Ephesians 4:20-32

Go Deep

(Ephesians 4:20-32)

Read Eph. 4:20-32. What stands out to you?

What do you learn about the Christian and anger in verses 26-27?

Does it surprise you that Paul needs to tell Christians to stop stealing (v. 28)?

How could someone adopt the goal of going to work in order to have something to share with others? What changes would he/she need to make?

Read verses 29-32. What do you think: What kinds of talk qualify as “unwholesome” (Greek – “rotten”)?

How might engaging in “rotten” talk will influence a person’s ability to forgive? Will it make it harder? Which is more dangerous: “rotten talk” or “rotten thinking”? Explain.

Also in verse 29: Paul speaks of talking in a way that builds others up according to their needs. What do you understand this to mean? How would a person go about doing it? Could the habit of speaking edifying words influence my ability to forgive people? Why or why not?

Read verse 30. What grieves the Holy Spirit of God?

In verse 31, Paul tells the Ephesians to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” What steps should a Christian take to accomplish this?

Read verse 32. Do you think becoming a kind and compassionate person would have an impact on a person’s ability to forgive? How can a person become kind? Compassionate?

Paul says to forgive as God forgave you. How did God forgive us? Be specific.

Can I forgive a person who doesn’t deserve forgiveness? Can I forgive a person who does?

Choose one thing from Eph. 4:20-32 that Cal Road people could act on. What difference would this make in the church?