To Begin: “Holiness just happens” true/false? Why?

Context: Paul begins with “so I tell you this…” linking back to the previous verses. We won’t get a chance to look at the first half of chapter 4 in this Bible study series, but it’s worth drawing attention to the theme of unity and peace: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:3) which continues on into our verses today. Also relevant is the way that Paul pictures believers as “one body” having “one Spirit” where each part helps the other to “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph 4:13)

In terms of the bigger structural arrangement of material in Ephesians, chapter 4-6 generally focus on “right living” or “right practice” which flows out of the “right theology” or “right gospel” laid out in Ephesians 1-3.

Read: Ephesians 4:17-5:2

¹⁷So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹ Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² 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; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ 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.

²⁹ 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. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

^5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ²and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Bible Study Questions:

Observation:

1. “you must no longer live as the Gentiles do” (v17). How is that way of life described (in terms of action, and attitude, desires etc.)? How well does Paul’s description map to things you see in the world around us, or uni culture? (optional: if you are a Christian and remember your pre-Christian life, feel free to share any ways this resonates with your own experience of life outside of Christ)
   

2. Try to articulate the way in which Paul thinks people learn how to live, think and feel “God’s way” (pay attention to vv20-24, 29-5:2)
   

3. In the table below, list each of the “old self” things to put off, the “new self” attitude to put on, and the reason given or implied. As you fill in the table, consider: what do they all have in common? (Hint: v25b, v29, v32)
   

   Old Self	New Self	Reason
   4:25
   4:26-27
   4:28
   4:29-30
   4:31-5:2

   
   Meaning:

4. In Ephesians 2:15 we read Jesus has abolished “in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations”. Would you characterise chapter 4 as a new law and set of commandments? Why or why not? (pay attention to 4:24b, 32, 5:2)
   

   
   Application:

5. For personal reflection, then sharing… Thinking about your week ahead at uni – lectures, tutorials, social events, group assignments, interactions online, maybe flatmate dynamics: which specific “put off / put on” contrast from verses 25-32 feels most relevant or challenging for you personally right now? (No need for lengthy explanations, just identify one).
   

6. Life together…How can we help each other (and other Christians we are in relationship with) to live out the “new self” this week? What’s one or more concrete ways you could “walk in the way of love” or “build others up” in your interactions this week?
   

7. Encouragement…How does knowing that we are “dearly loved Children” (Eph 5:1) who are being “created to be like God…” (Eph 4:24) encourage us to pursue this new way of living even when it feels difficult? i.e. how does this section encourage both action and assurance?