This article provides a series of content and application questions on Ephesians 5:1-21.

2 pages.

Ephesians 5:1-21 – Walking in Love and Light

  1. Why does Paul have the word “therefore” in verse 1?
     
  2. In verse 1 Paul urges us to be “imitators of God”.
  • In what practical, every day ways can we do this? (v.2)
  • In chapter 4:24 he mentions that we were created to be “like God” and then adds “in true righteousness and holiness.” Does this conflict with what he says here?

    Summarize how the Heidelberg Catechism in Lord’s Day 3 Q&A 6 brings these matters together and relates this all to our creation in the image of God.
  1. How should we define “love”? (v. 2)
     
  2. Note that Paul adds the phrase “not even a hint” to his warning against sexual immorality in verse 3.
  • Why does he use such strong language with respect to this particular sin?
  • What does this say about how we should deal with problems of pornography?
  • What does this say about how we should deal with sexual abusers?
  1. What are modern examples of the “empty words” that Paul warns us not to be deceived by? (v.6)
     
  2. Paul says that we should have “nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (v.11)
  • How do we practically expose “the fruitless deeds of darkness”? Does that mean we should be constantly telling people where they are going wrong?
  • What should be our objective in exposing the fruitless deeds of darkness (cf. v. 14)?
  1. In verse 15 Paul urges us to walk “not as unwise but as wise.” What is key to walking a truly wise life? (cf. Matthew 7:24)
     
  2. In verse 16 Paul calls us to live “making most of the opportunity.” Opportunity for what?
     
  3. In verse 18 Paul says, “do not get drunk on wine.” In Leviticus 10, just after the destruction of Nadab and Abihu in the temple, the LORD commands that the priests are not allowed to drink wine during their period of service. Is there any connection between these passages?
     
  4. Paul commands us to “be filled with the Spirit.” (v. 18) How do we practically do that?

    What does a life “filled with the Spirit” look like?
     
  5. What does Paul mean by “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (v.19)? 

    Do we do enough “speak[ing] to one another” in this manner?
     
  6. Why would Paul contrast “getting drunk with wine” with “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”? (vv. 18 and 19) 
     
  7. In verse 20 Paul says that we should give thanks “always.” How was Paul himself an example of this? (cf. 1:16)
     
  8. What does it practically mean “to submit to one another”? Why does Paul add “out of reverence for Christ”? (v.21)

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