Sunday, November 22, 2020

Walking Out Our Faith Effectively (Ephesians Series)

 

Walking Out Our Faith Effectively
Walking Out Our Faith Effectively

In our Ephesians series at church today, we are talking about walking out our faith effectively.  The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Do you walk out your faith effectively?
 
Our scripture passage is is Ephesians 4:25-32.
Therefore, ridding yourselves of falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are parts of one another. 26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity. 28 The one who steals must no longer steal; but rather he must labor, producing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need. 29 Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. - Ephesians 4:25-32
We are to no longer walk in ignorance.  We are to walk in a manner worthy of our calling.  We are told in Ephesians 4:30 that we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit.  He is not an "it."  He is a person.  He is God.
Walking Out Our Faith Effectively
Ephesians 4:9 Sign

Walking Out Our Faith Effectively


1.  Walk honestly. (Ephesians 4:30)


Put away lies and speak truth.  Believers are to be clothed in honesty.  Relationships can only be maintained in unity in honesty.  Be truthful.  Living in truth is living Christ-like.  Living in lies is living like the enemy, the devil.  Satan is a master at deception.  Be honest about yourself.  We are all broken.  We all need accountability.

2.  Walk in serenity.


The word "serenity" means "peace and calm."  It is OK to be angry.  The emotion of anger is not a sin but emotions can result in sin.  Righteous anger is good.  It becomes wrong when it is self-centered.  That type of anger moves into your heart and it lingers.  It doesn't go away until you evict it.  Bad things can come into our lives due to selfish anger.

Don't go to bed angry. (Ephesians 4:26)

3.  Walk cautiously.


Do not give the devil any opportunity to trip up your walk.
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8
Guard your internet!  Lock every door of your heart and home.  If Satan is giving any opportunity to enter, he will walk in and rule.
 

4.  Live generously.  (Ephesians 4:28)


5.  Speak graciously.


Don't allow nasty stuff  to come out of your mouth.  Whatever comes out of your mouth reflects the condition of your heart.  We get desensitized due to our constant exposure to worldly words and behavior.  
 
Don't let Hollywood script your speech.
 
People can be mean with words.  Jesus was both tough and tender.  Speak truth in love.  Love difficult people because you are one too.


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Walking Out Our Faith Effectively



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