What does Paul really mean when he commands believers to be “imitators of God” in Ephesians 5:1? Is Christian living about striving harder to act like Jesus—or something far deeper?

In this Christ-centered teaching, Nathan explains why imitating Christ is impossible apart from Christ Himself and why true imitation must flow from divine impartation, not human effort. This message unpacks the gospel logic behind Ephesians 5:1, exposing the difference between external behavior modification and genuine spiritual transformation, and offers three essential reminders for anyone who desires to live an authentic Christian life shaped by the indwelling life of Jesus Christ.

1. Watch the video version of the study on YouTube
2. See the notes for this study

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Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 123

» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday—which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and the ministry of Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually. Sign up at: deeperchristian.com/digest

» Watch the Ephesians Bible Study studies on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIigCRFn5DR0tmIuFjc9chXIZXXRT7ouH

» Receive other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com

What does it mean to be a Christian in every part of life—not just in belief, but in conduct, character, and conviction?

In this Christ-centered Bible teaching from Ephesians 4, Nathan Johnson takes a big-picture look at the call to live as Christians always and in all ways, showing how the gospel should radically reshape our words, actions, thoughts, and motives.

Throughout the message, we examine Paul’s vision of spiritual maturity and are reminded that Jesus Christ must be the center of the believer’s life.

• Watch the video version of the study on YouTube
• See the notes for this study

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Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 122

» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday—which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and the ministry of Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually. Sign up at: deeperchristian.com/digest

» Watch the Ephesians Bible Study studies on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIigCRFn5DR0tmIuFjc9chXIZXXRT7ouH

» Receive other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com

In Ephesians 4:31–32, the apostle Paul draws a sharp contrast between the old life shaped by sin and the new life formed by Christ, calling believers to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, malice, and unforgiveness, and to instead live in kindness, tenderness, and Christ-like forgiveness.

In this in-depth Bible study, Nathan Johnson walks through Paul’s two contrasting lists—what must be put off and what must be put on—and shows that genuine Christian transformation is not achieved through self-effort but through the indwelling life of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. This teaching helps Christians understand how the gospel reshapes the heart, how forgiveness flows from Christ’s forgiveness of us, and how a life centered on Jesus produces practical holiness for the glory of God.

• Watch the video version of the study on YouTube
• See the notes for this study

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Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 121

» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday—which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and the ministry of Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually. Sign up at: deeperchristian.com/digest

» Watch the Ephesians Bible Study studies on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIigCRFn5DR0tmIuFjc9chXIZXXRT7ouH

» Receive other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com