Lesson 8
PUT ON THE NEW SELF
Ephesians 4:17-32
Ephesians 4:24
1. What did Paul strongly insist on to Gentile believers in terms of lifestyle? (17) What characterized their lifestyle? (17b-19) What degenerative progression can you find here?
2. How had they been taught in regard to their former way of life? (20-22) Why was this teaching vital to them? (Ja 1:14-16; Heb 3:13)
3. Read verses 23-24. What is God doing in the minds of believers? (23) How can we cooperate with God positively? (24; Col 3:10) In creating a new self in us, what hope and purpose does God have? (Ro 8:29-30)
4. What is Paul’s strong admonition regarding speech in the body of Christ? (25) Why is speaking truthfully in the church important? (4:15) What should we not do when we are angry? (26-27) What problem arises when we are angry? What instruction does Paul give to those who steal? (28)
5. What should we avoid in talking, and what should our intention be? (29) What does “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” imply? (30) Why should we not grieve the Holy Spirit? What else should we get rid of? (31)
6. What virtues should characterize our new lives in Christ? (32) How can we practice forgiveness? In this passage, how can you summarize putting off the old self and putting on the new self? What practical instructions apply to your life and ministry?