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Ephesians Study 9 Live in Love, Live in Light Ephesians 5:1–21

9 Live in Love, Live in Light Ephesians 5:1–21


Purpose: To continue to examine what it means for us to live worthy of our calling.


Not doing what is wrong is one thing. But sometimes it can be even more difficult to do what is right. In Ephesians 5 Paul continues to outline what it means “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (4:1). He does this by considering ways we shouldn't act and ways we should.


1.  How do children imitate? (Give some examples from your own observations of small children.)





2.  Read Ephesians 5:1–21. In verses 1–2 Paul says that just as children imitate their parents, so we are to imitate God. What have you observed about God which you have begun or could begin to imitate?





3.  How is Christ the perfect example of what Paul asks of us (v. 2)?





4.  How does having an inheritance  in the kingdom of God enable us to abide by v. 4?




How can you use thanksgiving to replace improper behavior in your life?





5.  Why will immoral, impure or greedy people be unable to inherit the kingdom (vv. 5–7)?  “What “problems” do you see with this verse?


6.  Why are such people considered idolaters?





7.  In verses 8–14 Paul contrasts light and darkness to say more about holy living. According to these verses, what does it mean to “live as children of light“?





8.  Often we equate wisdom with intelligence. What characterizes wise people according to 5:15–17?





9.  How can you live more wisely then?





10.  Verses 19–21 look like four separate commands in English. In Greek, however, they are actually linked grammatically to verse 18 and describe several beneficial results of being filled with the Spirit. In your own words, explain the characteristics of those who are filled with the Spirit.





11.  Do these results occur automatically when we are filled with the Spirit or must we also treat them as commands to be followed? Explain.





12.  In your life, in what way do you most clearly see the need to be led by the Spirit?
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