Ephesians 4:17-32

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Sermon Follow-Up

Sermon Summary

Paul shows us how to walk the road out of exile, teaching us the practices and habits that will shape us into the kind of people who belong where God is taking us.

Our exile from the life of God (Eph. 4:18) conditioned us to fill ourselves up illicitly and fleetingly with carnal pleasures, but the man who has returned to the life of God—being filled up with it—no longer has to work on filling himself. He turns his attention to filling others with the same life with which God has filled him.

Reflection & Discussion Questions

1. Leaving the Old Way Behind

Paul describes the old way of life as being “alienated from the life of God.”

• What do you think it looks like for someone to live disconnected from God?

• Where do you see those patterns still trying to show up in your life?

2. Becoming the New Humanity

Paul says we are to “put off” the old self and “put on” the new.

• What’s one habit, reaction, or pattern you know you need to leave behind?

• What would it look like to replace it with something that reflects your new life in Christ?

3. Build Up or Tear Down

Paul repeatedly emphasizes speech and relationships.

• Think about your words this past week—did they mostly build others up or tear them down?

• What is one specific way you can use your words this week to strengthen someone else?

4. “One Another” Living

Paul says we are “members one of another.”

• How does remembering that we belong to each other change the way we handle conflict?

• Where are you tempted to think individualistically instead of communally?

Practice for the Week

Pick one area from the passage and focus on it intentionally:

• Speak truth and avoid exaggeration or spin

• Address anger quickly and graciously

• Use your words to encourage someone daily

• Look for an opportunity to give (time, money, energy)

Goal: Do something that builds someone up every day this week.

Short Family Section

Big Idea (for kids):

We are God’s house—let’s build it up—don’t tear it down.

Kid-Friendly Explanation

God lives with and in His people. That means we are like a house where God lives.

When we are kind, helpful, and use good words, we are helping build that house strong.

When we are mean, hurtful, or selfish, we are weakening and tearing it down.

Questions for Kids

• What are some ways you can build someone up this week?

• What are some words that tear people down?

• Who is one person you can encourage today?

Simple Practice

Say one thing each day that helps someone else feel stronger, happier, or loved.