YOLO Session 4: From Shab To Chic: Ephesians

Session 4
From Shab To Chic
Ephesians 4:22-5:2
You can tell a lot about a person by the clothes that they wear. From basketball players to bus drivers to baristas to postal carriers and policemen, what we have on says a lot about who we are. If you see a man running down the street with brown shorts and a brown shirt that parks in a fire lane, then you know that's the UPS guy. If you see a guy in bright red tights with his briefs on the outside running down the street, you know that's who? It's a superhero! What we wear has a lot to say about who we are.
I have a passion for fashion. In the '70s, I wore leisure suits and butterfly collars and then a little bit later adapted my fashion into the '80s and '90s, and 2000’s. In fact, when I go into my favorite places to shop, people will begin asking me for sizes. They'll begin to inquire about what's on sale.
Several years ago, I was doing some shopping at Express for Men, and a guy came up to me and said, "Do you have this in X size?" I said, "Sure, let me go and find that pant for you. If you'll head right back to the dressing room, it's right back here on the left, I'll get that pant for you. I'll meet you in the dressing room. By the way, we have belts on sale for $19.99, and all of our t-shirts are half off. Would you like for me to pick out a t-shirt that matches your pants?" The guy was so happy. He was like, "Well, you bet." I was digging around trying to find some combinations to help this guy. About that time Gena walked in and she said, "What in the world are you doing?" She was looking at me kind of funny. I know that the people that worked at the store were on their headsets saying, "Who is this weird guy in the dressing room? Do we need to call security?"
In Ephesians 4:22-24, the Apostle Paul says we should “put on the new self” and “take off the old.” The word translated “put on” is the same word in the New Testament used to describe getting dressed. Spiritually speaking, we have to put on the new person God has called us to be. We have to put on a new wardrobe to move from shab to chic. In your Home Groups, discuss what it means to take off who you used to be and to put on who God has called you to be.
Discussion Starter
What are your favorite pieces of clothing to wear? (Jeans, shorts, suits, pjs, dresses, heals, panty hose, slippers, sweats, golf pants, etc.) Why?
Verse to Remember
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires… Ephesians 4:22 (NIV)
Discussion Questions
1. Read Ephesians 4:22-24 share some examples of new things you need to put on and take off spiritually?
2. Read Ephesians 4:22-23 Why is it important to keep growing and learning in our spiritual life? Why does the life of a Christ follower require constant growth?
3. Ephesians 4:26 says, “don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” Do you need to let go of some specific areas of anger and bitterness? If so, describe.
Application Questions
1. The power of the Holy Spirit is a huge part of putting on the whole person. What do you need to let go of and allow the Holy Spirit to change in your life this week?
2. How can changing your heart to focus on love help change your life and focus? Read Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Prayer Focus
Pray for God to help you put on the new self each day as He empowers you to live the life you are called to live.