Grieving the Holy Spirit: Words, Attitudes, and Joy

 

Summary

In Ephesians 4:30, we are reminded not to grieve the Holy Spirit, who is sealed within us until the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit, the third member of the Trinity, is a sensitive being, likened to a dove—easily grieved and quick to withdraw when threatened. Grieving the Holy Spirit disrupts our intimacy with Him, much like how causing sadness in a relationship creates distance. The question then arises: what grieves the Holy Spirit? The answer lies in our words and attitudes. Unwholesome words, malicious thoughts, and bitter spirits are the culprits. These actions make the Holy Spirit mournful, as they are contrary to His nature.

Ephesians 4:29-32 provides a clear directive: avoid unkind words, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice. Instead, be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God in Christ forgave us. Unwholesome words include profanity, cursing, and coarse jesting—words that harm rather than heal. Such speech grieves the Holy Spirit, who is sealed within us. When we curse others, we invite ruin upon ourselves, creating a boomerang effect. Our speech reflects deeper issues within us, indicating a grieving Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit's grief affects our soul, leading to a miserable Christian life. A grieving Holy Spirit, sealed within us, results in an unhappy soul. Conversely, when we align our speech and attitudes with kindness, forgiveness, and grace, we bring joy to the Holy Spirit, resulting in a joyful soul. The Holy Spirit's comfort within us leads to the joy of the Lord, manifesting as a genuine smile on our face. To avoid grieving the Holy Spirit, we must immerse ourselves in Ephesians 4:25-32, reading and re-reading it to ensure our actions align with His desires. By doing so, we free the Holy Spirit to work joyfully within us, transforming our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- The Holy Spirit is sensitive and easily grieved, much like a dove. When we cause Him grief through our words and actions, we disrupt our intimacy with Him, leading to a spiritual distance that affects our relationship with God. [02:44]

- Unwholesome words, including profanity, cursing, and coarse jesting, grieve the Holy Spirit. These words harm others and reflect deeper issues within us, indicating a grieving Holy Spirit sealed within us. [05:57]

- Our speech and attitudes have a boomerang effect. When we curse others, we invite ruin upon ourselves. This principle reminds us to be mindful of our words, as they reflect the state of our heart and spirit. [08:39]

- A grieving Holy Spirit results in a miserable Christian life. When the Holy Spirit is sad within us, our soul becomes unhappy. Conversely, aligning our actions with kindness and forgiveness brings joy to the Holy Spirit and, in turn, to our soul. [12:06]

- Immersing ourselves in Ephesians 4:25-32 helps us align our actions with the Holy Spirit's desires. By doing so, we avoid grieving Him and allow Him to work joyfully within us, transforming our lives and bringing us true joy. [14:02]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Sealed by the Holy Spirit
[00:42] - The Sensitivity of the Holy Spirit
[01:30] - The Dove Analogy
[02:44] - Importance of Not Grieving the Spirit
[03:31] - What Grieves the Holy Spirit
[04:49] - Unwholesome Words and Malicious Thoughts
[05:57] - The Power of Words
[06:44] - Spiritual Mouthwash
[08:22] - The Boomerang Effect of Cursing
[09:34] - The Deeper Issues of Speech
[10:34] - The Grieving Holy Spirit
[11:25] - The Miserable Christian
[12:33] - Spiritual ICU
[13:20] - Joyful Spirit, Joyful Soul
[14:02] - Aligning with the Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:25-32
- Ephesians 4:29-32
- Psalm 109:17-18

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 4:30, what does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit, and how is this related to the concept of being sealed for the day of redemption? [00:12]

2. What specific behaviors and attitudes are mentioned in Ephesians 4:29-32 that can grieve the Holy Spirit? [03:31]

3. How does the sermon describe the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit, and what analogy is used to illustrate this sensitivity? [01:30]

4. What is the "boomerang effect" mentioned in the sermon, and how does it relate to our speech and attitudes? [08:39]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might unwholesome words and malicious thoughts be particularly damaging to our relationship with the Holy Spirit? [04:28]

2. How does the concept of being "sealed" by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption influence a believer's daily life and choices? [00:26]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a grieving Holy Spirit can lead to a miserable Christian life? [11:25]

4. How does the sermon explain the connection between aligning our actions with kindness and forgiveness and experiencing joy in our soul? [13:20]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your recent conversations. Have there been instances where your words might have grieved the Holy Spirit? How can you change your speech to be more edifying? [05:07]

2. The sermon mentions the importance of forgiveness. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive to avoid harboring bitterness? How can you take a step towards forgiveness this week? [10:05]

3. Consider the analogy of the Holy Spirit as a dove. How can you create an environment in your life that welcomes and comforts the Holy Spirit rather than causing Him to withdraw? [01:30]

4. The sermon talks about the "boomerang effect" of cursing others. Have you experienced this in your life? How can you be more mindful of the words you use towards others? [08:39]

5. Ephesians 4:25-32 is recommended for regular reading. How can you incorporate this passage into your daily routine to ensure your actions align with the Holy Spirit's desires? [14:02]

6. The sermon suggests that a joyful spirit leads to a joyful soul. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a joyful spirit in your daily interactions? [13:20]

7. How can you use the concept of "spiritual mouthwash" to cleanse your speech and ensure it reflects the love and grace of God? [06:57]

Devotional

Day 1: The Sensitivity of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, as the third member of the Trinity, is depicted as a sensitive being, akin to a dove. This sensitivity means that the Holy Spirit can be easily grieved by our actions, particularly through our words and attitudes. When we engage in behaviors that are contrary to His nature, such as speaking unkindly or harboring bitterness, we create a spiritual distance between ourselves and God. This disruption in intimacy is similar to how sadness in a human relationship can create emotional distance. Understanding the Holy Spirit's sensitivity helps us to be more mindful of our actions and words, ensuring that we maintain a close and joyful relationship with Him. [02:44]

Ephesians 4:30 (ESV): "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Reflection: Consider a recent conversation where your words may have been unkind or harsh. How can you seek reconciliation and speak words of healing today?


Day 2: The Power of Words
Our words hold significant power, capable of either building up or tearing down. Unwholesome words, such as profanity, cursing, and coarse jesting, grieve the Holy Spirit because they harm others and reflect deeper issues within us. These words are contrary to the nature of the Holy Spirit, who desires for us to speak with kindness and grace. When we allow unwholesome words to flow from our mouths, we not only hurt those around us but also indicate a grieving Holy Spirit within us. By choosing words that heal and uplift, we align ourselves with the Spirit's desires and foster a joyful relationship with Him. [05:57]

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Reflection: Reflect on the words you use daily. Are there specific phrases or habits of speech you need to change to align more closely with the Holy Spirit's desires?


Day 3: The Boomerang Effect of Cursing
The principle of the boomerang effect reminds us that our actions, particularly our words, often return to us. When we curse others, we invite ruin upon ourselves, creating a cycle of negativity and harm. This principle serves as a powerful reminder to be mindful of our words, as they not only affect others but also reflect the state of our heart and spirit. By choosing to speak blessings instead of curses, we align ourselves with the Holy Spirit's nature and invite His joy and peace into our lives. [08:39]

Galatians 6:7 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have spoken negatively about someone. How can you change your approach and speak blessings instead?


Day 4: The Joyful Spirit, Joyful Soul
A grieving Holy Spirit results in a miserable Christian life, as the sadness of the Spirit within us leads to an unhappy soul. Conversely, when we align our actions with kindness, forgiveness, and grace, we bring joy to the Holy Spirit, resulting in a joyful soul. The Holy Spirit's comfort within us leads to the joy of the Lord, manifesting as a genuine smile on our face. By immersing ourselves in the teachings of Ephesians 4:25-32, we can ensure that our actions align with the Spirit's desires, allowing Him to work joyfully within us and transform our lives. [12:06]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel spiritually distant. What steps can you take today to align your actions with the Holy Spirit's desires and invite His joy into that area?


Day 5: Aligning with the Spirit
Immersing ourselves in Ephesians 4:25-32 helps us align our actions with the Holy Spirit's desires. By doing so, we avoid grieving Him and allow Him to work joyfully within us, transforming our lives and bringing us true joy. This alignment requires intentionality and a commitment to living out the principles of kindness, forgiveness, and grace in our daily lives. As we read and re-read these passages, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and attitudes, leading to a life that reflects His love and joy. [14:02]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the teachings of Ephesians 4:25-32 into your daily routine to ensure your actions align with the Holy Spirit's desires?

Quotes

"Do not grieve the holy spirit of god by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Here's our word sealed again. Do not grieve the holy the holy spirit of god by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. He now brings up grieving the seal. Okay the holy spirit is sealed into the life of every believer he's god's holy spirit, the third member of the trinity." [00:00:08]

"To grieve somebody is to make them sad, to grieve somebody is to make them unhappy, to grieve somebody is to is to make them cry, to grieve somebody is to bring bring that mournful atmosphere into their lives. Many a parent has been grieved by their child, what their child did or been grieved by their mate, what their mate did or what their mate said." [00:00:44]

"Doves are very sensitive birds. They're extremely sensitive. Just a look in their direction and they'll go, they'll fly off quickly. These pure white beautiful doves move quickly away when there is a threat of any kind. They don't hang around and see. They will to use human language cry quickly when a man says about a woman she's so sensitive." [00:01:41]

"When you grieve a person using human terms, what you have done is you have broken off the intimacy with that person. If you make a person sad they can't be close to you, they can't feel like communicating with you. You've caused them hurt in pain, they want to shy back from you because you've wounded them." [00:02:52]

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment so that it will give grace to those who hear. Go to now verse 31. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you along with all malice." [00:03:37]

"Grieves the holy spirit is when we use unkind words, have malicious thoughts or bitter spirits. Unkind words, malicious thoughts or bitter spirits. When those things are operating in the life of the believer the holy spirit has been made sad. He says let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth." [00:04:40]

"An unwholesome word is a word that brings damage to another person. It's profanity, cursing a person out. It is offensive language. Ephesians chapter 5 verse 4 puts it this way. He says let there be no filthiness or silly talk or cois-jesting jokes designed to hurt people, which are not fitting but rather giving thanks." [00:05:18]

"When you curse not not cusp but curse that is speak to a person's ruin when you do that you have created a boomerang and he says and it comes back on you so when you go after somebody else and which they're ruined you've actually invited that ruin upon yourself ah that'll make you think twice about what you say right." [00:08:28]

"The way we speak to one another the way husbands speak the wives wives speak to husbands, parents the children saints the saints, races to races, even among christians, it is showing by our tongue something much deeper is going on and that is the holy spirit is grieved inside of us he is grieved by bitterness." [00:09:18]

"Because you do not want to have a grieved holy spirit locked up inside of you. Let me say that again you don't want to have a grieved holy spirit sealed within you because you can't get rid of him so every believer has the holy spirit the holy spirit is locked up inside of you he is sealed." [00:10:23]

"If you grieve the holy spirit on a regular basis watch this now you are going to be an unhappy christian. Ah you know why a lot of christians are miserable because they got a mourning holy spirit operating within them. The holy spirit's crying every day. Have you ever seen a wife who cries every day or a child who cries every day." [00:11:14]

"Just the opposite is true however if you make him happy you're gonna be happy by your speech by your attitude by your kindness by your forgiveness then he's smiling your soul is smiling so we can see a new grin on your faith face that's really the joy of the lord it's when the holy spirit settles things down." [00:13:16]

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Transcript
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