October 25, 2009
Monday_ Ephesians 4:14-16 (NIV) – 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
For Class Discussion
1. As someone once quipped, “Whenever you see a “then” or “therefore”, you had better go back and see what its there for!” In the first 13 verses of Ephesians 4, Paul is telling us that we (individual believers) form the one body of Christ—His bride, the church! He reminds us that Jesus descended unto earth and ascended back to the Father—leaving behind spiritual gifts for his children. Our gifts are not for our personal edification, but rather to be used to grow up other believers—so that what is lacking in one may be brought to full maturity in Christ by the loving use of a gift of another. Paul refers to this as our “high calling.”
2. Wow—tossed back and forth by waves! Have you ever just stood beside the ocean and watched as the waves crashed unto the shore? The Force governing the ocean has one purpose—that is to bring the tides in and out—that they go this far and no further. However, if you study the waves, they seem to be in frenzy over just how to reach the shore. Some go this way, some go that way, some overlap. You would think that they would all just uniformly reach the shore, but, just when you think there is a pattern, a harmony—not! This, too, is the person who is not firmly anchored in the teachings and doctrines of Christ!
3. By the way, we could use that ocean as an analogy to Christ as the head of the church. We, Christ’s body, have purpose and are to function in unity and harmony as He has so designed. Still, we do have those strong wills and wants which can set Christ’s body flailing! Unity, believers! Unity!
4. Name some of the cunning, crafty and deceitful” schemes” that are prevalent in and out of the church today. What is their main objective, appeal? Where is God in these schemes?
5. Unfortunately, there are many in the world, and sadly, in our own churches that are knowingly or unknowingly bent on deceiving, or dividing asunder the true church of Christ. What might be their motive(s)?
6. How you ever been confused or even tempted by such teachings? What has enabled you to get back on solid footing—if indeed you have?
7. Speaking the truth in love is not the same as saying nice things to one another. No, sometimes the truth hurts, wounds—but, it must be spoken—if we love. We must at least attempt to snatch others out of the fire. That can literally be eternal hell, or the chastisement of Almighty God—both scorch!
Tuesday_ Ephesians 4:17-24 (NIV) – 17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
For Class Discussion
1. I was listening to a taping of Rick Warren last night in class and he stated what I believe is a profound truth, “satan most often comes to the believer through the form of comedy.” Think about it. Like Rick said, if he can get you to laugh over a word or situation—then somehow we don’t feel so bad about it. Shame on us (me)! Over the years we have been desensitized by all forms of media. I remember as a small child seeing “Gone with the Wind” in a local theater. Back then, going to the theater was a BIG deal. When that dashing Clark Cable uttered, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a “darn.” (You know what I mean.) You could have heard a pin drop. Yes, there were mostly gasps, but a few chuckles, too. (Probably from me and my sister.) My, how the world and its influence upon us has changed—for the worse! Do we even blush anymore? We should!
2. So, why do we listen to the gibberish coming out of Hollywood? It’s bad enough that the world’s mind is darkened and separated from God—they have an excuse—they are blind, but, what is the appeal to us as followers of Christ Jesus?
3. Have you ever found yourself saying, “Ah, just this once,” and then the lust for more and more overcame you? That is our flesh! How were you, or have you been able to overcome the sin(s) of the flesh?
4. We have spoken about the fact that two natures dwell within us—our sin nature—and the new creation that we are in Christ Jesus. The term above, “old self” refers to that sin nature. So, how do we “put off” sin?
5. What is the new self and how do we put “it” on?
Wednesday_ Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV) – 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
For Class Discussion
1. Anger in and of itself is not sin. There are many things in this world that can and should make us righteously angry. However, human beings that we are, we are going to have disagreements with one another. This is the type of anger where we need to be careful not to sin. What are some ways we can sin in our anger?
2. Bitterness—that is satan’s stronghold over us in our anger. That is why is it so important to resolve issues as quickly as we can because when that bitterness starts churning up in our souls it grows into rage and rage becomes hatred and hatred kills both you and the object of your anger (even if not physically). Beware, beloved!
3. The Holy Spirit is just as much God as God, the Father and God, the Son. He is Spirit, yet he experiences strong emotion on behalf of the Father and Son—He grieves, mourns, weeps. If you are a believer in the Lord, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit has taken up His dwelling place inside you. He sees! So, what are some of the ways we can grieve the Holy Spirit other than anger.
Thursday_James 3:3-8 (NIV) – 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
For Class Discussion
1. If you are able to control your tongue—you can control your entire being. Ain’t there yet! How about you?
2. Look at the trouble our tongues stir up:
a. Boasting, pride (the fall of satan)
b. Lying
c. Cursing
d. Brawling
e. Slander
f. Unwholesome talk
g. Gossip
3. I instinctly know just the right buttons to push that can set off my husband, my children and now my grandchildren, and if I push them all at the same time—Wow! You can see the sparks start flying—the house can seem to have a feeling of a forest fire for a while. Now, I do this (mostly) just to shake ‘em up and have fun, and soon all is forgiven. Truth is, they know mine, too, and often do the same, but that doesn’t make it any better! Better to just shut up!
4. Another thing the tongue is often used for is wounding. How do we use our tongues in sly ways to intentionally throw darts at one another?
Friday_ James 3:9-16 (NIV) – 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
For Class Discussion
1. Our tongues can also be driven by:
a. Selfish ambition – Give some examples.
b. Envy – Give some examples.
2. The problem truly is that we are all talk and no action. Let’s stop it! We can be such hypocrites, but, dear one, we are beloved by God hypocrites—saved by His grace and mercy to be free from such actions! Let’s think before we speak, proving we are His, and start bearing fruit worthy of our King.
3. We must realize that one our own we can never hope to tame our tongues, but, remember, God’s precious Holy Spirit empowers us and compels us toward love—always! Let’s use our tongues to build up—not destroy. To bless and not curse. To encourage—not defeat. Let’s live the life and let our lights shine in this blind and darkened world because we do know the Truth and that is Christ Jesus, and Him risen!
