Eph 4.17-5.21 | Ps Alex Huggett | 25.10.2026 Sermon Summary: How to Dress Like a Christian Scripture: Ephesians 4:17–5:21 In psychological research, "enclothed cognition" shows that the clothes we wear subtly influence how we think and act. In Ephesians 4–5, the Apostle Paul uses a similar picture, urging believers to "take off" the old self and "put on" the new self created in God's likeness. However, unlike temporary external wardrobe changes, Christian transformation is an inside-out work of the Holy Spirit. It is crucial to read this passage through the lens of Ephesians chapters 1–3. Paul is not giving a list of rules to earn salvation; rather, he is describing how to live out an identity we already possess in Christ. Paul draws a stark contrast between two ways of walking: The Old Walk (Darkness): Driven by hardened hearts, moral ignorance, deceitful desires, greed, promiscuity, bitterness, foul speech, and uncontrolled anger. In ancient Ephesus—as in today’s culture of expressive individualism—such behaviors were normalized.The New Walk (Light): Marked by renewed minds, speaking truth in love, honest labor to share with those in need, words that build others up, kindness, forgiveness, purity, and thanksgiving.Living counter-culturally in Christ is not about self-righteous judgment or condemning the world. Paul highlights these vices to warn and protect believers, calling us to discern what pleases the Lord. Rather than seeking escape or temporary release through worldly vices like drunkenness, Christians are called to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit—overflowing with worship, mutual submission, and gratitude. Key Takeaway: "We don't embrace Christian morality to get saved; we embrace it because we are saved. If we belong to Christ, let us clothe ourselves with Him—not superficially, but as an expression of a transformed heart—so that God's glory and grace shine through us to a searching world." Small Group Bible Study Guide 1. Icebreaker Have you ever worn a uniform, formal attire, or a specific outfit that subtly changed how you felt or acted while wearing it? What was it, and how did it affect your behavior or mindset? 2. Discussion Questions Paul contrasts the "futile thinking" of the old life with being "renewed in the spirit of your minds" (v. 23). How does Paul describe the sequence of taking off the old self and putting on the new self? Why must spiritual transformation start with the mind and heart rather than external rules?Optional Deeper Digging: Compare verse 22’s "deceitful desires" with verse 24’s "righteousness and purity of the truth." How do deceitful desires trick us into slipping back into old patterns of living?Read Romans 13:12–14 and Colossians 3:12–14. As Pastor noted on Sunday, putting on Christ involves putting on specific daily "garments" of grace. What virtues do these passages instruct us to put on, and why is love described as the virtue that binds everything together in perfect harmony?Optional Deeper Digging: Colossians 3:13 highlights forgiving one another "as the Lord forgave you." Why is Gospel-centered forgiveness essential for maintaining unity in a diverse, multi-cultural church family?Paul outlines practical contrasts: lying vs. speaking truth, stealing vs. working to share, foul language vs. speech that gives grace, and bitterness vs. kindness. As Pastor shared, our everyday actions and speech reveal our underlying heart condition. Which of these practical contrasts feels most relevant or challenging to navigate in your workplace, family, or social circles?The sermon highlighted how modern culture promotes "expressive individualism"—the idea that personal authenticity means following our inner feelings regardless of external truth. How does Paul’s call to "walk as children of light" and "test what is pleasing to the Lord" challenge this worldly mindset?Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine (which leads to reckless living) with being filled with the Holy Spirit. What does a Spirit-filled life look like in everyday corporate worship, speech, and personal attitudes according to verses 19–20? How differs the release found in the Spirit from the temporary escapes the world offers?As Pastor reminded us, "It’s not our sameness that makes us salt, it’s our difference." What is one concrete area of your life this week—whether in speech, generosity, or response to conflict—where you can consciously "take off" an old habit and "put on" Christ-like grace?3. Personal Reflection Guide For quiet individual reflection during the week: When you honestly examine your private thoughts, speech, and daily habits, are there any "old garments" you are still holding onto out of comfort or habit?Pastor emphasized that conviction in Christ leads to life-giving repentance, not guilt or condemnation. Is there an area of sin or struggle you need to bring openly to Jesus in light of 1 John 1:9, receiving His forgiveness and grace?How can you intentionally cultivate a heart of thanksgiving and worship this week, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill and guide your daily routines?© Bentley Baptist Church Inc. www.bentleybaptist.org