As Pastor Jackson continues to take us through the bookof Ephesians, we’re reminded that Christian living begins not with rules but with relationship—because we are already God’s “dearly loved children” (Eph. 5:1). This identity is not a reward for good behavior, but the foundation from which transformation flows. From this secure place, Paul urges us to put off not only verbal lies but the deeper lie that we can be fully human apart from God. In a world shaped by self-reliance, image-management, and individualism, we are called to speak truth in love—truth that reconnects people to their true Source. Even our work is reoriented: we don’t just earn to provide for ourselves, but “so that we may have something to share with those in need” (Eph. 4:28). This reframes our view of income, time, and talent as tools for building up others—whether through acts of generosity, shared meals, practical help, or church-wide compassion initiatives. Paul’s call to “walk inthe way of love,” modeled after Christ’s sacrificial and joyful offering, invites us to love even when it costs us—our comfort, control, or convenience. And in a world where it’s easier to critique those who don’t follow Jesus, we’re challenged instead to live like Him ourselves. When we live out of ouridentity as God’s beloved children—truthful, generous, and self-giving—our lives become a witness more powerful than words, drawing others to the fragrance of Christ.

Discussion Questions

1. Paul’s exhortations are rooted in a new identity: we are already “dearly loved children.” How does starting from this place of identity (rather than behavior) shift how we think about Christian living?

2. Putting off falsehood is not just about not lying, but about letting go of “the lie” — that we can be fully human apart from God. What are some common lies we believe or tell ourselves and others today? How can we lovingly speak truth into those places?

3. Ephesians 4:28 says we should work “so that we may have something to share with those in need.” How does this reframe your view of your job, income, or resources? What might this look like in practice in our church community

4. Paul calls us to “walk in the way of love” just as Christ did — sacrificially and freely. Where are we being invited right now to walk in that way? What holds us back from sacrificial love?

5. Do we spend more time and energy expecting those who don’t follow Jesus to act like him rather than committing to live like him ourselves? How might our witness change if we focused less on judging the world and more on living as God’s beloved children?

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