Ephesians Curriculum jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 6:1-4
Teacher Study Notes:
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 6:1-4
Teacher Study Notes:
- Overview / Review: The last half of the book is now focusing on how to live as a result of God’s grace. Paul made a transition in his writing from God working in the Ephesian believers (chapters 1-3) to God working through the Ephesian believers (chapters 4-6). In the first part of chapter 4 Paul addresses the relationships that the Ephesian believers have with each other. Then chapter 5 begins with some practical ways that the Ephesians can walk or live a life that imitates God. Paul now makes a transition and begins to be even more practical as he discusses how believers are to walk, or live, as imitators of God. He now begins a section that deals with specific relationships. Verses 1-4 deal specifically with the parent child relationship.
- Notice that the context is still connected with chapter 5:1-2 and the command to be imitators. Again, just as in the beginning of chapter 5, Paul shows that God is the one to be imitated. This passage points to the aspect of obedience and training as the believers are reminded how they are to obey and how they are too train others in the family. The central character is God and the actors are the family members that consist of children and parents. Note that the Greek word translated in verse 4 as fathers can also be used to refer to both parents.
- Obedience and Training: Paul paints a spiritual picture that compares what God has done and is doing through Christ as he compares the church and personal home relationships. These relationships may seem next to impossible without the grace of God (see Eph. 3:20). Remember that Paul has repeated the idea of grace through out the first half of the book. Now in the second half, Paul is helping the church see ways that they can live out this grace. The Ephesians are reminded that obedience and training are to be done in home relations just as they are to obey God and follow His training in their lives. God is at work to display His grace and power though the believer for His glory. Godly family relationships are to imitate the grace of God, living by the power of God for the glory of God.
- Attraction of the audience to your Bible lesson with an illustration.
Have you ever been completely frustrated with a member of your family? Maybe it involves a repeated irritation or someone not listening to you. Tell the group about it. Transition: In this passage the Ephesians are challenged to be wise imitators of God in their family relationships. Believers need to live in a ways that show God’s grace. - 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?
What is the main idea that Paul is emphasizing?
How are the responsibilities and roles reflective of a relationship with God?
Define the role of the child and parents. How does this relate to Ephesians 3:20? What promises are listed in verses 1-3? Why are there none in verse 4?
What does provoke or exasperate mean in verse 4? - Application of the Bible lesson Think about your relationships with God and others. Discussion: How can we show that we honor God and value His grace shown to us? Application: Show grace at home through God centered training and obedience.
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
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