Ephesians 5:3-14
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 person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 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 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, 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.
Bitesize Study
1. (3-7) How does our contemporary society think about sexual behaviour and greed? How do v3-4 sound in comparison to our culture? Why do you think Paul writes this way?
2. What might sexually immoral, greedy behaviour or impure speech look like in our own context? Where are some of the pressure points those in our church family might face?
3. (8-10) What’s the reasoning for why Christians are called to be different? In our own lives what will walking in the light look light? What might v9 involve for us in practice?
We’ve got a whole range of resources to help us get stuck into Ephesians this term.
More about the author :
