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

As Christians, we are not only image-bearers of the living God, but His Holy Spirit also indwells us. In this episode, we examine Paul’s sobering exhortation in Ephesians 4:30 to “not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,” exploring what this command actually means for everyday Christian living.

Rather than treating grief of the Spirit as an abstract theological idea, we look at how our attitudes, words, relationships, and daily choices either align with—or resist—the life and character of Jesus Christ living within us. What does it mean to be sealed by the Spirit for the day of redemption, and how should that reality shape the way we live, speak, forgive, and walk in holiness? This teaching invites believers into deeper intimacy, Spirit-empowered obedience, and a Christ-centered life marked not by self-effort, but by surrendered dependence upon the indwelling Spirit 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 120

» 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

Every word we speak reveals what’s flowing from our hearts. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul exhorts believers to let no corrupt talk come out of their mouths, but only what builds up and gives grace to those who hear. Our speech is meant to reflect the transforming power of Jesus Christ—words that encourage, strengthen, and point others to Him.

In this study, Nathan Johnson unpacks the biblical call to use our tongues for edification, showing how Spirit-filled communication becomes a powerful testimony of God’s work within us.

• 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 119

» 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: https://dclife.us/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

Always with something to share: the Christian's call to work and giving.

As believers, we’re not called to take but to give. In Ephesians 4:28, Paul calls Christians to abandon the old life of idleness and selfish gain and instead work diligently with their hands so they always have something to share with those in need. True Christian stewardship and generosity flow from a transformed heart—a life centered on Jesus Christ that labors not for self but for His glory.

In this study, we explore what it means to work hard for the Lord, live as channels of God’s provision, and reflect His heart of giving in a world that constantly takes.

• 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 118

» 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: https://dclife.us/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

Anger is a powerful and often destructive emotion. But is it ever acceptable for a Christian to be angry?

In this study, we dive deep into Ephesians 4:26–27 where Paul says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

In this study, you’ll discover:

• What the Bible actually says about anger in the Christian life
• The difference between righteous and selfish (sinful) anger … and how to discern between the two
• Why Paul ultimately calls believers to put away anger altogether
• Practical steps for walking in peace, forgiveness, and unity in the body of Christ

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it okay for a Christian to be angry?” this study will give you biblical clarity, encouragement, and a renewed focus on Jesus—the One who alone can transform our hearts and free us from the destructive grip of anger.

• 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 117

» 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: https://dclife.us/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

As Christians, our lives must be marked by the truth. Because God does not lie and because we are members of one body, we must aggressively throw any lie, hypocrisy, or duplicity from our lives.

In this study from Ephesians 4:25, Nathan talks about truth, lying, and how both are far more than merely the words we say but also include how we live our lives.

• 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 116

» 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: https://dclife.us/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