P’s and Q’s : Ephesians 5
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (verse 1)
What does it mean to “imitate God?”
How do we achieve that daunting exhortation?
“…and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” (verse 2)
How does Jesus’ sacrifice of giving His life on The Cross teach you how to love others?
Who is someone in your family that you need to love like this?
How do you plan to accomplish that?
“But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints…” (verse 3)
Has there been immorality in your life in any way lately?
If so, what do you need to do to rid yourself from it?
“…and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” (verse 4)
How do you avoid “filthiness, silly talk & and coarse jesting?”
Why is your language a window to your faith that others can see into?
“For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (verse 5)
Is it true that immorality becomes an idol? How?
How can you tear down the idols in your life?
“Therefore do not be partakers with them.” (verse 7)
“Do not be partakers with them” (that is the sons of disobedience). What is scripture asking you to do here?
“…for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” (verse 8)
“Children of light.” Why would Paul call believers “children of light?”
What does this call us to do with our lives?
Talk about your personal transition from spiritual darkness to walking in the light in the Lord.
“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them.” (verse 11)
Is there anything going on in the darkness that needs to be put in the light of the Lord?
“But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.” (verse 13)
Why is keeping sin in secret so devastating to a person’s spiritual walk?
“…making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (verse 16)
How does using your time well keep you out of darkness?
Do you need improvement in spending your time wisely?
How do you plan to change that?
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” (verse 18)
Why and how is alcohol use so controlling?
Being “filled” with the Spirit means to be controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. What do you need to do to empty your heart from unnecessary things so it can be filled with the Spirit?
“…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.” (verse 19)
When you are controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, why does your heart “sing” with Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs?
“…always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.” (verse 20)
How does a thankful heart become a more “spirit-filled” heart?
”Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.” (verse 26)
How can you begin to love your wife/husband even before you meet them?
Why is it worth it?
How does giving your heart away before marriage dilute your relationship with your future spouse?
