What does it really mean to “put off the old self and put on the new“? Ephesians Chapter 4 challenges us to rethink our daily walk with God. Together, we’ll explore how this chapter outlines the practical steps to shed our old ways and embrace a life transformed by Christ.
As we dive in, we’ll see how the Apostle Paul calls us to live in unity, grow spiritually, and renew our minds. But why is this renewal so essential? Without it, we can’t fully experience the abundant life God has for us. Ephesians Chapter 4 doesn’t just teach theology—it gives us tools to apply it.
Through this chapter, we’re reminded that our faith isn’t passive. Instead, it’s an active journey where we choose daily to leave behind anger, bitterness, and selfishness. Instead, we’re called to replace these with kindness, forgiveness, and love.
By the end of this study, we’ll have a clearer picture of how to live as a “new creation” in Christ. So, let’s dig into Ephesians Chapter 4 together and uncover the path to a life that reflects God’s heart! Are we truly living as the new person Christ has called us to be? Let’s find out.
I. Unity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1–6)
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call–5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Paul begins this chapter with a passionate appeal. As a prisoner for the Lord, he urges us to walk in a manner that reflects our identity in Christ. The focus is on Christian unity—not just getting along, but being deeply connected by the Spirit.
Verses 4–6 highlight seven “ones”—foundational truths that bind all believers together:
- One Body (the Church)
- One Spirit (the Holy Spirit)
- One Hope (eternal life)
- One Lord (Jesus)
- One Faith (the gospel message)
- One Baptism (our identification with Christ)
- One God and Father (our source and authority)
These verses remind us that unity isn’t something we create—it’s something we maintain through love and obedience.
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II. Spiritual Gifts for the Growth of the Church (Ephesians 4:7–16)
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
In this section, Paul shifts from unity to diversity within the Church. While all believers are united in Christ, each one has received a different gift of grace to serve the body.
Verses 11–12 outline key leadership roles:
- Apostles and prophets laid the foundation of the Church.
- Evangelists spread the gospel.
- Shepherds and teachers nurture and guide believers.
The purpose of these roles isn’t to do all the work but to equip others for ministry. When every part functions properly, the Church grows in love and becomes spiritually mature.
Verse 15 gives us a beautiful standard: “Speak the truth in love.” Growth comes when truth and love walk hand in hand. Christ is the head of the body, and each member plays a part in building it up.
III. Living as a New Creation (Ephesians 4:17–24)
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!–21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Paul calls for a radical change in lifestyle. We are not to live as we once did—ignorant of God and driven by self-centered desires. That old way leads to emptiness and separation from the life of God.
But in Christ, we are made new. Verses 22–24 describe a three-step transformation:
- Put off the old self (our former way of life)
- Be renewed in our minds (a change in thinking)
- Put on the new self (created to be like God)
This isn’t behavior modification—it’s a spiritual transformation. We no longer belong to sin. We belong to God, and our new identity shapes how we live.
IV. Instructions for Holy Living (Ephesians 4:25–32)
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Paul finishes the chapter with a list of practical instructions that reflect our new life in Christ.
Verse 25 ties honesty to our unity—we speak the truth because we belong to each other. Verses 26–27 acknowledge that anger may come, but we must not let it control us or become sin. Unchecked anger opens the door to the enemy.
The commands are simple but powerful:
- Work instead of steal
- Speak life instead of tearing down
- Show kindness instead of bitterness
Verse 30 reminds us that our behavior affects the Holy Spirit, who lives in us. When we act out of our old nature, we grieve Him. But when we walk in love, we reflect the very heart of God.
Verse 32 is a beautiful summary of Christlike living:
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
This is the kind of life that shines in a dark world—a life marked by grace, truth, and love.
Final Insights on Ephesians Chapter Four
Ephesians Chapter 4 provides a powerful guide for living a life transformed by Christ. It calls us to unity, spiritual growth, and personal renewal. This chapter reminds us to leave behind old, sinful ways and embrace the new life God offers. Through humility, love, and truth, we reflect the character of Christ in our daily lives.
As we meditate on Ephesians Chapter 4, let’s consider how these truths apply to our hearts, relationships, and actions. Are we walking worthy of the calling God has given us? Are we allowing His Spirit to renew our minds daily? God’s Word has the power to restore every aspect of our lives when we trust and apply it.
Take time this week to read Ephesians Chapter 4 prayerfully. Let its teachings challenge and inspire you to grow in love and maturity. Study these verses, and ask God to reveal areas in your life where renewal is needed.
Don’t stop here. Dive deeper into the Bible to uncover more of God’s truth and wisdom. Trust His Word to guide and transform you. Let’s commit to living as the new creation Christ has made us. Together, we can walk in His love and reflect His glory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ephesians Chapter Four
1. What does it mean to “put off the old self” in Ephesians Chapter 4? To “put off the old self” means to abandon sinful behaviors and attitudes that defined our lives before coming to Christ. Paul emphasizes turning away from deceit, anger, bitterness, and greed. Instead, we are called to renew our minds and embrace a Christlike character, marked by righteousness, holiness, and love.
2. Why is unity so important in Ephesians Chapter 4? Unity is central to Paul’s message in Ephesians Chapter Four because it reflects God’s purpose for His church. Believers are called to live as one body, bound together by one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Unity in the church strengthens our witness to the world and fosters spiritual growth as we work together in love.
3. How can we grow spiritually as described in Ephesians Chapter 4? Spiritual growth comes through using the gifts Christ has given the church—such as teaching, serving, and encouraging others. By speaking the truth in love, living in obedience to God’s Word, and building one another up, we mature in faith. Regular prayer, Bible study, and a willingness to be transformed by God’s Spirit also help us grow.
