Put Away Bitterness and Be Kind | Lesson 119

In a recent sermon, Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, guided the congregation through the closing verses of Ephesians chapter 4, focusing on verses 30 through 32. Strelecki revisited the theme of not grieving the Holy Spirit of God, emphasizing that while the Spirit seals believers unto the day of redemption, their actions and attitudes can still grieve Him. He urged believers to reflect on their conduct, warning that bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice should be put away. Instead, Strelecki highlighted, the fruit of the Spirit — kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness — should characterize the believers' interactions, mirroring God's forgiveness through Christ. He explored how these virtues transform interpersonal relationships within the church, facilitating a reflection of the life and unity believers will share with Christ.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, further explained that the Holy Spirit not only seals believers but also acts as a guarantee of their inheritance until the final redemption. This seal signifies divine authenticity and ownership. Strelecki challenged the congregation to avoid quenching the Spirit, which he likened to a blacksmith's process of quenching hot metal, thus losing its tenderness. He encouraged believers to embrace the "flame of God's Word," allowing the Spirit to reshape their hearts. Strelecki concluded with a call to embody the forgiveness that God extends, emphasizing that understanding and embracing God's profound forgiveness liberates believers to forgive others, thereby exemplifying divine love and unity within the church body and love for those without.