Americans, and Christians, often engage in power struggles, we don’t like to have anyone tell us what to do, we want to be in charge. The problem is that when we are in charge or in control, God is NOT. So, let’s use God’s Word to guide our communication.
Here is a key verse to memorize: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Proper speech takes control over that which comes out of one’s mouth.
Bible study on Ephesians 4: All of us have said words we wish we had never said the minute we said them. Chapter four of Ephesians has the answer to this regrettable dilemma. Give God control of your life. He will enable you to harness the power of your words through applying these practical insights.
Here is how to give Christ control:
- Desire to live a life that pleases God – Ephesians 4:1.
- Pray for humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness – Ephesians 4:2.
- Seek to keep peace and have a oneness of spirit with others – Ephesians 4:3.
- Make union with God’s Spirit your goal – Ephesians 4:4-6.
- Know that your power for control is in unity with Christ – Ephesians 4:7-13.
With Christ in control you will:
- Give up your childish insecurities – Ephesians 4:14.
- Speak truthfully, in love – Ephesians 4:15.
- Become more like Christ – Ephesians 4:15.
- Build up others in love – Ephesians 4:16.
- Live like a child of God … not of the world – Ephesians 4:17-18.
- Be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading – Ephesians 4:19.
- Exchange your old life for a new life in Christ – Ephesians 4:20-24.
- Maintain honesty with yourself and others – Ephesians 4:25.
- Refuse to let your anger take control – Ephesians 4:26.
- Keep Satan from getting a foothold in your life – Ephesians 4:27.
- Do honest work, and share with those in need – Ephesians 4:28.
- Use your words to build up and encourage others – Ephesians 4:29.
- Refuse to grieve the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 4:30.
- Refuse to speak maliciously of others – Ephesians 4:31.
- Be kind, compassionate and forgiving – Ephesians 4:32.
This series is largely based on my reading of Hunt, J. (2008). Biblical Counseling Keys on Communication: The Heart of the Matter. Dallas, TX: Hope For The Heart