Ephesians.
Week #4
Our individual lives as living witnesses.
What do you think are spiritual activities? What makes them spiritual?
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.’
Ephesians 5:1-2
Read Ephesians 4:17-6:9
Lifestyle: let your everyday life reflect Christ.
List the things that Paul mentions that he doesn’t want us to be putting into ourselves and what he doesn’t want to come out of us. Feedback these lists.
‘For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.’
Ephesians 5:8-10
What does Paul mean when he says walk in the way of love and to live as children of light? How do we do this and what does this look like?
Relationships: let Christ’s love infiltrate your relationships.
‘Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.’
Ephesians 5:1-2
Why does Paul list sacrifice as a key component to loving one another?
Work: work as though you were working directly for Christ.
‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.’
Ephesians 6: 7-8
How do we do this? It would be impossible to achieve this standard of working on our own – how can the Holy Spirit’s help with this?
Closing Reflections.
Is there anything you will take away from this study and discussion?
What has stood out that you can take into your week ahead?
Pray together (in pairs or small groups) for each other, in response to your answers.