Bible Study - Ephesians 5:1-20 - Living a Holy Life

A picture of a library in Ephesus

Have you ever noticed how we always seem to make excuses for the things that we do? Well maybe not all of us...(who are we kidding! Of course it's all of us!) Sometimes we twist the words of the Bible to make them suit our lifestyles, etc. Well that's exactly why I love Ephesians 5! It is SOOO blunt about what God WANTS us to do and how He wants us to live...

Eph 5:1-20

5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

15 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
NIV


PERSONAL REFLECTIONS...

1. Are there any areas in your life that you need to change that you may have justified by either twisting Gods Word or by letting someone else convince you that what you were doing was ok? (even though Gods Word speaks against such behavior?)

2. What things do you need to do to set things straight in regards to your walk with God?

3. Are you striving to achieve holiness? What steps are you taking to be more Christ-like? (sharing the steps that you are taking as a comment would be a great way to help others grow in their walk with Christ.)


WOW those are some deep personal reflections!!!! Now lets talk about the scripture itself... (Fellowship discussion questions)

1. In what ways have Christians become too leniant in regards to our principles for Christian living?

2. How is our sometimes hypocritical behaviour affecting the world around us?

3. What does Paul suggest that we do rather than to enter into the temptations of this world?

4. What does Paul mean when he says "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."?