In these verses Paul uses imperatives to urge Christians to live in a way that will not grieve the Holy Spirit. Since we are indwelt by the Spirit and sealed by the Spirit, our speech and actions can cause sorrow and distress to third person of the trinity. We give examples of how “grief” and “grieve” are used in the Old and New Testaments. What grieves God should grieve Christians too. Paul’s mention of “sealed” is a reminder of what he taught in Ephesians 1:13 about believers being sealed by the Holy Spirit which implies ownership and safe keeping.

The “day of redemption” is the eschatological day where the righteous are rewarded and the wicked judged. This sermon breaks out each of the terms Paul instructs believers to “sweep” away from their lives. We particularly explain the dangers of bitterness and the great damage it can do. Hebrews 12:15 warns about bitterness and references Esau who saw no value in the promises of God. We must remember what God did for us and trust His promises. That way we will sweep away sin and not be swept away in the coming judgment.

Sermon slides and handout availabe under Downloads tab.