Bible Study - Why Church (4) - We Encourage One Another - Ephesians 4:17-32 - August 16, 2020

 

Bible Study – Why Church (4) – We Encourage One Another – August 16, 2020

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Why Do I Need Church?”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 4:17-32.

We need the encouragement of others – and they need ours. There is nothing better or more comforting than to have the love, prayers, ministry and encouragement of fellow brothers and sisters in JESUS when we encounter the issues of life. Is church a showcase for the saints or a hospital for those in need of Spiritual needs? The true saints do not pump their chests and say “look at me” but they quietly minister and serve as led by the Holy Spirit. The church is the place for Spiritual healing, growth, and application.

When we look around in our today’s world and compare it to Biblical truth it gets our attention. Are we approaching end times for earth? The answer is yes. How do I know that? We have been moving in that direction since JESUS gave HIS physical life upon the cross. The Apostles were looking for JESUS to return at any moment. But no one knows when that moment will be, except GOD. But while we wait, GOD desires for us to be about HIS work because there is a world of people going to Hell unless they receive the truth of the Gospel. Christians must work while there is still light because the harvest is plentiful.

GOD desires for HIS Children to be sharp and willing to be led by the indwelling Holy Spirit to those in need of salvation. Am I sharp and ready to serve as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit?

There is an appropriate scripture in Proverbs 27:17 which gives us insight into how GOD works in our lives. GOD desires for all people to know HIM personally through faith in JESUS. HE uses circumstances and issues in life upon earth to guide us to a saving knowledge of JESUS. Once we are Christians, HE leads us to a deeper walk with JESUS through circumstances in life.

In Proverbs 27:17: Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.^[c]

I recall growing up seeing a large round stone mounted in a wooden frame that had a foot pedal. When you pressed on the pedal the stone would turn and when you held a piece of metal against the stone, sparks would fly. I loved seeing the sparks fly. The rotating stone would be used to sharpen an ax or other farm equipment that needed to have a sharp edge to cut. My grandfather would also use an iron file to sharpen metal hand tools he would use to cut grass in the pasture. This was back in the day.

As Christians, there are times when we get Spiritually dull in our service or relationship with our LORD and HE must sharpen our relationship with HIM. Has that ever happened to you? “Iron sharpens iron, and a person, circumstance or issue we encounter in life, sharpens us.” Sometimes the sparks fly.

Why does GOD sharpen us? It is because HE loves us, has a plan for us and desires the best for us. When GOD brings out the grinding wheel, whetstone or iron file and applies it to our lives, rejoice because HE loves us and plans to use us in a mighty way. Is it pleasant? Most often, it is not pleasant.  Often, it is when we look back that we see the wisdom in why GOD took us through certain circumstances. It is when we get through the sharpening process that we see it was designed to bring us closer to GOD, strengthen us and build our trust in HIM.

Why does HE desire to build trust in HIM? Can anyone of us tell a mountain to jump into the sea? No! But WHO can? What does it take? It takes our faith in JESUS. It is faith in GOD through our faith in JESUS for miracles to take place upon earth. How do we build our faith? Trust and act by taking a step of faith as led by the Holy Spirit. With each step of faith, our faith and trust grow. Suppose I take a step of faith and nothing happens. Ask GOD to reveal to you why and to help you to remove that barrier. Keep in mind that Satan does not want you to walk in faith but in defeat. As a Christian, defeat is not an option. Why? It is because JESUS has defeated Satan and all his cohorts and so have we, as Spirit-born Children of GOD, through faith in JESUS. Embrace it and rejoice - the victory is won! Share the Good News with the Spiritually lost as the Holy Spirit gives us opportunity.  

The Bible is very clear as we read in Hebrews 4:12:

¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

GOD can use many things in our lives to get our attention and knock off the rough edges. HIS Word is a powerful tool. GOD has many tools at HIS command to sharpen us to be the cutting edge HE desires for our lives as we serve HIM.

What does GOD desire for HIS Spirit-born Children? It is to know and trust HIM intimately and to serve HIM. Some may think or say, “I am not as young as I used to be and cannot get around like I use to.” You can still pray. You can support your church, missions or missionary efforts that spread the Gospel both at home and abroad. The church where we are members can be the conduit through whom we work or send our resources.

There are many other Christian organizations you can support as led by the Holy Spirit to name a few: Billy Graham, Samaritan’s Purse, Justice and Mercy, Cru, Wycliff Bible Translators, and the list goes on. As a Spirit-born Christian, pray and ask GOD to lead you according to HIS plan and purpose for you. Where does GOD desire for you to serve and use your resources?

Spirit-born Christians are to walk according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. So, is that simple? It could be or it could not be. A lot depends upon our human nature. We may need to take off our old life and put on our new life in CHRIST. We may be hanging onto some of the old things in our life. We need to be sharpened to cut them loose. Are we the type that sees what needs to be done and does it? Or do we plan and work our plan? Or? Often GOD allows us to move ahead of HIM to teach us. It will be a positive lesson HE teaches us whether good or not so good. How do I know? I have been there and know. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Ephesians 4:17-22:

Living the New Life

¹⁷ Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thoughts. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because^[e] of the hardness of their hearts. ¹⁹ They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more.^[f]

²⁰ But that is not how you came to know Christ, ²¹ assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, ²² to take off^[g] your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, 

The Apostle Paul brings his readers around to examine their everyday life. Why? Others see Christians as they walk or live their lives. There is another dimension Christians must keep in their minds and that is, their/our walk is a testimony that reflects their/our relationship to GOD. Paul included thought life as being a critical matter for all Christians to consider. What we dwell upon in our minds is a picture of our true selves. It is our most secret place.

As Christians, are we willing to take off our old life, including our thought life and put on our new life in JESUS, including our thought life? Doing so requires a decision. It will likely require a different lifestyle.

What are some of the things Paul brings to our minds in this rehabilitation process from our old life without JESUS to our new life in JESUS?

What is important as a Spirit-born Christian:

-         How we walk or live our daily lives

-         Our thought life

-         Our secret life

-         Examine our thought life e.g. do we dwell on the dark side or do we seek the light as GOD is the light.

-         Seek truth and enlightenment through the study and application of GOD’S Word.

-         Dispel ignorance of GOD and ask GOD to reveal and to make real to you the presence and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

-         Confess any unconfessed sin.

-         Ask GOD to dispel any ignorance or false notions about the Gospel of JESUS or HIS relationship with you and replace it with Spiritual truth.

-         Ask GOD to search your heart and reveal things that are barriers to serving HIM and to remove them from your life.

-         Are you stubborn or callous about hanging onto something in your old life that you do not want to let go of? Grudges?

-         What is in the most secret part of your heart which Paul describes in Ephesians 1:18 as “the eyes of your heart.” This is where the real you and truth meet and only you know what that truth is.

Christians are to take off their old way of life and put on their new life as Spirit-born Christians. As Christians, there is an action we must take as Paul wrote in Romans 12:2 - ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Are you willing to allow GOD to renew your way of thinking? What can block the working of the Holy Spirit? Stubbornness. Why stubbornness?

First Samuel 15:23a:

“For rebellion is as the sin of ^[a]witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”

So, what is a person to do to become a Spirit-born Christian? First, we are sinners and in need of salvation from our sins. GOD has provided the way for salvation by sending JESUS, HIS only SON, to live upon earth in the flesh. JESUS was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted but without sin.  JESUS gave HIS sinless life by the shedding of HIS blood to pay, in full, for sin. JESUS gave HIS life just for you to atone for your sins. Dear JESUS, I am a sinner and I believe YOU gave YOUR sinless life for me and I ask YOU to come into my heart. It is not the words uttered but the attitude of your heart by recognizing and acknowledging that you are a sinner and you need salvation from sin and its consequence, which is eternal death. It is CHRIST in you that results in you being a Christian.

As a Christian you have been Spiritually born into GOD’S Family. Next, understand and acknowledge that as a Spirit-born Christian, you are already indwelled and equipped by the Holy Spirit. Since this is true, what is the issue in your life? Paul brings to light, are we hanging onto our old way of life e.g. grudges, habits, things we know that a Christian should not do but we enjoy doing them and the list goes on. Christians must take off their old clothes and put on their new clothes.

As Christians read, study, and apply GOD’S Word to our lives, it is like our lives have been placed in a big washing machine. When the dirt and grime of our old life is removed, we can see with Spiritual eyes that we have been wearing filthy rags compared to the new clothes GOD has for us to put on. They have been washed in the blood of JESUS.

This may sound gory, but it is precious that JESUS gave HIS life to set you and me free from sin and its consequence.

Let’s read Ephesians 4:23-28:

²³ to be renewed^[h] in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴ and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

Where is central control located in the human body? It is in our minds. That is why the Apostle Paul told the Christians then and Christians today that it is vital that we change our way of thinking from our old life without CHRIST to our new Spirit controlled life with CHRIST.

What is GOD’S goal? GOD never takes away a Christian’s right to choose. Each day of our lives, we choose what we will wear. We make that choice in our mind, often based upon our activity for that day. The Apostle Paul gives Christians a clue in Ephesian 6 what we should put on every day. Why does GOD desire for us to put on our new Spirit-born self? It is because, it is the “one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” As A Spirit-born Christian do you desire to walk in the Spirit? If so, then ask GOD to help you renew your mind such that you will choose to put on your “new self” every day.

The renewing of our minds is a daily activity.

Paul gives us some hints about some of the things that run though our minds as we read on ----

²⁵ Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,^[j] because we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin.^[k] Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and don’t give the devil an opportunity. ²⁸ Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. 

Paul reveals the many ways Satan tries to derail our day. When stumbling blocks come across our path, immediately know you are going in the right direction and you must keep a sharp eye out for the “roaring lion”/Satan. Just because we have on our new clothes does not mean we will not face issues along our life’s journey. But rejoice as a Spirit-born Christian, GOD has equipped you for “greater is HE that is in you than he/Satan that is in the world (1 John 4:4)

What are some of the tools Satan uses to trip you up? Lying, anger, stealing, cheating, drugs, alcohol, adultery, various addictions, and the list goes on.

Paul identifies more as we read on-----

Let’s read Ephesians 4:29-32:

²⁹ No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need,^[l] so that it gives grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him^[m] for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. ³² And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you^[n] in Christ.

What are some of the things Paul brings to our mind?

-         No Foul language but only good language that builds up and ushers in grace to all who hear.

-         Our actions either bring Glory to GOD or grieve the Holy Spirit. Christians must keep in mind who they are. They are GOD’S Ambassadors and represent HIM.

-         Paul points out others issues that Satan uses to damage a Christians witness e.g. all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. 

-         What is a Christian’s alternatives - And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you^[n] in Christ.

How is this possible? The world we live in is the iron file or the sharpening stone that keeps us with a keen cutting edge as we live life upon earth as Christians.

FATHER, all who have asked JESUS to forgive them for their sins and asked JESUS to come into their lives to know that they have been Spirit-born. For those who have been Christians and may need sharpening, I ask that the indwelling Holy Spirit cause a stirring in their hearts to put on their new Spiritual clothes every day. And build an intimate faith/trust relationship with YOU. As Christians, we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

Blessings!!!