Resurrection Life of Jesus Church
GRIEVING THE HOLY SPIRIT
RLJ-1964
CHARLES M. THORELL
MAY 26, 2024
THE NEW MAN
The apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians describes what the new life in Christ should resemble and go on to define characteristics that are offensive to God. Ephesians 4:23
We are a new creation in Christ. verse 24; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Our relationship with God is built solely upon love. Jesus said that our love for Him would be defined by our actions and that the Holy Spirit would also be present in our lives. John 14:15-17
LYING IS UNACCEPTABLE
Christians are to be truth tellers. Our motive is simple. We are all part of the body of Christ – the church. As such, there is no place for lying. Ephesians 4:25
Imagine if your hand touched something hot, but your brain didn’t register the pain. The end result would be burnt skin. This detachment between your skin and the nerves would be a dangerous and counterproductive way to live. The same holds true for the church. We are members of one another; we are connected to each other through the salvation provided by Jesus
DESTRUCTIVE ANGER
Most people get angry and this emotion often leads to an uncontrolled outburst:
• Call people names
• Get in someone’s face
• Give someone a dirty look
• Throw, kick, and break things
• Shove, grab, or hit someone
• Give the silent treatment
• Spread rumors
• Use others to gang up
However, it is possible to be angry and not sin – as with righteous causes. Anger as a temporary emotion that can motivate constructive action. verse 26
• God’s anger
• Parental anger
But more often than not, anger leads down a dark path. Wrath is something which lingers, leading to destructive thoughts and behaviors. The apostle Paul’s admonition is not let your anger develop into sin, and certainly not to let it fester until the next day and beyond.
We are cautioned to listen, but to be slow in our response because human wrath does not align with God’s value system. James 1:19-20
CORRUPTION OF SIN
The Devil, and certainly any enemy of yours, will delight when you open yourself to reproach. This happens when you indulge in the corruption of sin. Live in such a way that your words and actions are beyond reproach. Ephesians 4:27
Honest labor is the antidote to thievery. God is not a thief; we are expected to act accordingly so we can pay it forward. verse 28; John 10:10
Theft occurs when someone takes another man’s goods.
• Larceny
• Robbery
• Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Burglary
• Identity theft
• Shoplifting
• Extortion
• Service theft
EDIFYING WORDS
Humans communicate every day. Sometimes we use words that tear others down.
◦ Making fun
◦ Insults
◦ Name-calling
◦ Sarcasm
◦ Cursing
◦ Slander
◦ Gossip
We need to speak in such a way that it builds up the listener through encouragement, kindness, praise, and even constructive criticism. Ephesians 4:29; Luke 6:43-45
Corrupt words do not exemplify the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Insults, name-calling, and gossip only create strife and invite the Devil and his minions into your life. James 3:13- 16
GRIEVING THE LORD
Children certainly have the ability to grieve their parents and Christians can act the same way toward the Holy Spirit despite His redeeming work that will only be fully realized when your time on earth comes to an end. Ephesians 4:30
In following the chain listed by the apostle Paul, bitterness leads to anger and wrath, loud insistence of perceived wrongdoing, hurtful words, and a desire to inflict pain in retribution as opportunity avails. verse 31; Galatians 5:19-21
| Bitterness | Harshly reproachful; marked by cynicism and rancor; caused by severe pain, grief, or regret. |
| Wrath | Retaliatory punishment for an offense or a crime. |
| Anger | Strong feeling of displeasure, usually from resentment. |
| Clamor | To be loudly insistent. |
| Evil Speaking | Words intended to hurt those against whom they are spoken. |
| Malice | Desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another. |
Should you be unmerciful to the failings of others? No, yet many engage in the practice of bitterness that defiles the soul. Hebrews 12:14-15
GODLY VALUES
This is in stark contrast to the godly behavior that we are supposed to exhibit. James 3:17-18; Galatians 5:22-26
The Christian life is supposed to be characterized by kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness on account of God the Father sending God the Son to suffer for the sins of mankind and pardon us from sin. Ephesians 4:32
God is always examining your life. Do you think it is possible to fool a Being that is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. He is constantly aware of your words and actions. What kind of seed are you sowing? Are you expecting a good or evil harvest? Galatians 6:7-10
Remember, it’s not so important how you begin your life after salvation, but how you finish it!
Do you have an ear to hear with?
