07-12-2026

Ephesians Series – Week 9 | Ephesians 4:17-32 | Pastor David Nunn

What does it really mean to be holy?

In Week 9 of our Ephesians series, Pastor David Nunn explores Ephesians 4:17-32 and challenges the common belief that holiness is achieved by trying harder or following a list of rules. While Paul gives practical instructions for Christian living—telling believers to stop lying, control their anger, avoid stealing, speak words that build others up, and practice kindness and forgiveness—the deeper message is that these behaviors are not the cause of holiness, but the result of a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Pastor David walks through Paul's argument in Ephesians, reminding us that throughout the letter, salvation, transformation, and spiritual growth are presented as the work of God's grace, not human effort. Through Christ, believers have been redeemed, adopted into God's family, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to become a new humanity united in love.

This message highlights the difference between striving for individual righteousness and participating in God's work of shaping His people into the body of Christ. True spiritual transformation happens as believers live in community, encourage one another, and join the Holy Spirit in building up the church.

Key Takeaways:

Holiness cannot be achieved—it can only be received.
Christian living flows from relationship, not rule-keeping.
The church is being formed into the fullness of Christ together.
The evidence of spiritual growth is truthfulness, self-control, generosity, encouragement, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you" remains the foundation of Christian life.

As followers of Christ, we are called to lean into the work of the Holy Spirit, encourage one another, and help build the church into the full measure of Christ's likeness.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32