Useful Bible Studies > Ephesians Commentary > chapter 4
The Bible describes God the Holy Spirit as deeply sad (Romans 8:26). When we think about the state of this world and people’s evil deeds (Romans 1:18-32), that description does not surprise us. God is perfect in every way (James 1:17), and it is the special work of his Spirit to bring life. However, people choose to live in the ways that bring death and not life (Psalm 1; Romans 6:23).
God’s Holy Spirit has done a very wonderful thing in the lives of Christians. Formerly, God considered them too to be dead because of their many evil deeds (2:1-3). However, when they trusted Christ, the Holy Spirit entered their lives (Romans 8:9). The Holy Spirit gives them a new kind of life that can never end (Romans 8:11; Ephesians 2:4-7). The Holy Spirit is the guarantee (proof) that God will complete his work in their lives (1:14).
For the whole of their lives, God’s Spirit struggles with those people who do not obey God (Genesis 6:3). Christians should be different - as God’s children, their lives should bring great joy to the Spirit of God (compare Proverbs 10:1). God has prepared the most wonderful things for the future; by his Spirit, he shows these things to his people (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). Therefore, Christians need to have a constant experience of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives (Galatians 3:3-5). They should allow the Holy Spirit to direct their lives (Galatians 5:16). The Holy Spirit gives them gifts to help them to serve God well (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The Holy Spirit produces ‘fruit’ - in other words, good results in their lives. So, God’s people show the qualities that please God in their lives, for example, joy, love and patience (Galatians 5:22-23).
Next part: Christians should forgive, and not be angry with each other (Ephesians 4:31-32)
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© 2019, Keith Simons.