Ephesians 4:17-32
Subject to the Storm
January 25, 2026
Living as Children of Light
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 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.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
– Ephesians 4:17-32 NLT
I. The Challenge Of Our Old Lifestyle (4:17-22)
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. – Ephesians 4:17-22 NLT
The Old Walk: Paul is telling these folks and us…to no longer live like the Gentiles or (unbelievers).
Paul was using the Gentiles as an illustration here…because these BELIEVERS IN CHRIST….were actually living like the people they used to be…and living like these UNBELIEVERS they used to be.
The Root Problem: Our “OLD LIFE” is the way we used to be or what we are hiding from, living a lifestyle that God isn’t apart of…
The Action: “Is to “throw off” the old self, he says…in verse 22
“throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.” Ephesians 4:22 NLT
II. The Process Of Our Inner Transformation (4:23-24)
Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. – Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT
Transformation:Transformation is a thorough or dramatic change in form, shape, appearance, or function. It requires and action on an individual’s part! Not just hoping and thinking about what one should do..
Renew My Mind: Transformation begins in the mind and starts when we listen and let the Holy Spirit lead.
Put On the New Self: What is that…It’s the new nature of God and the changed lifestyle He wants me to live.
Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. – Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT
III. The Practical Process Of A New Lifestyle (4:25-32)
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 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.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:17-32 NLT
Honesty over Falsehood (v. 25): Speaking truth to each other as members of the body of Christ.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. – Ephesians 4:25 NLT
Righteous Anger (vv. 26-27): it’s ok to be angry at the things God would be angry about…but try and resolve conflict quickly, don’t let your anger the sun go down on your anger so that you don’t allow the devil to get a foothold and making you bitter…
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. – Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
Integrity in Labor (v. 28): Working honestly to share with those in need, rather than stealing.
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Ephesians 4:28 NLT
Edifying Speech (v. 29): Using our words to build each other up rather than tearing each other down.
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. – Ephesians 4:29 NLT
Kindness and Forgiveness (vv. 30-32): Removing bitterness, slander, and malice; instead, acting with kindness and compassion, forgiving others just as Christ forgave you.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:30-32 NLT