Seven Attitudes Every Christian Should Have
INTRODUCTION:
The process of putting on the "new man," the transformed self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24), is not merely an external change. It involves a deep spiritual renewal that manifests in new attitudes and behaviors. This transformation is described in Ephesians 4 through seven practical exhortations that teach us how to live as new creatures in Christ.
-- Ads --
I. CAST AWAY LIES AND SPEAK THE TRUTH (Ephesians 4:25)
• We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), recognizing that as members of one body, our words have a profound impact on one another.
◦ Discussion: Why is speaking the truth in love essential for the unity and health of the Christian community ? How can we balance truthfulness with gentleness in our communication?
• Jesus, the embodiment of truth, never lied. Our words must therefore be sincere and trustworthy, for we will be held accountable for them (Matthew 12:36-37).
◦ Discussion: How does the example of Jesus' truthfulness challenge us in our own speech? What does it mean to live in a way that our words can be trusted?
• A lie originates from the devil, the father of lies (John 8:44), while God utterly detests a lying tongue (Proverbs 12:22).
◦ Discussion: What are the spiritual implications of engaging in lies, even seemingly small ones? How can we cultivate a deep reverence for truth in our lives?
II. MASTERING ANGER (Ephesians 4:26)
• Scripture acknowledges that there is a righteous anger, exemplified by Jesus (Mark 3:5), Paul (Acts 13:9-10), and David (Psalm 119:53), which is directed against injustice and sin. However, this anger must always be controlled and temporary.
◦ Discussion: How can we discern between righteous anger and sinful anger? What are the appropriate responses to situations that evoke righteous anger?
• We are warned that anger should not linger beyond the day, as unresolved anger creates an opening for the devil to gain influence in our lives (Ephesians 4:27).
◦ Discussion: What are the dangers of harboring anger and allowing it to fester? What practical steps can we take to address anger in a timely and healthy way?
III. STEALING NO MORE (Ephesians 4:28)
• The prohibition against stealing extends beyond physical theft to encompass various forms of dishonesty and injustice, including tax evasion, fraud, scams, false measures in business (Proverbs 11:1; Amos 8:5), not paying fair wages (James 5:4), negligence in our work responsibilities (Colossians 3:22), and even failing to fulfill our marital duties (1 Corinthians 7:5).
◦ Discussion: Reflect on the various ways stealing can manifest in our lives. Are there any areas where we might be unintentionally or intentionally taking what is not rightfully ours?
• We also commit a form of spiritual theft when we fail to give back to God according to our prosperity and His নির্দেশনা (Malachi 3:8).
◦ Discussion: How should our understanding of God's ownership of all things influence our giving? What does it mean to give "according to our prosperity"?
IV. NO CORRUPTED WORD (Ephesians 4:29)
• The word "corrupt" (Greek sapros) implies something rotten, decaying, and harmful, like spoiled fruit.
◦ Discussion: What kind of impact do "corrupt" words have on ourselves and those around us?
• As followers of Christ, we should abstain from vulgar, dishonest, or harmful language (Ephesians 5:4), recognizing that our speech reveals the true state of our faith (James 1:26).
◦ Discussion: How does our language reflect the genuineness of our faith? Are there any patterns in our speech that need to be transformed?
• Instead, our communication should be characterized by grace, "seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6), aiming to bless, encourage, and build others up, not to hurt or tear down.
◦ Discussion: What does it mean for our speech to be "seasoned with salt"? How can we cultivate a language that consistently blesses and edifies others?
V. DO NOT GRIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 4:30)
• The Holy Spirit is not merely an impersonal force but a divine Person who can be deeply grieved by our sinful words, thoughts, or actions.
◦ Discussion: Why is it significant that the Holy Spirit can be grieved? What does this reveal about His relationship with us?
• He indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19), and when we compromise our holiness and walk in sin, we cause Him sorrow.
◦ Discussion: What are some specific ways our words, thoughts, or actions can grieve the Holy Spirit who lives within us? How can we be more sensitive to His presence and avoid causing Him grief?
VI. GET RID OF EVERY BAD ATTITUDE (Ephesians 4:31)
• Paul specifically lists six destructive attitudes that must be completely removed from our hearts:
◦ Bitterness: A deep-seated resentment and animosity.
◦ Anger: Uncontrolled and explosive emotional reactions.
◦ Wrath: A burning desire for revenge and retribution.
◦ Crying out (Clamor): Loud and contentious arguments and outbursts.
◦ Slander (Evil speaking): Intentionally speaking evil and damaging words about others.
◦ Malice: A deep-seated desire to harm or injure others, characterized by malicious intent and perversity.
◦ Discussion: Honestly examine your heart. Are there any of these "bad attitudes" that you struggle with? What steps can you take to actively "get rid" of them?
VII. BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER (Ephesians 4:32)
• As followers of God, we are called to emulate His character by being kind, merciful, and forgiving, just as Christ has shown us forgiveness.
◦ Discussion: How does God's kindness, mercy, and forgiveness towards us serve as the ultimate model for how we should treat others?
• Paul himself demonstrated tenderness towards the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:7) and explicitly exhorts us to forgive one another readily, just as God in Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13).
◦ Discussion: What does it mean to be "tenderhearted" towards others? How can we cultivate a spirit of forgiveness that mirrors Christ's forgiveness of us?
• There is no justification for holding onto resentment in the life of the new man. In fact, Jesus Himself taught that if we do not forgive others, our Heavenly Father will not forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15).
◦ Discussion: Reflect on the profound connection between our forgiveness of others and God's forgiveness of us. Are there any unresolved resentments in your heart that need to be released?
- What do You Think About Christ? Matthew 22:42
- What to do With the Lamb of God?
- The Example of Apollos Acts 18:24-28
- +100 Reflections on the Word of God: Daily, Sunday or Preaching
CONCLUSION:
Putting on the new man in Christ is not a superficial adjustment of outward behavior but a profound and comprehensive spiritual transformation that begins in the heart and permeates every aspect of our being. It requires a conscious and ongoing commitment to cultivate these seven attitudes, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape us into the likeness of Christ. As believers , let us strive to embody these characteristics, reflecting the transforming power of the Gospel in our lives and communities. Which of these attitudes do you feel God is calling you to focus on developing more fully in your life right now?
