DO NOT GRIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

Passage: Ephesians 4:25-32

Key verse: 30

NIV

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully(A) to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.(B) 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]:(C) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.(D) 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,(E) doing something useful with their own hands,(F) that they may have something to share with those in need.(G)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,(H) but only what is helpful for building others up(I) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,(J) with whom you were sealed(K) for the day of redemption.(L) 31 Get rid of(M) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.(N) 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,(O) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(P)

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Footnotes
  1. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you (A)speak the truth with his neighbor, for (B)we are members one of another. 26 (C)Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and (D)give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather (E)let him labor, (F)doing honest work with his own hands, so (G)that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 (H)Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give (I)grace to those who hear. 30 And (J)do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, (K)by whom you were sealed for the day of (L)redemption. 31 (M)Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 (N)Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, (O)forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Do not give the devil a foothold (25-28)

Three things are mentioned here which give the devil a foothold in our lives: First, lying to one another. It takes courage to speak the truth in love. Second, holding anger in our hearts. We must get rid of all anger before the sun goes down. Third, depending on others for material help instead of working. We should work so that we can have something to share with those in need.

2. Speak to help others (29-31)

What we say makes a difference. Our words should be limited to words that build up others. When bitterness, anger, slander, or a grudge against someone is in my heart, the words that come from my mouth grieve the Holy Spirit and hurt others.

3. Be kind and compassionate (32)

Kindness and compassion are not just to make a good impression on strangers. They are for those closest to us. We must forgive one another, for we are all forgiven sinners.

Prayer: Lord, help me not to grieve your Spirit. Help me to build up others.

One Word: Don't grieve the Holy Spirit