work, in our prayers, and in the small day to day decisions we make?)
What usually triggers anger?
What is considered bad language? Is it “bad words” people say, or does it include much more than that?
What comes to your mind when you think of “grieving” (or causing “sorrow” to) the Holy Spirit?
What kind of things come to your mind when you are told you should “imitate God?” Can you think of people in your life who have left their mark upon you because they are/were a true imitator of God?
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