Read all of Ephesians 5. While our focus for this study will be the first half of the chapter, it’s best to have the full context of the chapter in mind. As you read the chapter, what do you learn about God’s character? What does it tell you about the nature of God? Where do you see the love of God being revealed?
Spend a few moments meditating on Ephesians 5.1-2 and then answer the following questions.
- What is “God’s example?”
- Is it possible to follow God’s example? In what ways do you already follow in His example? In what ways do you sense God might be calling you to follow?
- In your own words, define a “dearly loved child.” What hesitation, if any, do you have in seeing yourself as God’s dearly loved child?
- Who is someone you know that “walks in the way of love?” What exactly is it about their beliefs or behavior that give them the ability to walk in this way?
- What is the element of submission and surrender in these two verses? Is it possible to “follow God’s example” without surrender and submission? What kind of surrender and submission is required of you? Be specific in your response.
“God creates and He redeems.” Where in Scripture do you see these two characteristics of God most clearly, most personally expressed?
How do you engage God as Healer? How have you experienced His healing hands? Are there places and spaces in your world where you long for God to come as Healer?
How are you learning to walk in the salvific healing God has already given you? Where do you struggle to live into your healing as His beloved child?
Consider vs. 3-7. What do these characteristics tell us about living in the new life Jesus came to bring? How do you ensure these characteristics don’t become a checklist or a measuring stick of your spirituality?
Tim Keller notes our evil desire is, “an over, inordinate, or excessive desire for something that is good.” Where and when have you had an excessive desire for something good? How did you resist that temptation, or how did that temptation overtake you? What was the outcome?
In your own words, define “a hint of sexual immorality.” How do you ensure you hold fast to holiness in regard to your sexuality? Where and when are you most tempted?
What role has pornography had in your life, or in the life of your family? Is it possible to be free of the grip of pornography or other sexual sin? What might freedom feel like, sound like, love like?
How does God meet us in the midst of our sexual sin? How might our “why’s” and “wounds” give indicators of places that need healing?
Read, reflect and respond to the words of Tim Keller, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
What speaks to you most personally in verses 8-13. How have you seen these truths lived out in your life?
What or who is a “wounded healer?” How might God use your wounds as a holy salve on the wounds of others? How have you possibly believed your wounds disqualified you from partnering with God in the healing of others? How is God inviting you to partner with Him today?
Read 1 Peter 1.3-4. Peter says “We have everything we need for a godly life.” How inclusive is this truth? How might you begin to live more deeply into this truth today? Who might join you in living this truth out in your family, and in our Faith Family?
