Lesson 9
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
To the Praise of His Glory
A Study in Ephesians
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8
Ephesians 5:1-21
In this study we will explore two different ways of walking. The first way is as an imitator of God. The second is as a son of disobedience.
Read Ephesians 5:1-21
1) What instructions does Paul give the saints of God in Ephesians 5:1-2?
2) After telling us how to walk, Paul describes the walk that is contrary to God. In Ephesians 5:3-5, what sins relate to:
3) What do verses 5 and 6 tell us about the final outcome of those who live in such a way?
4a) How are believers to respond to those who walk in immorality and why? See verses 7-8.
b) What more do you learn from 1 Corinthians 5 about the church's involvement with immoral people? What reason does Paul give for his instructions?
Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33
5) Again Paul reminds us of what we were and what we are now in Christ. We were in darkness but now we are light in the Lord. We are therefore to walk as children of light. What does Paul instruct us to do in Ephesians 5:10-14?
6) What effect do you think acceptance of darkness would have on our ability to discern God's will?
If we've accepted darkness and we are comfortable with sin, then Paul's command is for us: Awake, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
7) In verses 15-18 Paul again contrasts the two ways of living. What descriptions does he use to describe imitators of God and sons of disobedience?
8) In Paul's final command to be wise and filled with the Spirit he addresses issues of the heart. In telling us to make the best use of the time and not to be drunk with wine he addresses our conduct. What instructions does he give in addressing the tongue?
9) Finally, Paul tells us to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Compare the command of verse 2 with the command of verse 21. How are they connected?
10) What in Ephesians 5:1-21 has challenged you the most and why?
Love for God is put into action in our relationships with others. Because we are to love others and because we are children of light, our hearts, actions, and speech must be proper for the saints; we must live according to what we really are.
Copyright © 2007, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
To the Praise of His Glory
A Study in Ephesians
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8
Ephesians 5:1-21
In this study we will explore two different ways of walking. The first way is as an imitator of God. The second is as a son of disobedience.
Read Ephesians 5:1-21
1) What instructions does Paul give the saints of God in Ephesians 5:1-2?
2) After telling us how to walk, Paul describes the walk that is contrary to God. In Ephesians 5:3-5, what sins relate to:
- the heart?
- conduct?
- the tongue?
3) What do verses 5 and 6 tell us about the final outcome of those who live in such a way?
4a) How are believers to respond to those who walk in immorality and why? See verses 7-8.
b) What more do you learn from 1 Corinthians 5 about the church's involvement with immoral people? What reason does Paul give for his instructions?
Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33
5) Again Paul reminds us of what we were and what we are now in Christ. We were in darkness but now we are light in the Lord. We are therefore to walk as children of light. What does Paul instruct us to do in Ephesians 5:10-14?
6) What effect do you think acceptance of darkness would have on our ability to discern God's will?
If we've accepted darkness and we are comfortable with sin, then Paul's command is for us: Awake, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
7) In verses 15-18 Paul again contrasts the two ways of living. What descriptions does he use to describe imitators of God and sons of disobedience?
8) In Paul's final command to be wise and filled with the Spirit he addresses issues of the heart. In telling us to make the best use of the time and not to be drunk with wine he addresses our conduct. What instructions does he give in addressing the tongue?
9) Finally, Paul tells us to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Compare the command of verse 2 with the command of verse 21. How are they connected?
10) What in Ephesians 5:1-21 has challenged you the most and why?
Love for God is put into action in our relationships with others. Because we are to love others and because we are children of light, our hearts, actions, and speech must be proper for the saints; we must live according to what we really are.
Copyright © 2007, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.