P’s and Q’s : Ephesians 5
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (verse 1)
What does it mean to “imitate God?”
To imitate God means to conform to the image of Jesus Christ consistently, every moment, and to act as Jesus would act.
How do we achieve that daunting exhortation?
We will never fully achieve this until the final resurrection, but we pursue this by willfully relying on the Holy Spirit.
“…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?
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a brother or sister. It is not always our desired plan, but we willfully submit to the will of God.
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?
We speak from an overflow of the heart.
“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?
Yes. If we sin, we are picking immorality over God. This is idolatry.
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?
Not to hang out with immoral people or partake in the activities they do – this does not mean I cannot be a shining light for them in their darkness!
“…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?”
Children of the light is a reference to our sonship, inheritance, and responsibility we have because we are in Christ. Before believers give their hearts to Christ, we are walking in darkness.
What does this call us to do with our lives?
Be a shining light for Christ in ALL we do!
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?
Keeping sin in secret allows the devil to attack you, feed you lies and cause undue guilt.
“…making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (verse 16)
How does using your time well keep you out of darkness?
We are limited by time on this earth. We need to be good stewards of the time given to us because if we are choosing to spend our time in the Word, telling others about Christ or praying, then we are less likely to be tempted by boredness or emptiness.
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?
Alcohol is addictive. It changes how your brain and nervous system function. It is numbing and can dull senses (can be enticing if in pain, heartbroken, grieving, etc.)
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?
Flee from temptation, draw near to God and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Pray a lot!
“…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?
Because the mouth is the overflow of the heart! When I have joy and peace in my heart, it is hard to keep it inside!
“…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?
Thanking God for all He has done transforms us to the image of Christ. When we focus on what we are thankful for versus our hardships, we developed a spirit of gratitude.
”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?
Through prayer and by preparing for marriage by being intentional with my relationships – if there is no future, I should not be pursuing the relationship, especially if it isn’t God-centered. Purity is at the heart of this!
Why is it worth it?
God promises us it is! This will allow my marriage to start out with a strong foundation.
How does giving your heart away before marriage dilute your relationship with your future spouse?
This can allow baggage to come into the marriage and make it more difficult to fully give your heart to your spouse. Through God’s grace, you can be redeemed, but it is a more difficult road to get there.
