Sunday March 1, 2026

Sermon Title: Living Out Our New Identity In Christ

Scripture: (Ephesians 4:17-32)

Series Big Idea: God unites and transforms believers in Christ’s Church 

Sermon Big Idea: Trade your old life for Christ's new wardrobe

Introduction 

Journeying through Ephesians reveals the depth and richness of God’s plan for His people. In this passage, Paul challenges the church to live out their new identity in practical, everyday ways.

Put Off the Old Garments (vv. 17-24)

Following Christ means leaving behind our former way of life and its broken patterns. Paul urges the Ephesians to turn away from thoughts and behaviors that are no longer fitting for God’s people.

Put On the New Garments (vv. 25-32)

God calls us to clothe ourselves in truth, kindness, and forgiveness, reflecting the character of Christ. As we live out this new identity, our relationships and words are transformed for His glory.

Be Renewed Daily (23, 30)

Real change begins within as the Holy Spirit reshapes our hearts and minds. By relying on God’s renewing power, we can truly live out our new nature every day.

Conclusion 

God invites us to daily choose the “wardrobe” that matches our identity in Christ. Only by His Spirit can we put off the old and fully put on the new way of life Jesus gives.

Ephesians 4:17-32 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.

Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, eds. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Snodgrass, Klyne. Ephesians. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.

Vaughan, Curtis. Ephesians. Founders Study Guide Commentary. Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, 2002.

Cole, Steven J. Ephesians. Steven J. Cole Commentary Series. Dallas: Galaxie Software, 2017.

Hoehner, Harold W., Philip W. Comfort, and Peter H. Davids. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. Vol. 16. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.

Osborne, Grant R. Ephesians: Verse by Verse. Osborne New Testament Commentaries. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017.

Merida, Tony. Exalting Jesus in Ephesians. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014.

Barry, John D., Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

Dockery, David S., ed. Holman Concise Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.

Water, Mark. Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible. AMG Publishers, 2003.

Brannan, Rick, and Israel Loken. The Lexham Textual Notes on the Bible. Lexham Bible Reference Series. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Handbook. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Radmacher, Earl D., Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. The Tyndale Reference Library. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

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