Ephesians

Second Day: Read Ephesians 4:30—5:2, concentrating on 4:30.

1. a. In this passage Paul continues to explain how to put off the “old self” and put on the “new self.” What are we instructed not to do in Ephesians 4:30a?

b. Challenge: Some people have thought of the Holy Spirit as merely a force or an influence exerted on us, rather than as a personal being. (We studied this more thoroughly in the Lesson 3 questions) Think a moment. Can you grieve an inanimate object or an impersonal force? Can you grieve a rock? Can you grieve the wind? If you aren’t certain what the term “grieve” means, look it up in the dictionary.

2. a. What does Ephesians 4:30b tell us the Holy Spirit does for us?

b. How does this compare to what is said in the following verses?

Ephesians 1:13-14

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

3. Review from Lesson 3: read Romans 8:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-5. Summarize what you learn about our redemption and the guarantee.

4. Personal. The Holy Spirit has been given to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit takes up residence within you the moment you repent and accept Christ as your Savior. The seal of the Spirit is the mark of a Christian, so from a biblical point of view it is incorrect to apply the label “Christian” to someone who is not indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). You may be a church member, you may have been religious all your life—but unless you have put your faith in Jesus Christ and been sealed by the Holy Spirit, you are not a Christian. Have you repented and placed your faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sin?