Imitate Christ – Live a life of love
When the body of Christ – the church - is fully open to all that the Spirit wants to bring into our lives, then our minds and behaviour are transformed, so that the grace of God and the love of Christ are on display in our everyday actions and relationships.
Read: Ephesians 5: 1-7
1] In verses 3-7 Paul highlights lust, vulgarity and greed as hindrances to being God’s holy people. Chapter 5 does not tell us specifically why he focuses on these issues, but with your understanding of scripture why do you think he might have highlighted them?
Read: Ephesians 5 v 8-17
2] Paul uses three images here - we have come from darkness to light
we are now children
we should have fruitful lives
What message is Paul trying to teach us through each of these illustrations?
Read: Ephesians 5 v 18-21
3] Paul deliberately contrasts being drunk with being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Why might he have done this?
Read: Ephesians 5 v21 to 6 v9
4] What do you think of when you hear the word ‘authority’?
Is there anything positive about an act of submission?
5] Can you see any relationship between authority and love?
6] Verse 21 tells us to ‘submit to one another out of reverence for Christ’.
Can you think of any examples of where this would need to happen – actual or imagined?
Re-read: Ephesians 5: v 1-2
7] In the light of all we have studied from chapters 5 and 6, what does it mean to ‘live a life of love’?
Prayer: ask God to help you live a life of love.
Use this link to join me on zoom at 8pm Thursday to discuss the issues raised in this study. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73160482865?pwd=R211c3RnNHVDdDZkTGZDdWI4MjlYUT09
On Friday we have a guest writer to enjoy. If you are coming on Sunday please adhere to the new guidelines and keep your distance from other households / bubbles – simply wave to them. Also come dressed appropriately for the temperature in the hall – boots & hats will help. - Stephen