1.
Do you prefer wearing
old, comfortable clothing or dressy outfits? Why?
2.
How do you feel when
you wear a brand-new suit or outfit?
3.
What do you do with
your worn-out clothing?
4.
In what way were
Ephesian believers instructed not to live as Gentiles? (4:17-19)
5.
How did Paul contrast
the Ephesian Christians with the Gentiles? (4:20-21)
6.
*In what way does God
want Christians to change? (4:22-24)
7.
How should new
Christians stop living? (4:22)
8.
How should new
Christians begin living? (4:23-24)
9.
What should we keep in
mind concerning lying, anger, and stealing? (4:25-28)
10.
How should believers
speak to one another? (4:29)
11.
How can the Holy Spirit
be hurt? (4:29-30)
12.
Of what five vices are
believers to rid themselves? (4:31)
13.
What positive commands
did Paul give the Ephesians? (4:32)
14.
How are Christians to
imitate God? (5:1-2)
15.
From what practices
should Christians abstain? (5:3-6)
16.
Whom do we need to
avoid? Why? (5:5-7)
17.
Why should Christians
not become partners with non-Christians? (5:7-8)
18.
How does life in
darkness contrast with life in the light? (5:9-20)
19.
How should
Spirit-controlled believers relate to one another? (5:21)
20.
Since becoming a
Christian, what old habits have you discarded?
21.
Of what aspects of your
old nature do you still need to rid yourself?
22.
How do you see the new
nature taking hold in your life?
23.
*What evidence do you
see that your life is controlled by the Holy Spirit?
24.
What fruit of the light
do you see in your life?
25.
In what way should you
be submissive to other Christians?
26.
How would you rate your
spiritual wardrobe: basic, adequate, or overflowing?
27.
What aspect of your
Christian life do you want to practice more consistently?
28.
What would be the first
step for you in changing an old pattern of behavior?
29.
What can you do this
week to make your Christian living more consistent?
30.
How can you relate to
others today in new, joyful ways?
5:15, 16 By referring to
these days as evil, Paul was communicating his sense of urgency because of
evil's pervasiveness. We need the same sense of urgency because our days are
also difficult. We must keep our standards high, act wisely, and do good
whenever we can.
5:18 Paul contrasts
getting drunk with wine, which produces a temporary "high," to being filled with
the Spirit, which produces lasting joy. Getting drunk with wine is associated
with the old way of life and its selfish desires. In Christ, we have a better
joy, higher and longer lasting, to cure our depression, monotony, or tension. We
should not be concerned with how much of the Holy Spirit we have but with how
much of us the Holy Spirit has. Submit yourself daily to his leading and draw
constantly on his power.
5:18, 19 The effects of
alcohol are obvious, but what happens when we are under the influence of the
Holy Spirit? In these verses, Paul lists three byproducts of the Spirit's
influence in our lives: singing, making music, and giving thanks. Paul did not
intend to suggest that believers only discuss religious matters, but that
whatever we do or say should be permeated with an attitude of joy, thankfulness
to God, and encouragement of others. Instead of whining and complainingwhich
our culture has raised to an art formwe are to focus on the goodness of God and
his mercies toward us. How would others characterize your words and attitudes?
5:20 When you feel down, you may find it difficult to give thanks. Take heartin
all things God works for our good if we love him and are called by him (Romans
8:28). Thank God, not for your problems but for the strength he is building in
you through the difficult experiences of your life. You can be sure that God's
perfect love will see you through.
[1] Adult Questions for LESSONMaker, (Austin, TX: Wordsearch, 1992), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "Living as Children of Light - Ephesians 4:17-5:21".
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