UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT  •  WEEK 4

Put Off, Put On

Text: Ephesians 4:17–5:20 (NLT)

March 8, 2026

BIG IDEA

The Christian life is the lifelong process of living out the new identity God has already given you in Christ — thinking differently, treating people differently, and living differently.

You don’t behave your way into belonging — but your belonging changes how you behave.

POINT 1

Think Differently

Sin distorts thinking. The old self centers life around self — my happiness, my truth, my rights. Transformation begins when the Spirit renews your mind, not through external pressure, but from the inside out.

Key Verses:

Ephesians 4:22–24  “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God — truly righteous and holy.”

Romans 12:2  “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Remember:

• Christianity isn’t merely learning doctrine — it is learning Christ Himself.
• Your “old self” is your default setting: idolatry of self, pursuit of pleasure, protection of your rights.
• Renewed thinking eventually reshapes how you relate to everyone around you.

POINT 2

Treat People Differently

Renewed thinking changes how we treat others. Our words, our anger, our forgiveness — all of it reflects the level of our spiritual formation.

Key Verses:

Ephesians 4:25–32  “Stop telling lies… Don’t sin by letting anger control you… Let everything you say be good and helpful… Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander… Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Colossians 3:13  “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Remember:

• Truth protects community — but truth without love wounds.
• Anger festers. It must be dealt with before it becomes destructive.
• Our words reveal the health of our heart — what’s inside eventually comes out.
• How we treat people either brings the Holy Spirit honor — or brings Him sorrow.

POINT 3

Live Differently

New identity affects every area of life. We imitate the people we admire — and as God’s children, we’re called to imitate Him. The Holy Spirit empowers the life we cannot produce on our own.

Key Verses:

Ephesians 5:1–2  “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.”

Ephesians 5:18  “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Galatians 5:16  “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”

Remember:

• You were once full of darkness — now you’re full of light. Let it out.
• The Spirit empowers what willpower alone cannot produce.
• You either yield to the Spirit or resist Him — there’s no neutral ground.

APPLICATION

Reflection Questions

• What thinking patterns still belong to the old life?
• Where are old habits resisting Christ’s authority?
• Where is the Spirit inviting renewal?

Practical Next Steps:

• Identify one old pattern — anger, pride, speech, impurity, or selfishness.
• Replace it intentionally. Don’t just stop something — put something new in its place.
• Walk with the Spirit daily. Transformation is not willpower alone.

Philippians 2:13  “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Salvation changes who you are immediately. Living it out takes a lifetime.

Put off the old. Put on the new. Walk with the Spirit.

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