Which of Paul’s words of counsel with regard to the use of speech among believers is the most important to you just now? Why? (Ephesians 4:25-29).

Paul repeatedly uses an interesting structure in Ephesians 4:25-32, which is illustrated by Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV): a negative command (“putting away lying”); a positive command next (“let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor”); and then a rationale (“for we are members of one another,” which seems to mean “because we are members of one body and so related to one another as parts of that one body”).

Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com

Paul’s exhortation to “speak truth” is not an invitation to confront other church members with a tactless recitation of facts. Paul alludes to Zechariah 8:16, which exhorts speaking the truth as a way of fostering peace.

Since in Ephesians 4:31 Paul banishes anger and angry speech, his words in Ephesians 4:26 provide no permission to exercise anger within the congregation. Rather, Paul concedes the possibility of anger, while limiting its expression with the sense, “Should you become angry, do not allow it to bear fruit in full blown sin.”

Paul appears to interrupt his theme of speech with a negative command about thieves: “Let the thief no longer steal” (Ephesians 4:28, ESV). Positively, the thief is to “labor, doing honest work with his own hands” (Ephesians 4:28, ESV; see also 1 Corinthians 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:11) based on the rationale, “so that he may have something to share with anyone in need” (Ephesians 4:28, ESV). Perhaps Paul includes this word about thieves here because of the connection between theft and deceptive speech as illustrated by the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. Paul’s faith in Christ’s transforming power is so strong that he envisions thieves becoming benefactors!

Paul then commands, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29, NKJV), which describes a destructive word making its seemingly unstoppable way toward the lips to do its damaging work. Positively, Paul imagines any negative expression not being just stopped, but replaced by a statement that exhibits three criteria: It (1) “is good for building up,” (2) “fits the occasion,” and (3) gives “grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29, ESV). If only all our words could be like that!

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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The book of Ephesians does show us “How to Follow Jesus in Trying Times”: 
Hymn 623 – I Will Follow Thee, My Saviour, so that our actions will always speak louder than our words.

There are unfathomable changes to our lives, we see during our studies this week, when we follow our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We may sing of these changes in L
ove Divine – Hymn 191, particularly in verse 4. This may happen as we diligently study our Bible and see 
This Is The Threefold Truth – Hymn 202 where change is seen in verse 3.

In the Bible readings on Sunday we see the request 
Come, Ye Sinners – Hymn 280 where we may then say 
I Lay My Sins On Jesus – Hymn 298  knowing that our request of 
Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive – Hymn 299 is heard and completed by Jeus. Our conviction shows that we are redeemed: 
Hymn 179 – The Wonders Of Redeeming Love, 
Hymn 337/338 – Redeemed and then 
I Will Sing of My Redeemer – Hymn 343.

To help with our dramatic change (Monday) we will relish Sitting At The Feet Of Jesus – Old Hymnal (pre-1985) number 618.

Wednesday shows the
Spirit of God – Hymn 266 is a wonder in our lives if we ask 
Come, Holy Spirit – Hymn 269 and 
Hymn 268 – Holy Spirit, Light Divine.

As we watch and wait, it will be with stunning joy that we will see “the day of redemption” Ephesians 4:30 as we sing in 
Watchmen, On The Walls Of Zion – Hymn 601 verse 3.  

We are to speak “Kindness (Not Bitterness)” says Thursday’s study: 
Hymn 81 – Though I Speak With Tongues after we ask 
Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive – Hymn 299.

So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward and
“Lift up the trumpet and loud let it ring, Jesus IS coming again” – Hymn 213.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Amen!(0)

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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.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. How does Paul advocate for believers to live in a way that encourages unity in the church?
3. Personal Application: What has been your experience with the power of sain that drags a person downward into more sin? Share your thoughts
4. 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.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Which of Paul’s words of counsel with regard to the use of speech among believers is most important to you just now?
3. 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.
4. 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.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What does Paul share here about sins of speech and the presence of the Holy Spirit?
3. Personal Application: How does the Holy Spirit seal us to the day of redemption? What does it mean to be sealed? Share your thoughts.
4. 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.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. In light of Christ’s return, what attitudes and behaviors related to speech should be discarded?
3. Personal Application: Think about the power of your words. How can you use them to be uplifting, encouraging, and faith-building? Share your thoughts.
4. 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!(0)

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