1. August 9, 2015 2 nd Sunday “Character Building Community” Ephesians 4:25-32, NLT

2. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[a] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

3. Ephesians 4:25-32, NLT 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.

4. Ephesians 4:25-32, NLT 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[b] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

5. Ephesians 4:25-32, NLT 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

6. “Character Building Community” Pixar's teachable moments using... Joy Sadness Fear Anger Disgust

7. “Character Building Community” Paul's letter to church communities People: Ephesians, a gentile church that needs guidance Purpose: to encourage and exhort Place: Ephesus, a city in Asia Minor under the Roman Empire (modern day Turkey)

8. “Character Building Community” Keys to Character Building: Put off old self. Put on CHRIST! AVOID the vices (practices that destroy the community DEVELOP the virtues (practices that build the community)

9. “Character Building Community” Examples based on true stories: 1. Kara thought she was doing her church mate a favor by being the first to share some good news about Josie on Josie's behalf. Kara meant well, but the news was not hers to tell. Josie was embarrassed and felt that Kara's action was intrusive. She didn't attend church for weeks, and when she appeared, she barely looked at Kara and avoided having to speak to her. During this same time of giving Kara the silent treatment, Josie suffered physically from periodic headaches and muscle tension.

10. “Character Building Community” 2. Joe was one of few people of color who attended his multi-ethnic church. He felt alarmed by the recent news reports about shootings by people that targeted African-Americans and other people of color. No one at his church publicly prayed about or mentioned the epidemic of violence or the evil of racism, which made him regret not following his hunch to stay home on Sunday morning. He wondered if anyone in his church family cared that he lived with certain fears and pressures on a daily basis.

11. “Character Building Community” 3. Dan has a co-worker, Doug, who makes false claims to the boss about his work. Despite Dan's kindness to him and his diligent work ethic, Doug makes remarks that cause Dan to second guess himself. Doug has very few friends at the job and is known to be the one-up guy--the one with the unnecessarily competitive attitude who sees himself as better than everyone else. Most co- workers keep running jokes going about him as they try to cope with how he operates. Doug was feeling really desperate one day and asked Dan to pray for him on the spot because he knew Dan was a Christian.

12. “Character Building Community” Problem Behaviors and Their Remedies Lies < truth (v. 25) Anger < reconciliation and justice (v.26) Stealing < hard work plus generosity (v.28) Harsh language < helpful speech (v.29) Evil behaviors < kindness and forgiveness (v.31-32)

13. “Character Building Community” The Holy Spirit helps us lean and move toward holiness, the character of Christ. God's forgiveness makes it possible for us to forgive others and live truthfully. We are renewed on the inside, redeemed and identified by the Holy Spirit. We have hope! Our difference as believers in Christ shows the world on the outside God's love and power. They see that there is hope!