You Can Grieve The Holy Spirit With Your Words (Clip)
James Jennings teaches that believers can grieve the Holy Spirit through their words, emphasizing the importance of edifying speech as instructed in Ephesians 4.
This sermon focuses on Ephesians 4, emphasizing the importance of not grieving the Holy Spirit by manifesting corrupt talk or behavior that does not align with the fruits and gifts of the Spirit. The speaker highlights the need to build up others with words that give grace and to avoid actions that lead to grieving the Spirit.
Full Transcript
Ephesians 4. So I grieve the Spirit. I'm not manifesting the fruits of the Spirit. And I'm not manifesting the gifts of the Spirit.
You want to shut both of those things down? You go grieve the Holy Spirit. And then you don't repent and you continue on in that. But listen to Ephesians 4, 29.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only as is such for building up. Incredible. Paul's all about building up.
As fits the occasion, that it might give grace to those who hear. And then look at verse 30. And don't grieve the Holy Spirit.
Well, in context there, what specific is on his mind even that leads to grieving the Holy Spirit? You could grieve the Holy Spirit with what? With your words.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Grieving the Holy Spirit
- Believers can grieve the Spirit by their actions and words
- Lack of manifesting fruits and gifts of the Spirit indicates grieving
- Grieving the Spirit shuts down spiritual growth
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II. The Power of Words
- Corrupting talk grieves the Holy Spirit
- Words should build others up and give grace
- Speech reflects spiritual condition
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III. Biblical Instruction from Ephesians 4
- Paul commands believers to avoid corrupting talk
- Encouragement to speak appropriately for the occasion
- Warning not to grieve the Holy Spirit through speech
Key Quotes
“You want to shut both of those things down? You go grieve the Holy Spirit.” — James Jennings
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only as is such for building up.” — James Jennings
“And don't grieve the Holy Spirit.” — James Jennings
Application Points
- Examine your speech daily to ensure it builds up others and does not grieve the Holy Spirit.
- Repent promptly when you recognize words or attitudes that grieve the Spirit.
- Strive to manifest the fruits and gifts of the Spirit through your words and actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit?
To grieve the Holy Spirit means to cause sorrow or distress to the Spirit through sinful actions or attitudes, especially through harmful words.
How can words grieve the Holy Spirit?
Words that are corrupting, harmful, or unedifying can grieve the Holy Spirit by damaging relationships and hindering spiritual growth.
What should Christians do to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit?
Christians should speak words that build up others, give grace, and reflect the fruits of the Spirit as taught in Ephesians 4.
Why is Ephesians 4 important in this teaching?
Ephesians 4 contains direct instructions from Paul about speech and the warning not to grieve the Holy Spirit, making it foundational for this message.