Ephesians 4:17-24
So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.—Ephesians 4:17-24
Following Jesus is all about transformation. We are transformed into new life through Jesus’ death and resurrection and born again. Our life afterward is about “growing up” in our new life. This process is called sanctification, which means we are being shaped into, as we learned last week in Ephesians 4:13, “a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” That means we are becoming increasingly like Jesus. Today, we learn how to do that.
Following Jesus is all about transformation. We are transformed into new life through Jesus’ death and resurrection and born again. Our life afterward is about “growing up” in our new life. This process is called sanctification, which means we are being shaped into, as we learned last week in Ephesians 4:13, “a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” That means we are becoming increasingly like Jesus. Today, we learn how to do that.
Discussion Questions
- We learned today that futility means “lacking purpose” or “meaninglessness” (see Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 and 1:14). Ephesians 4:17 describes the former way of life of the Gentiles as “futile.” What are some futile ways of thinking present in our own culture today? How can we resist their pull?
- Compare Ephesians 4:23 with Romans 12:2. How can we actively “renew our minds” to align with Christ’s teachings? Share practical strategies.
- Ephesians 4:22-24 uses terms like “put off” and “put on.” What specific behaviors or attitudes do we need to “put off” to truly “put on” the new self in Christ? Compare this passage with Romans 6:6 and Colossians 3:9-11. What is similar and what is different in these verses?
- Verse 24 mentions “righteousness and holiness” as central to our new identity. What does that look like in daily behavior? Have you ever thought of these terms as judgmental? How can these qualities contribute to unity within the body of Christ despite diverse gifts and roles as members of Christ’s body?
- What challenges do you face daily when attempting to live out the principles in this passage? What helps you overcome these challenges?
- What concrete steps can you commit to take this week to further your personal and spiritual transformation, moving closer to your “new self in Christ”?