Ephesians Curriculum jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 5:15-21
Teacher Study Notes:
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 5:15-21
Teacher Study Notes:
- Overview / Review: The last half of the book is now examines how to live as a result of God’s grace. Paul made the directional change from God’s working in the Ephesian believers (chapters 1-3) to God working through the Ephesian believers (chapters 4-6). The first part of chapter 4 addresses the relationships that the Ephesian believers have with each other. Chapter 5 lists some practical ways the Ephesian believers can walk or live a life that imitates God. In chapter 5 Paul uses the word therefore three times. This helps provide divisions of the text and application of Paul’s thought on how to walk as imitators of God. This passage is a continuation of Ephesians 5:1-14.
- Paul begins chapter 5 by explaining that God is the example to follow. Once again there are very clear examples and contrasts in this section. Note the difference that Paul sees between those who are wise and those who are unwise. Look for the contrasting life styles. As Paul begins this section he describes wise living in a general sense and then moves to some very specific examples in the last part of this section. Look for the contrasts and the progression of thought from thinking to actions to words then to attitudes.
- Imitation: It is often said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. This means that you show someone that you believe and respect them so much that you choose to honor them by copying what they do. Notice that Paul begins chapter 5 with a reference to the Ephesians as children. Notice as well that these are special, dearly loved children. You will find some very easy applications in these verses as you think through how to live a holy life that brings honor to God. Be careful. Talking about doing these things is easy but often very hard to learn and live. Like children, we must practice over and over a life of imitating God.
- Attraction of the audience to your Bible lesson with an illustration.
Tell of a time when you have seen someone trying to imitate someone else. Perhaps refer to jump or a stunt move that failed and they fell.
Transition: In the lesson today we will see that the Ephesians are challenged to be wise imitators of God in their thinking, actions, words and attitudes. - Read the Bible passage
Read the Bible passage out loud or ask someone else to read it out loud, open in prayer Make general important observations about the passage and the context
Briefly review by telling what has been presented up to this point in the book. Summarize for the group what will be covered in this section. - Examination of the Bible passage with the group
(These questions are to guide your thinking and development of your Bible lesson.) How does this passage connect with Ephesians 5:1-2?
Why does Paul start with therefore and immediately use a caution to be careful (vs. 15)? What is the main idea that Paul is emphasizing? Look at the therefore.
What are the contrasts that Paul uses in verses 15-18?
What do you note about the use of the mouth in verses 19-20?
How does verse 21 tie verses 1-21 together? - Application of the Bible lesson
Have the group think about their spiritual relationship with God and others. Discussion: How can we show that we honor God and value His grace shown to us? Application: Imitate God by living a holy life noted for wisdom in attitude and action.
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
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