What attitudes, mindsets, and behavior mentioned in verses 17-24 grieve the Holy Spirit?

Ephesians 4:17-24 exposes lifestyle choices and thinking that sadden the Spirit and separate us from His manifest presence.

Sum up the overall activity in verses 25-31 that saddens the Spirit. Take time to also write the specific actions revealed in the passage.

Ephesians 4:25-31 reveals the specific ways we treat others that bring sorrow to the Spirit and separate us from Him.

Yes, we can sadden the Spirit, but the good news is we can also gladden Him! Carefully read verses 1-7, 14-15, 25, 29, and 32 and name the kinds of conduct that make the Spirit happy.

Consider the antonyms (opposites) of what grieves Him when developing your answer.

The key to not grieve the Holy Spirit is to pursue and preserve a spirit of purity and oneness. While pride and impurity paralyze the work of the Spirit, humility unleashes it. Get quiet before God. Ask Him, “Am I doing anything to grieve You?” Repent of anything He reveals, and ask for His grace to walk in humble, pure ways that gladden Him and invite His activity in your life.

Day 5 Devo

YOU ARE THE HOLY SPIRIT’S HOME

Surely you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you!

—1 Corinthians 3:16 GNT

God Almighty—the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator of everything from microscopic molecules to gargantuan galaxies—has chosen to make His home in your heart! Yes, as a believer, the very same Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives in you!

Pastor, author, and Greek scholar Rick Renner shares what it means to be home to God’s Spirit:

“When the Holy Spirit came into your heart, He made a home that was so comfortable, He was actually happy to come live inside you! He moved in, settled down, and permanently took up residency in your heart—His new home!

You see, when you got saved, the ultimate miracle was performed inside your heart. The Holy Spirit took your spirit, which had been dead in trespasses and sin, and raised it to new life. His work inside you was so glorious that when it was all finished, He declared you to be His own workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). At that moment, your spirit became a marvelous temple of God!”8

Every place you go, every conversation you have, and every activity you participate in, you take God’s Spirit with you. Stop and think about that.

How does this truth encourage, excite, and strengthen you? How does it shape your prayers?

Consider God’s promises in Ephesians 3:14-20; Luke 12:11-12; John 14:12-17; Colossians 1:27; 2 Timothy 1:13-14 and Romans 8:1-17.

How does this truth challenge and convict you? How do your answers move you to pray?

Consider your choices in the entertainment you watch and listen to, the people you hang out with, and the activities you participate in.

So how would you describe your current level of communion with the Holy Spirit? Are you enjoying fellowship, partnership, and intimacy? Are you hearing His voice and experiencing His real, manifest presence in your life? Is it time for a good “spring cleaning” so He can feel more comfortable and at home in you? Pray and ask Him to reveal the condition of your heart. What is He saying? What steps is He asking you to take?