Walk in Love & Wisdom - Week 9
Lesson Nine Eph 5:1-21
Connecting to one another
Once we were sons of disobedience and children of wrath (Eph 2:2-3), but in love God adopted from that family into His where we are sons through Jesus, the Beloved and beloved children (1:5-6; 5:1).
How has our Father assured you recently that He loves you...or loves US? Write 1-2 ideas. Then read your answers with no discussion or commentary as a small church time of praise.
Understanding the Truth with one another
Verse by Verse ~ Topic by Topic ~ Argument by Argument
CONTEXT – Verse one’s “Therefore” refers back to BECAUSE God put on you the new person – Christ – who is “created after the likeness of God” (Eph 4:24), imitate your Creator and your RE-Creator.
In other words -- Of all people we His beloved family know God’s true character because of what He has done for us and in us; therefore, our motive for every thought, word, and action should be rooted in His character. Let this truth undergird your discussion and sharing today.
Read Ephesians 5:1-21.
1. Therefore...walk in love -- Verses 1-6
a. How did Christ walk? How did His walk affect the Father? Here is our motivation to represent the family! See Terms to Know “love and give” on page 4.
b. Verses 3-6, refer to sexual immorality, but could also include greed for power and money. The worldly idea of love is entirely antithetical (in diametrical opposition) to the love of Christ. Underline all that Paul states to emphasize that point. See Terms to Know for the highlighted words in verses below.
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness [greed]must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
o When is a person greedy to meet God-given needs (such as identity, power, desire, belonging, affirmation, safety) through immorality and impurity? How is his talk affected?
o Why does meeting needs this way and talking about it incur the wrath of God?
o How does living the gospel as a thanksgiver restore us to morality, purity, and generosity?
2. Therefore...walk as children of light -- Verses 7-14
Since we ARE children of light, we are to walk as children of light. We are to be active to discern the will of God for our lives. We then visibly show the fruit of the Spirit: goodness, righteousness, and truth.
a. This is timeless exhortation, but what does light walking specifically look like in our time and place?
b. How do we, the church, who both are the children of light AND walking as children of light expose the deeds of darkness? In other words, how does our church have influence in the world IF we are not of it?
c. What is the result if we, the church, children of light, are NOT walking as children of light?
3. Therefore...walk as wise children -- Verses 15-21
a. We can be sure that the powers of darkness, in defeat under the feet of Christ (Eph 1:21-22), are making the best use of their remaining “evil days” (Eph 5:16; 6:13). So what should a wise church do?
b. The will of the Lord is that we would be holy and blameless (Eph 1:4); for this purpose He predestined and adopted us into His family. So what should a wise church do?
c. We are to be filled with the Spirit, not filled with “spirits.” So what should a wise church do?
d. We are to humbly surrender to one another. This is the last way Paul encourages us to walk as wise children, but it will be fleshed out more in the next pericope, so it also serves as a transition.
Living the Truth as we are sent out
Of all people we His beloved family know God’s true character because of what He has done for us and in us; therefore, our motive for every thought, word, and action should be rooted in His character.
We have mainly focused on walking as a church. But we must also recognize that a church is composed of persons who each have the power of choice in their individual lives. Each of us in Christ has all of the Spirit, but we are to actively surrender all of ourselves to His control.
Take time to prayerfully review the passage and the lesson with your group’s answers by yourself. Ask God to show you either an area of victory or an area of needed surrender or an area needing discernment before choosing the right path. (See question 4.)
4. Choose one area to share. If time allows, the group could do another round of sharing.
a. Share one specific way you have walked in love and in wisdom. How did you mature in victorious walking here?
b. Share one way or area where you are not walking in love or in wisdom. This is an area of foolishness or immaturity. What steps can you take?
c. Is there a situation in your life that is challenging you to discern the path of love and wisdom? Share how you are processing it with your group.
Praying Through the Truth for one another
Partner with someone in the group. Praise God for the victories He has given you. Confess your sins. Petition Him for help to walk in love and wisdom through a challenging situation. Close in petition and praise for His character to be evident in our church body for He dwells in us!
Worship ALL Week At Grace we trust Christ to transform us as we abide in Him daily.
READ & MEDITATE
o Homework – Read Ephesians 5:21-6:9 in preparation for next week.
ACT
o Review where you were convicted in this week’s lesson. What other steps of repentance should you take this week now that you confessed to God? Is there a person you should confess to or seek forgiveness from or ask to hold you accountable in this area? Is there retribution you need to make? If you need help, then reach out to your group for wisdom and prayer.
Terms to Know EPHESIANS 5:1-21
crude joking (eutrapelia) – smutty talk that degrades another person (created in image of God) Eph 5:4
filthiness (aischrotes) – vulgarity, that which is shameful. It could refer to more than speech. Eph 5:4
foolish talk (morologia) – See “moro” there? foolish, moronic talk that the impious speak Eph 5:4
covetousness – greed that is willing to take advantage of others in order to hoard an abundance for self. It is idolatrous because it worships the creature and not the Creator Eph 5:3
impurity (akatharsia) – uncleanness, anything contrary to the will of the Holy God Eph 5:3
love and give – to love is to give is a refrain in Scripture; for example: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son....” (John 3:16) Eph 5:2
offering – a fragrant offering is one that God accepts because it is pleasing to Him Eph 5:2. See also Gen 8:21; Exod 29:18; Lev 1:9.
sexual immorality – (porneia) refers to all kinds of sexual immorality, any sex outside of marriage Eph 5:3
sons of disobedience – unbelievers Eph 5:6. See also Eph 2:2-3
thanksgiving – speech appreciation for the grace of God, speech that builds up: the antidote! Eph 5:4
wrath of God – righteous anger over disobedience that incurs God’s holy judgment Eph 5:6