Christian Communication Ephesians 4:25-5:2

The Imitation of God Eph 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.

The Imitation of Christ Eph 5:2 Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.

The Resulting Behavior These are the practical results of being a Christian. If being a Christian does not affect our behavior, we are not much of a Christian.

Topics a. Communication. b.Interpersonal Communication. c.Conflict Resolution. d.Happy Relationships.

Analysis of the Passage: Statement Form Prohibition Positive Rationale Positive Prohibition

Statement One: Truth 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Prohibition Positive Rationale

Statement Two: Anger Prohibition: “In your anger do not sin”: Positive: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, Rationale: 4:27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Dealing With Anger Eat a third and drink a third and leave the remaining third of your stomach empty. Then, when you get angry, there will be sufficient room for your rage. ----Babylonian Talmud tractate gittin.Eat a third and drink a third and leave the remaining third of your stomach empty. Then, when you get angry, there will be sufficient room for your rage. ----Babylonian Talmud tractate gittin.

Anger in the World Today Road Rage Sports Rage Communication Rage –This is particularly in focus in this passage.

Anger is a Reasonable Emotion; Sometimes Helpful. Be angry, but do not sin! We must stay in control of our emotions. But they made me do it! We cannot blame others–we must control ourselves.

Signs of Anger in Communication Stomping out of meetings. Firing off angry letters. Yelling, screaming and shouting. Refusing to speak or communicate. Name calling. Refusing to listen. Belittling, put downs and sarcasm.

A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

An Untrue Proverb Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. "Careful with fire" is good advice we know. "Careful with words" is ten times doubly so. ---William Carleton

The Power of Words Words can be like baseball bats when used maliciously Sidney Madwed Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind Rudyard Kipling

Statement Three: Stealing Prohibition: 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, Positive: but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, Rationale: that he may have something to share with those in need.

Statement Four: Unwholesome Talk Prohibition: 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, Positive: but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, Rationale: that it may benefit those who listen.

Summary Statement 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit is grieved by our evil words!

Statement Five: Bitterness 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Statement Six: Love Positive: 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children Positive: 5:2 and live a life of love, (Literally: Walk in love) Rationale: just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Statement Seven: Purity Prohibition: 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of –sexual immorality, –or of any kind of impurity, –or of greed, Rationale: because these are improper for God’s holy people.

Statement Eight: Evil Talk Prohibition: 5:4 Nor should there be –obscenity, –foolish talk –or coarse joking, Rationale: which are out of place, Positive: but rather thanksgiving.

Statement Nine 5:5 For of this you can be sure: Prohibition: –No immoral, –impure –or greedy person— –such a man is an idolater— Rationale: has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Summary 5:8 For you were once darkness, (Past, negative) but now you are light in the Lord. (Rationale) Live as children of light (Exhortation)