“Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity. 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. No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” – —Ephesians 4:25-32

Our growth and Christ’s church are inseparably connected

“we are members of one another.” – Ephesians 4:25

“Here’s what Paul is saying: I am part of you. You are part of me…Each individual, Paul says, is part of the other individuals in the body. Here is the amazing thing: That’s who I am. I am a part of you. Which means that my individuality—my individual identity, as God has created me to be
—cannot be known except in serving you as I rely upon Christ. And yours cannot be known except in serving others in reliance on Christ.” —John Piper

affect all of us.
–Ephesians 4:25, 29, 31; James 3:5-8

Honesty is critical for community. (v25)
The words we say to one another reveal what’s really going on in our hearts. (v31)
Rotten words are corrosive to community. (v29)

“The church ought to be the place where the truth can be spoken: the difficult truths about our world and ourselves, and the gracious truth about the God who has redeemed us.” —Brian Peterson

“For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” – Matthew 12:34

Christlikeness

the body of Christ.
– Ephesians 4:26-28, 30-32; Romans 5:6-8

Anger gives a foothold. (v26-27)
We have a choice with what we have. (v28)
Our actions should mirror Christ. (v30-32)

“Simmering anger, even when justified, erodes bodily health.” —Darrell Bock

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.” – Romans 5:6

“And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption.” – Ephesians 4:30

For Further Study:
Scripture: Romans 5:6-11, James 3:1-12
Resources: “We, though many, are one body in Christ” by John Piper
(https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/we-though-many-are-one-body-in-christ)
To Prepare for Next Week:
Ephesians 5:1-2