15: The Daily Walk of Believers (2) (Eph 5:21-6:9)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

Christians are not of the world (Jn 17:16) but must continue to live in the world (Jn 17:15). Thus, walking in the way of God often brings a Christian into confrontation with the norms of the world. Relationships do not disappear when we become Christians. Paul here writes about how Christians should behave in relationships with one another and with those who are not believers. In particular, in an immoral society where adultery and divorce was common, the Christian relationship between a man and his wife held much hope for love, peace and growth. These teachings are so needed for today’s society as well.

B.     Key Verse

“Submitting to one another in the fear of God” (5:21).

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(5:21)

(5:22-33)

(6:1-4)

(6:5-9)

Key Words/Phrases

III. Segment Analysis

A.     5:21

1.      Verse 21 is a transition between the previous passage and this passage. What is the basis of submission, according to this verse?

B.     5:22-33

2.      How should a wife treat her husband?

3.      How should a husband treat his wife?

4.      What are some concrete ways for a husband to love his wife?

5.      The teaching about a husband and wife propounded here may seem strange to modern minds accustomed to the ‘equality of the sexes’. How does Paul justify his view?

6.      Should gender equality be emphasized in a husband-wife relationship? Explain your answer.

7.      Discuss how modern Christian families, especially where both partners work, should adopt this teaching on the relationship between a husband and his wife.

8.      What does it mean that Christ sanctifies and cleanses the church “with the washing of water by the word” (26)?

C.     6:1-4

9.      How should a child treat his parents?

10.  What does the phrase “in the Lord” suggest (6:1)?

11.  How should a father (parent) treat his children?

12.  Some modern parenting techniques advocate reasoning with the child in all matters and never to expect a child to obey just because one is his parent. How does Paul justify his unambiguous stand on the submission of children to their parents?

13.  What does it mean to not provoke our children to wrath?

14.  What role should the father play in the house?

15.  As a result of reading Eph 5:22-6:4, discuss the structure of a sound and healthy Christian family.

D.     6:5-9

16.  How should a slave treat his master?

17.  How should a master treat his slave?

18.  What is the basis for this kind of relationship between a slave and his master?