Reading Plan:
Ephesians 4:17-32

Author: Gray Strickland

I love superhero movies! I particularly love the ones where the hero lives a dual life, like Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man. Once they put their superhero suit on, everything changes! When they change clothes, they assume a completely new identity. With their new identities come new responsibilities. In the real world, we see this in firemen, policemen, soldiers, and even astronauts. When the uniform/suit is on, their responsibilities are different. Their “new” identities fuel their activities.

In Ephesians 4, Paul compares our spiritual transformation to that of changing clothes. But, unlike superheroes, firemen, and astronauts, we are not supposed to bounce back and forth between identities. Ephesians 4:22 says we are to “put off our old self” and “put on our new self.” I’m reminded of Jesus talking to Lazarus in John 11:44. He tells the once dead and now alive Lazarus to “take off the grave clothes.” It's as if Jesus were saying, “Hey Lazarus, you’re no longer dead, so don’t dress like it!” That’s exactly what Paul is telling us in our reading today. You have been given a new spiritual identity and with that comes new responsibilities. We take off the old (grave clothes) and put on the new.

Here’s the catch. Although our spiritual nature and eternal destination are changed the moment we place our faith in Christ, it takes our minds (and actions) a minute to catch up. In fact, it is an ongoing, daily, lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. As Christ renews our minds (Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:9-10) our actions slowly begin to follow suit.

So, what does it look like to “put off” and “put on"? Paul gives us some practical examples of how Christ continues to renew us:

We “put off” lying to “put on” telling the truth. (Ephesians 4:25)
We “put off” unrighteous anger to “put on” righteous anger. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
We “put off” stealing to “put on” working and giving. (Ephesians 4:28)
We “put off” corrupt talk to “put on” edifying talk. (Ephesians 4:29-30)
We “put off” bitterness and rage to “put on” kindness and forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:21-32)
As you move through your day today, be mindful of your thoughts and actions. Pay attention to the “old” thoughts and actions you may still need to remove.


Reflection & Response:

Prayer: Father, thank you for making all things new. Show me where I am still wearing the “old”. Give me the courage to step into the “new” that you have called me to. Thank you for loving me right where I am, “old” and all, and loving me enough to not leave me there.




Family Application: New Me
Author: Nichole McCardle

• When you think about Batman, Superman, or Spider-Man, what comes to mind? They are regular guys who put on costumes and become superheroes. When their costume is on, their actions completely change! They go from being a regular guy to a crime-fighting hero just by changing clothes. Ephesians 4 teaches us that when we become followers of Christ, it's like we “change clothes” from old to new. We take off our old self (like our old clothes and old way of life) and put on our new self (like our new clothes and a new way of Christian life). Like a superhero, we put on our “new suit” and our actions change to that of a Christ-follower. However, becoming more like Jesus takes time and requires daily practice. Here are some ways that Ephesians 4 teaches us to be more like Jesus in our “new clothes”:

1. Tell the truth. (Ephesians 4:25)
2. Do not stay angry. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
3. Be a good worker and share. (Ephesians 4:28)
4. Say kind words. (Ephesians 4:29-30)
5. Show kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

• What behaviors/actions do you need to “put off” so that your ways are pleasing to God?
• If you are a follower of Christ, think of ways that your actions can show others that your life is different now because you have Jesus. If you are not a follower of Christ, you can do that today! Admit that you are a sinner, believe that Jesus is the Son of God, believe that He died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again, and say out loud that He is the Lord of your life (Romans 10:9-10).
• Prayer: God, you are amazing! Thank you for loving me! God, help me to show others the “new me” through my actions. Amen.