Seek to please the Holy Spirit

Topics: Holy Spirit

Walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteous-ness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord (Ephesians 5:8?10).

I. Speak Gracious Words

* The Holy Spirit is pleased when our words give grace!

1. 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 (Ephesians 4:29).

2. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).

3. For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned? (Matthew 12:34-37).

II. Put Away Fleshly Vices

* The Holy Spirit is pleased when we repent of sinful attitudes!

1. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice (Ephesians 4:31).
2. Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19).

III. Practice Christian Virtues

* The Holy Spirit is pleased when we are kind to one another!

1. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).
2. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity (Colossians 3:12?14)

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, October 12th, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Seek to Please the Holy Spirit

An important Guideline of Life Groups: In all we do, we should seek to please the Lord. Discuss how your Life Group can please the Holy Spirit with your words, your attitudes and your actions.

Getting Started:

1. The opposite of pleasing the Holy Spirit is grieving the Holy Spirit: What are some ways that a Christian can grieve the Holy Spirit with unwholesome words, ungodly attitudes and an unforgiving spirit?
2. How can being filled with the Holy Spirit help you tame your tongue (James 3:2-10)?

Discussing Truths:

1. How did Israel grieve the Holy Spirit as recorded in Isaiah 63:8-10?
2. What kind of words do you consider unwholesome" or "coarse jesting" in the eyes of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:29; 5:4)?
3. Can you think of a time when someone used gracious words to build you up and how it impacted you?
4. How do you get rid of the negative vices listed in Ephesians 4:31?
5. What does Psalm 51 reveal about David's repentant heart?
6. Discuss creative ways of expressing acts of kindness to others.
7. How has granting forgiveness brought peace, freedom and healing to your relationships?

Now What? Application:

1. Determine to honor the Holy Spirit by speaking gracious words to your family and OIKOS relationships, removing all malice in your thinking and expressing kindness and showing forgiveness to each person!
2. Don't hold onto any offense nor allow a root of bitterness to grow (Hebrews 12:15), but pursue forgiveness and peace with each person (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18), especially your family!