Monday Discussion ~ A Work of God ~ Ephesians 4:30-32

Each Monday I will be posting reflections from the sermon and discussion questions for any groups working through the sermon texts with us.

Last week, Larry preached on Ephesians 4:30:32.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Paul finishes his call to maturity with a simple reminder. We are now in a new relationship. We are not talking about some abstract law or philosophy. God in Jesus has come close to us. More than that, through the Holy Spirit he has come to live with us. 'Do not grieve' the Holy Spirit! It's personal! Relationships are more powerful than rules every time*. A law can stop me from stealing or trespassing. But no law can make me sacrifice for my wife or my children. That's something I will only do out of love and affection. And so it is with God. We don't need more rules. We need a closer relationship.

QUESTIONS

1. How do you respond to this phrase 'grieving the Holy Spirit'? Can you imagine God grieving?

2. How might you try to see your obedience to God as a matter of relationship rather than rules?

Rules may help set boundaries and keep things clear. But no relationship can live by rules alone. I once knew a woman who had bought a TV with her 'allowance' from her husband. And since she had bought the TV with 'her' allowance, 'he' was not allowed to watch that TV. Her husband treated her legalistically, and she responded in the same way. Abundant grace only arises when we start to experience abundant grace. Deep, 'letting go' forgiveness only arises when we experience that kind of forgiveness.

Read Matthew 18:21-35

3. What law did the unforgiving servant break?

4. The servant was forgiven his debt, but he didn't receive forgiveness. What clues do you see in the story that the man never understood how much he had been forgiven?

5. How does the king respond to the unforgiving servant? Is this an overreaction?

PRACTICAL QUESTION

6. Greg is a member of your team at work. He is constantly critical of your performance. He sends emails that are rude, makes snarky comments during meetings and has talked about you behind your back. Your boss and co-workers are familiar with Greg's approach and they chalk it up to personality difference, so there is no substantial impact on your reputation at work. But the truth is, Greg just bugs you constantly. He's not a Christian, and you don't have any contact outside of work? How should you respond to him?

Javier is a member of your congregation. He attends Bible study with you. Javier has a short temper, and has sent 2 or 3 nasty emails to you, criticizing you. On one occasion, he yelled at you. Should you respond to Javier any differently than you would respond to Greg, as a Christian?

* An interesting TED talk reveals how increased legislation has failed us. What is needed is more wisdom from people who know the cases before them.