On your own or with your life group work through this reading plan to apply this weekend’s message to your life. If you haven’t done so yet, listen or watch the Sunday message below.

Icebreaker Question: Share about a time when you realized you needed to change something significant in your life. What prompted that realization?
Key Takeaways

1. We are called to transformation - Romans 12:2 calls us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind"
2. The old life vs. the new life - We must "put off" our former conduct and "put on" the new self
3. Transformation requires willingness - Change happens at the pace of our willingness to submit to God's truth
4. God provides the power - We don't change in our own strength; the Holy Spirit empowers transformation
5. God will complete His work - Philippians 1:6 promises that God will complete what He started in us

Discussion Questions

1. Read Ephesians 4:17-24. What specific characteristics of the "old life" does Paul describe? Which of these do you see most prevalent in our culture today?
2. The pastor said, "God loves you in spite of the way you are, and He intends to form you into His image." How is this different from the phrase "God loves you just the way you are, but He won't leave you that way"? Why does this distinction matter?
3. What does it mean to be "renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4:23)? How does this renewal lead to transformation?

Personal Reflection

4. The sermon stated: "Transformation will only happen at the pace of your willingness to submit to God's truth." On a scale of 1-10, how willing are you right now to let God deal with areas of your life that need change? What makes you hesitant?
5. Read Ephesians 4:25-32. Paul lists specific behaviors to "put off" and "put on." Which one stands out to you as an area where God might be calling you to change?
   • Lying → Speaking truth
   • Sinful anger → Peacemaking
   • Stealing → Honest work and generosity
   • Corrupt speech → Encouraging words
   • Bitterness → Kindness and forgiveness
6. The pastor shared his personal struggle with wanting to be "important" and how God had to deal with him. What area of your life do you sense God saying, "We must deal with that"?

Going Deeper

7. Read Galatians 2:20. Paul says "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." What does it look like practically to live as though your "old self" is dead?
8. The sermon emphasized that we are saved by faith, not by works, yet we are called to change. How do we balance resting in God's grace while actively pursuing transformation? How do we avoid either legalism or complacency?
9. Read Ephesians 5:1. Paul calls us to "be imitators of God as dear children." What are some specific ways you've seen children naturally imitate their parents? How can we more intentionally imitate our Heavenly Father?

Application

10. The closing challenge was: "What will you do with what the Lord has asked you to do?" What specific action is God calling you to take this week based on what He's revealed to you?
11. How can this group help hold you accountable and encourage you in the areas where God is calling you to change?

Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge
Each morning this week, ask yourself and invite God to show you: "What do You want me to do with what You've told me?"

Individual Action Steps
Choose one area from Ephesians 4:25-32 where you need to grow:
PUT OFF:

• [ ] Lying/dishonesty
• [ ] Unrighteous anger
• [ ] Stealing/dishonest gain
• [ ] Laziness
• [ ] Corrupt/crude speech
• [ ] Bitterness
• [ ] Gossip/slander
• [ ] Greediness

PUT ON:

• [ ] Speaking truth
• [ ] Peacemaking
• [ ] Hard work & integrity
• [ ] Generosity
• [ ] Encouraging words
• [ ] Kindness
• [ ] Compassion
• [ ] Forgiveness

My specific action step this week:

Group Action

• Accountability partners: Pair up with someone in the group to check in mid-week about your specific area of growth
• Prayer commitment: Commit to praying for one another daily regarding transformation

Scripture Memory
Ephesians 4:22-24 - "That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."

Closing Reflection
The pastor shared: "We are not yet who we will be, but by God's grace and mercy, we are not who we once were."
Reflect:

• How have you already seen God transform you since you began following Christ?
• What evidence of the "new self" can you celebrate?
• Where do you need to trust God's promise that "He who began a good work in you will complete it"? (Philippians 1:6)

Closing Prayer
Pray together using these themes:

• Confession: Areas where we've been resistant to change
• Thanksgiving: For God's patience and faithfulness to complete His work in us
• Petition: Ask God to renew our minds and empower us by His Spirit
• Commitment: Surrender our will to His will for transformation

Leader Notes

• Be vulnerable: Share your own struggles with change to create a safe environment
• Avoid judgment: Remember that transformation is a process; celebrate small steps
• Focus on grace: Balance the call to change with the reality that we're saved by grace through faith
• Follow up: Check in with group members during the week about their specific action steps
• Pray specifically: Take time to pray for each person's individual area of growth

Additional Resources

• For further study: Read through the entire book of Ephesians this week
• Recommended reading: Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard (referenced in the sermon)
• Journal prompt: "God must deal with me in the area of __________"