Ephesians: Study 9
Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
1. What stands out to you most in this passage?
2. Paul’s commands on living in the light vs. dark is easy when dealing with black and white issues. How does it apply to things that are in the “grey area?”
3. Is v.11 and 12 contradictory? How do we expose works of darkness if we can’t even speak of them?
4. What is v.13 and 14 describing? (Hint: it’s not a what)
5. What would you say to a friend who struggles with feeling like they’re not a real Christian?
6. Look again at the list of instructions in v.15-21. Which of these require the most effort from you considering your own personality?
7. What does “submitting to one another” look like at this Bible study? Or in your home? Or at work?