Table of Contents
Sunday – The Spiral of Bad Choices
Tuesday – Speaking with Kindness
Wednesday – The Holy Spirit’s Role
Memory Text
Ephesians 4:23-24
KJV
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
CEV
23 Let the Spirit change your way of thinking
24 and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.
Sabbath – Introduction
Once-Homeless Man Gets a Fresh Start
Imagine Jose Antonio, a homeless man from Spain, getting a complete makeover. His tangled hair and beard were cut and styled, and he got new clothes. When he saw his new self in the mirror, he cried tears of joy. This transformation was more than just looks — it changed his life. Similarly, Ephesians 4:17-32 talks about believers transforming their lives from the inside out.
Sunday – The Spiral of Bad Choices
Compare Ephesians 4:17-32
with Colossians 3:1-17
KJV
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
CEV
17 As a follower of the Lord, I order you to stop living like stupid, godless people.
18 Their minds are in the dark, and they are stubborn and ignorant and have missed out on the life that comes from God. They no longer have any feelings about what is right,
19 and they are so greedy they do all kinds of indecent things.
20-21 But this isn't what you were taught about Jesus Christ. He is the truth, and you heard about him and learned about him.
22 You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits.
23 Let the Spirit change your way of thinking
24 and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.
25 We are part of the same body. Stop lying and start telling each other the truth.
26 Don't get so angry that you sin. Don't go to bed angry
27 and don't give the devil a chance.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need.
29 Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.
30 Don't make God's Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins.
31 Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude.
32 Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
KJV
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
CEV
1 You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God's right side.
2 Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth.
3 You died, which means that your life is hidden with Christ, who sits beside God.
4 Christ gives meaning to your life, and when he appears, you will also appear with him in glory.
5 Don't be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of sex. Don't be immoral or indecent or have evil thoughts. Don't be greedy, which is the same as worshiping idols.
6 God is angry with people who disobey him by doing these things.
7 And this is exactly what you did, when you lived among people who behaved in this way.
8 But now you must stop doing such things. You must quit being angry, hateful, and evil. You must no longer say insulting or cruel things about others.
9 And stop lying to each other. You have given up your old way of life with its habits.
10 Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better.
11 It doesn't matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
12 God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient.
13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.
14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.
15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
16 Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.
How does Paul encourage believers to make the church united?
In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul talked about unity in the church. Now, in Ephesians 4:17-32, he’s addressing a new perspective on unity. He’s saying that living like non-believers (Gentiles) can harm the unity of the church. He’s not just talking about individual wrong actions, but a pattern of bad behavior that leads to division and trouble. Just like how Jose’s life was changed completely, believers need to change their ways to support the unity of the church.
Monday – Changing Who You Are
What’s the main point in Paul’s story of personal change in Ephesians 4:20-24
?
KJV
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
CEV
20-21 But this isn't what you were taught about Jesus Christ. He is the truth, and you heard about him and learned about him.
22 You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits.
23 Let the Spirit change your way of thinking
24 and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.
Paul tells a story of transformation in Ephesians 4:20-24
. He says that before they knew Christ, they acted in ways that didn’t show His teachings. But once they learned about Jesus, they needed to change their behaviors. It’s like taking off old, dirty clothes and putting on new, clean ones. This isn’t just about actions, it’s about changing the way you think and act, like getting a brand-new attitude.
KJV
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
CEV
20-21 But this isn't what you were taught about Jesus Christ. He is the truth, and you heard about him and learned about him.
22 You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits.
23 Let the Spirit change your way of thinking
24 and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.
Tuesday – Speaking with Kindness
What advice does Paul give about using words among believers in Ephesians 4:25-29
?
KJV
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
CEV
25 We are part of the same body. Stop lying and start telling each other the truth.
26 Don't get so angry that you sin. Don't go to bed angry
27 and don't give the devil a chance.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need.
29 Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.
Paul gives some advice on how to speak kindly and avoid hurting others in Ephesians 4:25-29
. He says to stop lying and instead speak the truth. He also advises against using angry or harmful words. Instead, use words that build people up and help them. Just like Jose’s transformation, your words can have a powerful impact on others, so use them for good.
KJV
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
CEV
25 We are part of the same body. Stop lying and start telling each other the truth.
26 Don't get so angry that you sin. Don't go to bed angry
27 and don't give the devil a chance.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need.
29 Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.
Wednesday – The Holy Spirit’s Role
What does Paul say about the Holy Spirit’s role in relation to believers’ actions and speech in Ephesians 4:30
?
KJV
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
CEV
30 Don't make God's Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins.
Paul talks about the Holy Spirit’s role in Ephesians 4:30
. He warns against hurting the Holy Spirit by using harmful speech or actions. The Holy Spirit is like a special seal on believers, marking them as God’s own. Even though we might make mistakes, the Holy Spirit is always with us, helping us to do better. It’s like having a helpful friend guiding you.
KJV
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
CEV
30 Don't make God's Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins.
Thursday – Choosing Kindness
How should believers act and speak as they look forward to Christ’s return, according to Ephesians 4:31-32
?
KJV
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
CEV
31 Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude.
32 Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Paul tells believers to get rid of negative attitudes and actions in Ephesians 4:31-32
. Things like bitterness, anger, and hurtful words should be left behind. Instead, be kind, caring, and forgiving to others, just like God forgave us. It’s about treating others the way you’d want to be treated. As you wait for Jesus’ return, be a positive force in the world by using your words to lift others up.
KJV
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
CEV
31 Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude.
32 Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Friday – Further Thought
Ellen G. White said to talk kindly so you don’t need to apologize. Avoid hurting the Holy Spirit with your words. Love makes us support others’ faith. If you hear harmful talk, gently remind them it’s wrong.
Consider how your words and actions can make a positive impact on others. Instead of tearing people down, build them up with your kindness and encouragement. Just like how Jose’s transformation was life-changing, your words can transform lives too. Reflect on how you can be a source of positivity and unity in your community.
Imagine if everyone in church:
1. Used positive words.
Ephesians 4:29
KJV
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
CEV
29 Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.
2. Encouraged good more than pointing out mistakes.
John 13:34-35
KJV
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
CEV
34 But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you.
35 If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
John 17:20-23
KJV
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
CEV
20 I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me.
21 I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.
22 I have honored my followers in the same way you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one.
23 I am one with them, and you are one with me, so they may become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me.
Ephesians 4:1-6
KJV
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
CEV
1 As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.
2 Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other.
3 Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.
4 All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God's people.
5 We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
6 There is one God who is the Father of all people. Not only is God above all others, but he works by using all of us, and he lives in all of us.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
KJV
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
CEV
9 God doesn't intend to punish us, but wants us to be saved by our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 Christ died for us, so we could live with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes.
11 This is why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.
3. Respected different opinions, shared theirs gently.
Ephesians 4:31-32
KJV
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
CEV
31 Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude.
32 Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
4. Spread joy, supported others while waiting for Jesus.
Ephesians 4:29-30
KJV
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
CEV
29 Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.
30 Don't make God's Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins.
Galatians 6:2
KJV
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
CEV
2 You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand.
Hebrews 10:24-25
KJV
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
CEV
24 We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things.
25 Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.
Imagine a church full of unity, support, and positivity, like a loving family.
Discussion Questions
In Ephesians, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit work together for our salvation.
What does this teach about the Trinity?
How can Paul’s advice about kind speech apply to social media where negativity happens?