Old Clothes, New Clothes
Living no longer like you used to
Paul insists, in the Lord, that we must no longer live the way we once did — in the futility of empty thinking, darkened in understanding, hearts hardened, having lost all sensitivity. That is NOT the way of life Christ taught! You were taught, in regard to your former way of life, to put off your OLD SELF, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires — and to be made new in the attitude of your mind, putting on the NEW SELF, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
So Paul gets very practical: PUT OFF falsehood, and speak truthfully, for we are all members of one body. In your anger, do not sin — don't let the sun go down still angry, and don't give the devil a foothold! Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but work, doing something useful, so they can share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come from your mouth, but only what builds others up. Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and every form of malice — and instead be kind, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God forgave you in Christ.
✨ Memory verse
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self... to be made new in the attitude of your mind; and to put on the new self.”Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
Tap the words in the right order:
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Type the verse from memory:
🎵 Sing along: A Song for Old Clothes, New Clothes
❓ Quiz time!
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👨👩👧 Parent & teacher guide
Big idea: the decisive 'put off / put on' pattern of holy living — not gradual self-improvement, but a real change of nature evidenced in concrete, practical behaviors: truthful speech, righteous anger, honest work, edifying words, and forgiveness modeled on God's own forgiveness of us. This is holiness made tangible, not abstract.
Conversation starters: (1) What's one thing from the "old self" you want God's help to put off this week? (2) Why does Paul connect lingering anger with giving the devil a "foothold"? (3) How does remembering God's forgiveness of you change how easily you forgive others?
Pray for grace to put off the old self and put on the new, in specific, practical ways.