14: The Daily Walk of Believers (1) (Eph
5:1-21)
I.
The Basics
A.
Setting
Here, Paul asks
that believers focus on God when living the new life. He contrasts the works of
darkness with the works of light and urges the believers to live up to their status
as children of light.
B.
Key Verse
“Walk as children
of light.” (5:8)
II.
Observation
A.
Outline
(5:1-2)
(5:3-14)
(5:15-21)
Key Words/Phrases
B.
General Analysis
List all the
contrasts in this passage.
III.
Segment Analysis
A.
5:1-2
1.
Suppose you want to imitate someone,
what do you need to do? What steps should you take to be an imitator of God?
2.
The teaching of Christ is often
role-modeled by Himself. When we seek to imitate Christ, we grow in the way
best for human beings. Recall some occasions when Jesus set an example for us
to follow.
3.
In another instance in the
Bible, we are exhorted to take someone as a role model. Recall these verses and
discuss their implications.
4.
What does verse 2 teach us
about the meaning of loving others?
B.
5:3-14
5.
As often occurs, the grace of
God was misinterpreted by some in Ephesus
as tolerance of sin in the church. Paul warns against being ‘deceived … with
empty words’ (6). List the boundaries of behavior that a child of light should
not transgress.
6.
What is the consequence of the
sinful deeds listed in verse 3?
7.
The command in verses 3 and 4
concern our speech. Give some examples of the kinds of speech that are improper
for Christians.
8.
Give examples of how a believer
may be “deceived with empty words.” In other words, in what ways can our mind
be influenced?
9.
What follows in verses 7 to 14
may sound contradictory at first. For example, Paul exhorts that the believers
expose the unfruitful works of darkness but then says that it is shameful to
even speak of the things done in secret. To begin to understand this passage,
list what is required of the children of light.
10.
Now read verse 13 and 14. What
is the purpose of exposing the unfruitful works of darkness?
C.
5:15-21
11.
How should we walk as children
of light?
12.
Paul uses the word ‘but’
frequently in this passage. For example: not as fools but as wise. Why does he
do so?
13.
Why is it important for
Christians not to waste time but manage it well?
14.
Why is being drunk with wine
placed in contrast with being filled with the Spirit?
15.
What can we learn from verses
19 and 20 about the heart of a Christian?
