Class Lesson August 16, 2020

 WHY DO I NEED THE CHURCH?

Spirituality is not declining, but church affiliation is. 

In this study, we will explore Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and we will see how God’s encouragement of the first-century Christians still encourages our twenty-first century lives today.

 

During our time together, we'll discuss the following 6 lessons:

1. We are joined together.
2. We pray for one another.
3. We support one another.
4. We encourage one another.
5. We strengthen one another.
6. We stand together in spiritual battle.

Let’s dive in and see why we need the church – and why the church needs us with lesson 4 in our series.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

In 1895, sixteen-year-old Edward Steichen bought a camera with money his mother gave him and started snapping pictures around the house—50 of them, in fact. When the film was developed, he had forty-nine bad pictures and only one good one: a picture of his sister at the piano. His father thought that was a poor showing, but his mother insisted that one photo was beautiful and more than compensated for forty-nine failures. Her encouragement convinced the boy to stick with his new hobby. Edward pressed on to become one of the world’s most renowned photographers. But, in the beginning, he almost gave up. What pushed him forward were his mother’s encouraging words in the midst of a lot of failure.1

The Christian life can be hard. Temptations abound and we sometimes struggle to honor God. Encouragement from fellow believers is a great help. Their words of support push us forward when we might be tempted to give in. We need the encouragement of other believers—and they need ours.

 

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Ephesians 4:17-22

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, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ 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.

 

Becoming a Christian is not about improving yourself, becoming more spiritual, or “turning over a new leaf.” It’s a radical transformation, a rebirth. It’s about receiving a new identity—one that produces new longings, godly dispositions, and fruitful behaviors. The Christian life is marked by contrasts; it’s a life that distinguishes between “what I used to be” and “what I am today.” God saves us just the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. Through our new identity, He produces a new way of living.

 

Question 2: What makes taking off the old self so difficult?

Because of our new life in Christ, we must resist returning to sinful attitudes or actions. Toward that end, Paul told us “to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires” (v. 22). As people living a new life through Jesus, we must put away those attitudes and actions that conflict with God’s holiness. In verse 22, Paul told us what to do—discard the old way of life—but he preceded that in verses 17-21 by telling us why. We are to shed our former way of living because . . .

• . . . Christians aren’t to do the same things non-Christians do (v. 17).
• . . . Christians aren’t to be ignorant to God’s commands (v. 18).
• . . . Christians aren’t to allow their hearts to become hardened to the things of God (v. 18).
• . . . Christians aren’t to increasingly pursue impure living like non-Christians do (v. 19).
• . . . living in sin is not how Jesus has taught us to live (vv. 20-21).

 

Impure attitudes and actions aren’t suitable in a life made pure by the blood of Jesus. A life characterized by sin just doesn’t belong with a heart saved by the gospel of Jesus.

And that’s Paul’s point in this passage. You and I have a biblical responsibility to not return to the dirty clothes. Jesus didn’t save us so that we might continue to wear the things He died to save us from. He saved us to wear a new wardrobe—to be adorned with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

 

Ephesians 4:23-28

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. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your 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 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

In the Christian life marked by contrasts, we’ve seen what we’re supposed to “put off” (our old sinful habits). Now, let’s consider what we’re to “put on.” We are “to put on the new self.” In saying this, Paul painted a stark contrast between the old self and the new self. The “old self” (v. 22) was “separated from the life of God” (v. 18) while the “new self” was “created to be like God” (v. 24). The old self was characterized by darkness, ignorance, and impurity (vv. 18-19) while the new self is characterized by “true righteousness and holiness.” Jesus saves us in order to change us. This does not mean we will always be perfect, but it does mean that we should not intentionally return to our “former way of life” (v. 22) or knowingly make room for old besetting sins. We are to persistently pursue attitudes and actions consistent with our new life in Christ.

The pursuit of holiness includes both individual and corporate responsibility. Each believer is responsible for his or her own choices. God holds each one of us accountable for what we do not “put off” and for what we do not “put on.” But the body of Christ serves as an invaluable resource in encouraging us in our pursuit. In turn, we should encourage our Christian brothers and sisters in their pursuit of living for Christ. And all of us can and should depend on God’s grace to empower us in our Christian growth.

 

 

THE POWER OF WORDS

Below, list examples of loving words and hurtful words you

can find in today’s text. Then answer the question.

 

 

How has someone used loving words to encourage you this week:

 

 

“Therefore encourage one another and build

each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 THESSALONIANS 5:11

 

If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you know that growing in Christlikeness can be difficult. Some life changes come easier than others, but as a whole, “putting on the new self” can be challenging. Like young Edward, our many failures might tempt us to throw in the towel. We need encouragement from others—and they need our encouragement for the same reason. Let’s help one another to live consistently with our new life in Christ.

 

Question 3: Who has inspired you to live consistent with your new life in Christ?

 

Ephesians 4:29-32

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.

We receive encouragement in a variety of ways. Sometimes, it comes through the presence of a friend or a pat on the back. Other times, we feel it as we are quietly meditating on the Lord. But most of the time, encouragement comes from the words of others. As a matter of fact, it’s hard to imagine how one might be consistently encouraged in life without words. Whether typed in a letter, written in a card, sent via text message, or spoken in person, the words of others serve as a primary means by which the Lord encourages His people.

 

Question 4: What do these verses communicate to us about the influence of our speech?

 

Paul also exhorted us to watch our mouths. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (v. 29). Wow! What an incredible admonition from God’s Word! What would happen if every follower of Jesus Christ lived out this verse? How would our conversations differ if we resolved to allow no room for language that was coarse, foul, or worthless? How might our relationships thrive if, when talking to others, each of us consciously thought about using our words to build up others rather than spewing speech that tears them down—in other words, use language that brings life rather than death?

Ephesians 4:29 serves as a holy standard for all Christian vocabulary and conversation. And although none of us can obey this command perfectly, consistently speaking this way to others is another way God showcases His work through our lives. Since the world generally doesn’t speak this way to others, Christians demonstrate the gospel’s power to save when we do. We can infer from verse 30 that it’s the Holy Spirit of God who empowers us to speak life-giving words and to guard our tongues. When we choose foul and worthless words, we grieve God’s Spirit.

 

While unwholesome talk leads to a flurry of interpersonal sin, life-giving words produce just the opposite: a well-spring of interpersonal joy. Verse 32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Speaking life-giving words both encourages our brothers and sisters in Christ and emulates our perfect Father in heaven. So, let’s depend on the Holy Spirit and build each other up with our words.

 

Question 5: What role can our group play in encouraging one another as these verses describe?

 

 

LIVE IT OUT

How will you use your words to encourage others in the body of Christ? Consider the following applications:

• Talk to God. Through prayer, ask God to bring to light any words, phrases, or patterns of speech that you need to “put away.” Ask God for the grace needed to speak words of life and encouragement instead.
• Talk to yourself. One of the best ways to “talk to yourself” is speaking the Word of God to yourself. In that light, consider memorizing Ephesians 4:29: “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.”
• Talk to others. Identify three people who might be encouraged by your words. Write cards, craft emails, send texts, or meet with each of them face to face to encourage them in their walk with Jesus.

No one grows as a Christian in isolation, and very little spiritual growth happens without the encouragement of other believers God has placed in our path. Be that person who encourages with both words and actions.

Looking forward to seeing everyone this Sunday as we continue in our series on Why I Need the Church?

God Bless,

David & Susan

Teacher Notes:

WE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

Point: We need the encouragement of others – and they need ours.

Video: Encouragement

Click Play to Watch

 

John C. Maxwell said, “Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul.”

The Christian life can sometimes seem unlivable, unrewarding, and unbearable. And there are times when our flesh seems to overtake a control on us. It is during these times that we need to encourage one another.

Paul challenges us to grow out of our old ways of the flesh and grow into our new walk of faith. This never-ending transition requires encouragement from other members of our family of believers – the church.

 

Paul gives us three actions to encourage one another in living the new life in Christ.

Ephesians 4:17-22

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. 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. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 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. (the regenerated life)

 

1.    Put away sinful habits. (Sinful habits also being describes as a rebellious life)

In these verses, the Gentiles, people without Christ – he describes as having futile minds, hard hearts, callous emotions, and impure practices. Every person without Christ is naturally born in sin, bent towards sin, and bound by sin. The prophet Jeremiah said that the heart is desperately wicked and deceitful above all things (Jer. 17:9).

Paul wants us to remember - that we not only have a new man, but we also have an old man. Paul says, “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do.”

Let’s encourage one another and pray for one another that we won’t have futile minds, hard hearts, callous emotions, and impure practices.

 

And then he says…

 

Let’s Encourage One Another to Embrace the Regenerated Life. (v. 20-21)

When Paul speaks of coming to know Christ, hearing of Him, and being taught by Him, he’s speaking of being regenerated — being changed by the Spirit of God, after hearing the Word of God, and placing your faith in the Son of God (Romans 10:9-17). We ought not be inclined toward or involved with the things that consumed us before Christ came into our hearts. Look, Paul says, this is not automatic, and it is not always easy. That’s why we must encourage one another to embrace the regenerated life.

Let’s encourage each other to abide in Christ, to trust in Christ, to grow in Christ, and to serve Christ. With each other’s encouragement we can live the abiding life (John 15:1-8), the abundant life (John 15:9-11), and the abounding life (John 15:12-16).

 

How can we encourage one another to put away sinful habits? What makes taking off the old self so difficult?

How can we encourage one another to set aside our sinful habits?

·       Alcoholics Anonymous: Hi my name is ________, I’m an alcoholic.

 

(17-24) People should be able to see a difference between Christians and non-Christians because of the way Christians live. We are to live as children of light. Paul told the Ephesians to leave behind the old life of sin, since they were followers of Christ. Living the Christian life is a process. Although we have a new nature, we don’t automatically think all good thoughts and express all right attitudes when we become new people in Christ. But if we keep listening to God, we will be changing all the time. As you look back over last year, do you see a process of change for the better in your thoughts, attitudes, and actions? Although, change may be slow, it comes as you trust God to change you.

Becoming a Christian is not about improving yourself, becoming more spiritual, or “turning over a new leaf.” It’s a radical transformation, a rebirth. It’s about receiving a new identity — one that produces new longings, godly dispositions, and fruitful behaviors. The Christian life is marked by contrasts; it’s a life that distinguishes between “what I used to be” and “what I am today.” God saves us just the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. Through our new identity, He produces a new way of living.

 

Paul says to shed our former way of living because . . .

• Christians aren’t to do the same things non-Christians do.
• Christians aren’t to be ignorant to God’s commands.
• Christians aren’t to allow their hearts to become hardened to the things of God.
• Christians aren’t to increasingly pursue impure living like non-Christians do.
• Living in sin is not how Jesus has taught us to live (vv. 20-21).

He saved us to wear a new wardrobe — and that new wardrobe is to be adorned with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

Ephesians 4:23-28

To be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

 

2.    Encourage others to put on their new life in Christ.

·       The former way of living without Christ is to be replaced with a new way of living in Christ. The new person in Christ will be marked by a commitment to such things as speaking the truth, controlling anger, avoiding evil, honest labor, and supporting others in need.

In these verses Paul says to put off our “former way of life.” We used to function through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:15-17). We were dead in our sin (Eph. 2:1), directed by Satan (Eph. 2:2), and dominated by our selfish desires (Eph. 2:3). Now, we must encourage one another to put off the former way of life and “the old man,” and to engage in the renewed life.

Engaging in the renewed life is constantly putting on “the new self.” We put on the new self by taking in the truth of Scripture and implementing the truth of Scripture. Paul says, as we engage in Scripture and obey Scripture, we see Christ more and more. Consequently, the more we behold Christ, the more we become like Christ (2 Cor. 3:17-18).

 

How can we encourage each other to live consistently with Christ’s teaching?

• Taking this high road is not always easy. That’s why we need to encourage one another to exemplify the refreshing life. Our lives are like elevators, we are either taking people up or taking people down. Let’s be so refreshing in the presence of other people, that we take them up and not down.
• (22-24) Our old way of life before we believed in Christ is completely in the past. We should put it behind us like old clothes to be thrown away. This is both a once-for-all decision when we decide to accept Christ’s gift of salvation and also daily conscious commitment. We are not to be driven by desire and impulse. We must put on the new role, head in the new direction, and have the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives.
• The pursuit of holiness includes both individual and corporate responsibility. Each believer is responsible for his or her own choices. God holds each one of us accountable for what we do not “put off” and for what we do not “put on.” But the body of Christ serves as an invaluable resource in encouraging us in our pursuit. In turn, we should encourage our Christian brothers and sisters in their pursuit of living for Christ. And all of us can and should depend on God’s grace to empower us in our Christian growth.

 

(25) Lying to each other disrupts unity by creating conflicts and destroying trust. It tears down relationships and leads to open warfare in a church.  

(26-27) The Bible doesn’t tell that we shouldn’t feel angry, but it points out that it’s important to handle our anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. If bottled up inside, it can cause us to become bitter and destroy us from within. Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them. If we nurse our anger, we will give Satan an opportunity to divide us. Are you angry with someone right now? What can you do to resolve your differences? Don’t let the day end before you begin to work on mending your relationship. Don’t let the day end before you begin to work on mending your relationship.

 

Ephesians 4:29-32

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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

3.    Take every opportunity to encourage others with your words.

·       The words we speak to others ought to be for the purpose of building up and encouraging them. Put away evil attitudes that lead to evil actions and words. Put on kindness, compassion, and a forgiving spirit, just as God shows us in Christ.

·       Avoid attitudes, actions, and words that bring grief to the Holy Spirit who dwells within.

 

How can we take every opportunity to encourage others with our words?

·       Talk to yourself. One of the best ways to “talk to yourself” is speaking the Word of God to yourself. In that light, consider memorizing Ephesians 4:29: “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.”

 

(28-32) We can grieve the Holy Spirit by the way we live. Paul warns us against unwholesome language, bitterness, improper use of anger, brawling, slander, and bad attitudes toward others. Instead of acting that way, we should be forgiving, just as God has forgiven us. Are you grieving or pleasing God with your attitudes and actions? Act in love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending His Son to die for your sins.

(30) The Holy Spirit within us is a seal or guarantee that we belong to God.

(32) This is Christ’s law of forgiveness as taught in the Gospels, we also see it in the Lord’s Prayer – “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” God does not forgive us because we forgive others, but solely because of His great mercy. As we come to understand His mercy, however, we will want to be more like Him. Having received forgiveness, we will pass it on to others. Those who are unwilling to forgive have not become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified Him.  

 

Paul also exhorted us to watch our mouths. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs”. Wow!

What an incredible admonition from God’s Word!

What would happen if every follower of Jesus Christ lived out this verse? How would our conversations differ if we resolved to allow no room for language that was coarse, foul, or worthless? How might our relationships thrive if, when talking to others, each of us consciously thought about using our words to build up others rather than spewing speech that tears them down?

 

Conclusion: Paul sought to give a picture of Christian living; we live in ways that witness to the gospel, and we believe the gospel so deeply that it shapes our behavior. The behavioral expectations Paul described are generally related to how we treat one another.

How we treat one another is a reflection of who Christ is to us.

The challenge before us, then, is to live in such a way that witnesses to the worth we have for others, our desire to see them become all they can be in Christ, and our willingness to support them in time of struggle.