Holy Spirit – Pt 5

Ephesians 4:17-32 (NLT)

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: 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 throw 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—truly righteous and holy.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 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.

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.

Ephesians 5:1-10 (NLT)

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.

FOUR STEPS TO PUT INTO PRACTICE THIS WEEK:

1. Imitate God like a well-loved child imitates their loving father.

2. Love others like Christ loved us.

3. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse sins as no big deal.

4. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.

SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Where your faith intersects with real life!

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message notes.

Big Idea: Do not bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit by the way you live. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

▶ Read Ephesians 5:1, 3-4. What are some ways believers can imitate God and live out love like a well-loved child?

▶ Read Ephesians 5:2. How does Christ give us an example of love to follow?

▶ Read Ephesians 5:6-10. What are some ways you have personally experienced God lighting a way for you to follow?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.

Read Ephesians 4:17-32. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight one next step of connection for you to move toward.

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Pray together for God to continue moving in our church by moving in our hearts.

Want to go deeper?:

Try reading Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become like him, do as he did by John Mark Comer.