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Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Iowa RP Family Camp 2019 - Talk 5

Bryan Schneider · August 2, 2019

Scripture passage not listed

sharonrpc.org/sermons/iowa-rp-family-camp-2019

Summary

  • Ephesians 4:25-32 applies gospel change to concrete relationships because believers are members of one another in Christ's body.
  • Falsehood must be put away and truthful speech put on, with words chosen to build neighbors up rather than serve self-interest.
  • Anger must not be allowed to become sin or remain unresolved, because lingering resentment gives the devil an opportunity.
  • The thief must not merely stop stealing but work honestly so that productive labor becomes generous sharing with those in need.
  • Corrupt speech, bitterness, wrath, clamor, slander, and malice are replaced by kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness modeled on God's forgiveness in Christ.
  • The indwelling Spirit works in both speaker and hearer, making destructive treatment of another believer an offense against the Spirit's sanctifying work.

Reflection and discussion

  • Does my speech tell the truth in a way that serves the good of people joined to me in Christ?
  • What unresolved anger am I allowing to become a place for temptation and division?
  • Is my work honest, useful, and openhanded toward those in need, or aimed only at personal gain?
  • Which patterns of bitterness, clamor, slander, or corrupt talk must be put away?
  • What concrete act of kindness, tenderness, or forgiveness should replace that sinful pattern?
  • Do I remember that the Holy Spirit is at work in the believer I am tempted to tear down?

Key terms

Put off and put on
The pattern of repentance that rejects a sinful practice and replaces it with its righteous, Christlike counterpart.
Edifying speech
Words fitted to another person's need and directed toward building that person up in grace.
Righteous labor
Honest and useful work pursued not only for personal provision but also for generosity toward those in need.
Grieving the Holy Spirit
Acting against the holy, unifying, and sanctifying work of the Spirit who dwells in believers.

Notes and prayer