OUR STUDY BEGINS IN
EPHESIANS 4:25-32
This study guide is designed to help you dig deeper into the weekend message over the next week. The
questions below are meant to encourage thoughtful discussion and prayer within your Life Group.
MAIN IDEAS
READ THIS SECTION ALOUD WITH YOUR GROUP:
This weekend we studied Ephesians 4:25-32 with Dr. Stan Long. In these verses the Apostle
Paul gives us a framework for “high def living.” As we move deeper into this chapter, there is
guidance for the ways we should live as followers of Christ in many areas of our lives. With
the help of the Holy Spirit we should endeavor to manage our lives the way Paul lays out in
these verses.
First, in verses 25 and 29 Paul gives us direction in how to manage our verbal expressions.
He tells us that we must put off falsehood and unwholesome talk. Instead, we should speak
with truth and our words should be used to build up the people around us. As Christians, our
words have the power to draw people closer to Jesus or push them further away. When we
are around other believers, we should encourage and challenge one another to continue to
grow in our walk with God. When we are around unbelievers, we should be even more careful
that what we say is truthful and glorifies God.
Paul also gives us instruction on the management of our emotional expressions in verses 26
and 27. He tells us not to sin in our anger and not let the sun go down on our anger. Paul says
that when we allow our anger to go unchecked, we allow the devil to gain a foothold in our
lives. Anger breeds bitterness and all other kinds of sins. Dealing with our anger and coming
to a resolution is important in our relationships with God and others.
In verse 28, the Apostle Paul teaches us about the management of our resources. He tells
us that we must not steal, but that we should work hard and share with those in need. God
gifted each of us and expects that we work diligently and with integrity. As He provides for us
through our jobs, He expects that we share with those around us. As Christians, we should
follow Jesus’ example and be givers, not takers.
Paul focuses in on the management of our relationship with the Holy Spirit in verse 30. He tells
us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Remember, it’s the Holy Spirit inside us that guarantees that
we will be in heaven. Therefore, the relationship we have with the Holy Spirit is precious to us
and we should be careful not to grieve it.
Finally, in verses 31-32, Paul speaks to us about the management of our submission to God’s
will. He tell us to get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, fighting, slander and malice. Instead we
should be kind, compassionate and forgiving with others. Our treatment of others should be
based on the way Jesus treats us. As we sink deeper into the grace, love and forgiveness of
God, we should pour those same things out on those around us.
KEY SCRIPTURE
Read Ephesians 4:25-32 together as a group.
? DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why is the way we talk so important? What are
some positive results of our words? What could be
some negative effects of what we say?
GOING DEEPER
Take some time to pray through
the five areas we talked about this
week. Ask God to reveal to you
where He wants you to grow. Think
of some practical things you can do
this week to work on that area.
Read Ephesians 4:26-27. Why does Paul tell us
not to let the sun go down our anger? How does
unchecked anger give the devil a foothold? Can you
think of some examples?
In verse 28, the Apostle Paul tells us not to steal.
Aside from obvious theft, what are some other ways
we might be “stealing”?
Why is it so important to God that we share our
resources with others?
What do you think it looks like to grieve the Holy
Spirit? How do you know when you’ve done that?
Read Ephesians 4:32. What should be the basis for
the way we treat others? Why?
We talked about five areas of our lives this weekend:
our verbal expressions, emotional expressions,
resources, relationship with the Holy Spirit, and
submission to God’s will. Which area do you need to
work on the most? What is something God might be
calling you to do this week in that area?
BIBLE READING PLAN
As you read throughout the week,
take time to meditate and pray on
each section of Scripture. Consider
memorizing the verse or verses that
stand out to you.
[SIX DAY BIBLE READING PLAN]
Monday: Ephesians 4:25-32
Tuesday: Ephesians 4:25,29
Wednesday: Ephesians 4:26-27
Thursday: Ephesians 4:28
Friday: Ephesians 4:30
Saturday: Ephesians 4:31-32
MEMORY VERSE
Ephesians 4:32 NIV:
Be kind and compassionate
to one another, forgiving each
other, just as in Christ God
forgave you.
05.03.2015