Unite, Serve, Transform
You can listen to Ephesians 4 below and read the passage in the New Living Translation here.
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Thank you for joining us in listening to Ephesians 4! You can also access a written copy of Ephesians 4 in the New Living Translation (NLT) here.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this passage of scripture. Below are some questions that made us think. Feel free to answer one or all of them! You can also comment with any other questions or thoughts about the chapter.
All scripture quoted is in the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.
Discussion Questions
1. In Ephesians 4 we see Paul shift from writing about who we are to how we are to live. He doesn’t start with a list of rules.
Instead he says, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love” (Ephesians 4:2).
Humble, gentle, patient, willing to put up with others— this is where Paul starts.
-Why are humility, gentleness, and patience so important when you’re working with other people?
2. In Ephesians 4:20-22, Paul says that believers have an “old nature” and a “new nature.” Our old nature is still drawn to sin and darkness. Our new nature is created to be like God! Because we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to “put on” our new nature, even though we are still tempted by sin.
-How has God helped you put on your new nature (or new self) and throw off your old nature (or old self)? In other words, how has God helped you resist sin and live the way he desires you to live?
3. In verse 29, Paul writes about the way we speak. He says, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” This is a high standard!
Everyone struggles to have completely pure speech. James wrote, “ People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8, NLT). Praise God that He has filled us with His Holy Spirit. Only God can tame our tongues.
-What destructive ways of speaking are hardest to stop?
-How can you help and encourage someone with your words today?
