Questions for Reflection and Discussion
Read Ephesians 5:1-17 (ESV):
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
- Miroslav Volf points out that, in contrast to Maslow’s theory about the hierarchy of needs, many people in our culture have their basic needs met, yet still live life with a lack of meaning and happiness. And many people in poorer situations who have to struggle to meet their most basic needs seem to have more meaning and joy in life. Why do you think that is?
- At first, Paul could sound like a rule-focused life guard who just wants to ruin our fun, yet that couldn’t be further from the truth. What is Paul really trying to do in this passage? Why does God give humans so many restrictions? What is his aim in this?
- What strikes you about the list of vices that Paul gives here?
- What was Bobby’s point in his illustration about a fish, who thought he would have more freedom living on land than in the river?
- The Scriptural idea of “the wrath of God” isn’t actually that God wants to get back at evil people in a fit of rage. Rather, it’s that God allows people to experience the consequences of doing life in ways that are outside of how he designed us. As Augustine said, “Sin is its own consequence.” What are some ways you see this in our world?
- What signs do you see in our world that the human heart was designed for God? How have you experienced this in your own life?
- All of us are here because of – and benefit from – the sacrifices of others. Talk about some sacrifices people have made for you.
- Jesus gave up his life for ours, and we are to follow his example. God has built into the world the principle that when we give up our own life for the sake of others, everyone flourishes more. Consider ways that you could grow this more in your everyday life, and talk about it with your group.
- In verse 11, Paul urges the Ephesians not to take part in darkness, but to expose it instead. What does he mean? How do we do this?
- What is a life of light like? How can we bring more light into the world?
- What did you sense God saying to you through this passage and this message?
