Title: A New Wardrobe for a New Life

Text: Ephesians 4:17-32

Outline:

I. A New Set of Clothes vv. 17-24

II. Put Off the Old, Put On the New vv. 25-32

1. Put off lying, put on truth-telling

2. Put off unrighteous anger, put on righteous anger

3. Put off stealing, put on honest work and generosity

4. Put off corrupt talk, put on edifying speech

5. Put off grieving the Spirit, put on Spirit-led obedience

6. Put off bitterness and rage, put on kindness and forgiveness

Personal Reflection & Small Group Questions

Please complete this study on your own, then bring it to your small group for discussion.

1. Looking back over your notes from this week’s sermon and text, what particularly caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

2. How does Paul explain the process of personal change? Does it happen by “trying harder” or by becoming a new creation?

3. What “old clothes” of your former life are hardest for you to leave behind?

4. In what ways do the six exhortations (vv. 25–32) reflect the life and character of Jesus?

5. How does one “grieve the Holy Spirit”? Why do you think Paul includes this warning in the midst of these practical instructions?

6. What does this passage teach about forgiveness? Is there anyone you need to forgive? How can Christ’s forgiveness of you empower that step?