Put On The New Self - MSQ
Part of Becoming Who We Are
November 10, 2024

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Put On The New Self

Message Study Questions

Opening Discussion

In terms of how you live and your daily behavior, what are the biggest ways you are different now in Christ from what you were before Christ?

Study Summary

This week we are contrasting the old and new ways of living for believers. In Ephesians 4:17-32, Paul urges Christians to abandon their former, corrupt lifestyles characterized by ignorance, impurity, and deceit. Instead, they are called to embrace a new way of life that reflects their renewed nature in Christ. This involves putting off the old self and adopting a new self, created to be righteous and holy. Paul emphasizes practical behaviors of the new life, including honesty, controlled anger, productive work, and kind, forgiving interactions with others. The passage underscores the importance of living in a manner consistent with one’s identity in Christ, marked by truth, righteousness, and love.

Discussion

Read Ephesians 4:17-32, then answer the following questions.

  1. Unbelievers harden their own hearts when they ignore God and suppress their own conscience until it is seared (1 Timothy 4:2). What is the result?

  2. According to Romans 1:18-22, what else do unbelievers suppress when they choose to ignore God? What do they become (verse 22)?

  3. According to Ephesians 4:19, when unbelievers’ hearts become more and more callous, what kinds of things dominate their thoughts and eventually their actions (verse 19)?

  4. Believers also have an “old nature”, (also called our sin nature or the flesh) that is just as corrupt as an unbeliever’s. This is why believers can sometimes think and act just as bad as the worst pagan. How do believers overcome their sin nature?

Read again Ephesians 4:20-24.

  1. “Putting off” and “putting on” refers to what we do with clothing. Putting off is an image of separation from dirty clothing. What might this separating from your old nature look like? How often does a person typically change clothes?

  2. According to verse 22, what is happening to our old nature? What insights does that give you for dealing with sin in your life?

  3. Can you think of any ways your new nature is growing stronger?

  4. Read Ephesians 4:25-32. Paul gives five specific exhortations to “put off old behavior” and “put on new”, followed by a reason why. Fill in the chart below.

Verse 25

  • Don’t!
  • Do.
  • Why?

Verses 26-27

  • Don’t!
  • Do.
  • Why?

Verse 28

  • Don’t!
  • Do.
  • Why?

Verse 29

  • Don’t!
  • Do.
  • Why?

Verses 31-32

  • Don’t!
  • Do.
  • Why?

Food For Thought

“In Ephesians 4:17-32, Paul describes the transformation expected in the lives of believers. The old self, which is marked by deceit and corruption, must be left behind. Instead, believers are called to live out their new identity in Christ, characterized by righteousness and holiness. This involves practical changes in behavior, such as speaking the truth, managing anger, and showing kindness and forgiveness. Paul’s teaching underscores that the Christian life is not merely about avoiding sin but actively embodying a new way of living that reflects our renewed nature and relationships in Christ.”
— Tim Chester

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21

Application

This week, let’s focus on making practical changes in our daily lives as we strive to align with the new self Paul describes in Ephesians 4:17-32. Reflect on areas where old habits, such as deceit, impurity, or uncontrolled anger, may still influence you. Take deliberate steps to put off these old behaviors and embrace the new way of living that Christ calls us to. This means practicing honesty in your interactions, managing anger constructively, engaging in work that is both productive and ethical, and extending kindness and forgiveness to others. As you go about your week, ask yourself how you can embody the truth, righteousness, and love that reflect your renewed identity in Christ. By consciously choosing behaviors that align with your new nature, you will better demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in your everyday life.

Prayer Points

  • Can you select one specific “put on” and one “put off” to ask the Holy Spirit to give you supernatural power to accomplish this week? Write them here:
    Put on:


    Put off:

  • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything in your life that might be grieving Him.

  • Ask God to give you wisdom to speak a word of encouragement to your spouse, your family members, friends, and coworkers this week.

Continued Study

  1. What are some specific areas in my life where old habits or patterns of behavior (such as deceit, impurity, or uncontrolled anger) still influence me? What steps can I take to consciously “put off” these old behaviors?
    Colossians 3:8-10
    Romans 13:12-14

  2. How can I actively practice the new behaviors Paul describes, such as honesty, controlled anger, productive work, and kindness? Identify practical ways to incorporate these virtues into my daily life and interactions.

  3. In what ways can I better reflect my identity in Christ through my actions and attitudes? How does understanding my new identity in Christ affect how I approach conflicts, work, and relationships?
    Galatians 2:20
    1 Peter 2:9
    Philippians 2:14-15