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Lesson 11


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To the Praise of His Glory
A Study in Ephesians
Knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Ephesians 6:8


Ephesians 6:1-9


In our last lesson we learned that our relationship with the Lord affects our relationships with others. The focus of chapter 5 was on marriage, and now in chapter 6 Paul has much to say about other relationships as well.
Read Ephesians 6:1-9 1) In Ephesians 6:1-4 what commands does Paul give to concerning the parent-child relationship?




2) If both parents and children (adult children too) are treating each other this way, what kind of relationship will be fostered?

3a) Read Romans 1:28-32. What sins listed here can relate to parents and children?




Paul gives a debased mind as the reason for these sins. If we are transformed in the attitude of our minds our relationships will also be transformed. God is love (1 John 4:7-8). If we know God we will not walk according to the debased mind described in Romans 1, we will instead walk in love.

4a) Describe love according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.






b) Which aspects of love do you find to be most tested in your relationships?





5) Paul so far has dealt with family relationships: husbands and wives, parents and children. He now addresses a different kind of relationship, that of master and slave. In our modern context we can think in terms of employer and employee. Even in this relationship we are called to live by love. Read Ephesians 6:5-9. What kind of obedience are slaves to give masters?



6) Why do you think it is God's will for slaves to serve in this way?




7) Who must you serve, and how are you serving?




8) What reward does Paul say people will receive for faithful service?



9) Masters must also be faithful to the Lord in their treatment of those under them. What is required of masters (employers) and how will remembering God help them to be just?




10) What have you learned about God's character or his love for you in your study this week?





11) What effect will this knowledge of God have on your life?





Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7