Love, Submit, Shine
You can listen to Ephesians 5 below and read the passage in the New Living Translation here.
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.”
Thank you for joining us in listening to Ephesians 5! You can also access a written copy of Ephesians 5 in the New Living Translation (NLT) here.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this passage of scripture. Below are some questions that made us think. Feel free to answer one or all of them! You can also comment with any other questions or thoughts about the chapter.
All scripture quoted is in the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.
Discussion Questions
1. In the first half of Ephesians 5, Paul writes about different kinds of “deeds of darkness”— sins. He mentions sexual impurity, greed, and inappropriate language. Paul says one of the causes of these sins is idolatry, which is the worship of anything or anyone other than God. We ALL struggle with sin, but we are called to fight it and put God first in our lives. Sin destroys and God gives life!
-What are some ways we can protect ourselves from sexual impurity, greed, and inappropriate language?
-How can you put God first in your life?
2. In verse 8, we learn that Christians are “light” in the Lord! Paul explains that people who are light act in a way that is good, righteous, and true. Jesus is THE Light of the World and the ultimate example in how to live as light.
-How can you get to know Jesus better this week?
3. Paul writes in that Christians are to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (verse 21). We are to put the needs of others before our own and love them, even when it’s hard.
-Is there someone who is especially hard for you to submit to? Why?
