Belief in Action: Relationships Reflecting Christ

Belief in Action: Relationships Reflecting Christ
Text: Ephesians 4:25-5:4

Main Theme:

Belief in Christ shapes our behavior, transforming our relationships to reflect our new identity and build church unity

1. Scripture Context – Contrast between their pagan life and Christian life 4:17-24
• Pagan Life (vv 17-19)
• Christian Life (vv 20-24)
2. Belief in Christ shapes our behavior, transforming our relationships to reflect our new identity and build church unity. (4:25-5:4)

Paul gives Eight Examples:

• Trust – Purse Truth (v 25)
• Righteous Anger (vv 26-27)
• Work and Generous Giving (v 28)
• Speech - Edifying Words (v 29)
• Holy Living (v 30)
• Attitudes and Relationships (vv 4:31-5:2)
• Self-centeredness to Thankfulness: Honoring God’s Gift of Sex (vv 5:3-4)

So, what does this mean for you today?

Examine your relationships

What does truth look like in your conversations?

Are you holding onto anger or forgiving like Christ?

Are your words building up or tearing down?

Are you living selfishly or with thankfulness for God’s gifts?

Ask the Holy Spirit to continually transform your relationships to reflect your identity in Christ.

Take one concrete step to reflect Christ in a relationship

—maybe forgiving someone, speaking kindly, or giving generously to others in need.