Chapter 4

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. —Ephesians 4:22-24

Main Point: When your identity is in Jesus, you become a new person.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. —Ephesians 4:25

A new person is truthful.

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. —Ephesians 4:26-27

A new person is not controlled by anger.

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. —Ephesians 4:28

A new person is honest.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. —Ephesians 4:29

A new person is careful with their words.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. —Ephesians 4:30

A new person lives with an awareness of the presence of God.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. —Ephesians 4:31

A new person lives peacefully.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32

A new person is kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

Takeaway: 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it so crucial that Christ-followers are people who are truthful and honest?
2. What is the difference between being angry and being controlled by anger? How are you doing with that dynamic these days?
3. What does it look like to live with an awareness of the presence of God?
4. As far as it depends on you are you living peacefully with the people in your life?

Table Discussion Question: Has a relationship with Jesus changed your identity? In what ways have you seen this change? In what ways are you still praying to change even more?