8: Christ-shaped Lives and Spirit-inspired speech – Teaching Plan

Key Thought Paul writes that believers have experienced a complete transformation. The old man has become new. It includes a renewal of the mind.
August 19, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:20-24.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
How does Paul advocate for believers to live in a way that encourages unity in the church?
Personal Application: What has been your experience with the power of sain that drags a person downward into more sin? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your friends states, “What is the difference between learning about Christ and learning to know Christ?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:25-29.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
Which of Paul’s words of counsel with regard to the use of speech among believers is most important to you just now?
Personal Application: How often do our conversations focus on ourselves and our petty grievances and troubles? How often do we speak negatively about someone else? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does Paul speak about changing behavior for Christians? I thought grace did away with these legalistic rants about behavior. What does changing our behavior have to do with grace? Everybody gets angry; everybody speaks unkindly at times. Sometimes it’s hard to forgive others for what they have done.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:30.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What does Paul share here about sins of speech and the presence of the Holy Spirit?
Personal Application: How does the Holy Spirit seal us to the day of redemption? What does it mean to be sealed? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “How can we grieve the Holy Spirit? Is it by doing the things Paul speaks about in Ephesians? Are there other things we can do to grieve the Holy Spirit?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:31,32.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
In light of Christ’s return, what attitudes and behaviors related to speech should be discarded?
Personal Application: Think about the power of your words. How can you use them to be uplifting, encouraging, and faith-building? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!