What You Do Tells Me Something about You

August 22, 2010

Ephesians 4: 23-32; Colossians 3: 5-17

Today we are continuing to talk about Christian Character and Conduct. Last Sunday we talked about how ones Character is revealed by their conduct. Both Ephesians and Colossians deal with character and conduct, Colossians is more complex but Ephesians more practical.

Focus on Ephesians 4: 23-32

As a Christian we are:

Renewed in the spirit of our mind. (v 23)

We “put on the new man which was created according to God – true righteousness and holiness”.

God’s word is very practical.

• Verse 25 – Put away lying
• Verse 26 – Be angry but do not sin
• Verse 27 – Don’t give place to the devil
• Verse 28 – Don’t steal. Go to work to be able to give to others in need. Don’t mooch; work, be a contributor
• Verse 29 – Watch what you say. Say good things. “Impart grace to the hearer.” Be careful how you talk about others (Gossip) 

These verses focus on my conduct in relationships – how I deal with people.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God (v 30)

When I do these things I “grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” We are attached (sealed) to God by the Holy Spirit who lives in us and who is trying to help us to be more Christ like until we go to heaven. When we don’t listen to His voice we grieve him, like a child who is resisting the guiding hand of his or her parent.

In Summary:
God commands us to:

• Put off (Get rid of) all bitterness, wrath (rage), anger, clamor (brawling), evil speaking (slander), malice. (v 31)
• Replace it with kindness, compassion and forgiveness
• Be kind, tenderhearted (compassionate), forgiving each other (v 32)

God wants us to be genuine in our conduct

The memory verse for the month of August is Col 3:17:

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him”

Our Conduct Should Please God

Pastor Pete