The Old Way of Life
Category: Failure of holiness
Could endure: Put off the old self, live in Christ.
“You were taught… to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” (Ephesians 4:22)
Cross-Refs: Romans 6:6; Colossians 3:9–10.
Chose wrongly: Continued in Gentile futility.
“You must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.” (Ephesians 4:17)
Cross-Refs: 1 Peter 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:5.
Endured (negatively): Darkened minds, hardened hearts.
“They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God.” (Ephesians 4:18)
Cross-Refs: Romans 1:21; 2 Corinthians 4:4.
Why (wrong motive): Indulging desires of the flesh.
“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh.” (Ephesians 2:3)
Cross-Refs: Titus 3:3; Galatians 5:17.
Result: Deserving of wrath.
“Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” (Ephesians 2:3)
Cross-Refs: Romans 2:5; Colossians 3:6.
Falsehood and Corrupt Speech
Category: Failure of integrity
Could endure: Speak truth and build up others.
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25)
Cross-Refs: Zechariah 8:16; Colossians 3:9.
Chose wrongly: Lying, corrupt talk, bitterness.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Cross-Refs: James 3:6; Matthew 12:36.
Endured (negatively): Grieved the Holy Spirit.
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” (Ephesians 4:30)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 63:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
Why (wrong motive): Malice, anger, deceit.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander.” (Ephesians 4:31)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 10:18; Colossians 3:8.
Result: Loss of blessing, exposure to judgment.
“Because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 5:6)
Cross-Refs: Romans 1:18; Revelation 21:8.
Disunity in the Church
Category: Failure of love
Could endure: Maintain unity in the Spirit.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
Cross-Refs: John 17:21; Philippians 2:2.
Chose wrongly: Allowed hostility, division, and pride.
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier.” (Ephesians 2:14 — contrast with division)
Cross-Refs: Galatians 3:28; James 4:1.
Endured (negatively): Weakened witness.
“You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people.” (Ephesians 2:19 — implied rebuke against division)
Cross-Refs: Romans 14:10; Titus 3:10.
Why (wrong motive): Pride, prejudice, selfishness.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2 — opposite of failure)
Cross-Refs: 1 Corinthians 3:3; Galatians 5:26.
Result: Loss of spiritual maturity.
“From him the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16 — failure to do so stunts growth)
Cross-Refs: Colossians 2:19; 1 John 2:9–11.
Spiritual Negligence
Category: Failure of vigilance
Could endure: Put on the armor of God.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11)
Cross-Refs: 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 1 Peter 5:8.
Chose wrongly: Left vulnerable by neglecting prayer and watchfulness.
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18 — implied warning if neglected)
Cross-Refs: Luke 22:46; Colossians 4:2.
Endured (negatively): Open to the devil’s schemes.
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but… against the spiritual forces of evil.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Peter 5:9.
Why (wrong motive): Spiritual laziness, distraction.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.” (Ephesians 5:15)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 6:9–11; Hebrews 2:1.
Result: Defeat, loss of ground to the enemy.
“Do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:27)
Cross-Refs: James 4:7; Revelation 2:5.