08/08/2021 | TELL THE TRUTH

Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2

EPHESIANS 4:25 – 5:2

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbours the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Living in the Light

5 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

QUESTIONS:

  1. In this age of fake news, “alternate truth”; of mass information, misinformation, and disinformation, what might Paul be advising us today with the words “stop telling lies” (v. 25)?
  2. How easy or hard is it for you to share a difficult or hard truth with someone else? Why is that the case for you?
  3. Of the instructions that Paul gives in verses 26-32, which do you find to be the hardest? Why is that the case for you?
  4. How might all of these contribute to a community of believers that imitates God?
  5. How might STMC be thought of differently by the community around the church if we were intentional about living out our faith in this “truthful” way?
  6. What might it look like for you to live more consciously as an “imitator of God”?

God bless

Tim

With thanks: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/… small-groups