Ephesians Curriculum jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 6:5-9
Teacher Study Notes:
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 6:5-9
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’s conversation about imitators of God now makes a transition and begins to be even more practical as he addresses specific relationships. Verse 5-9 deal specifically with the master and slave relationship.
- Note 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 in all earthly relationships. In this passage the believers are reminded how they are to obey and serve one another in their work relationships. The central character is God and the actors are the slaves and masters. The spiritual relationship that they have to God is to be imitated in grace filled earthly relationships as they work with each other. Today we need to understand the distance of time and the difference in culture between this passage and now. The principles still apply even though the practices have changed.
- Obedience and Service: Paul paints a spiritual picture of what God has done and is doing through Christ in relation to the church and their personal work relationships. These relationships may seem impossible without the work of God and His grace (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 workers and masters 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.
What is your boss like? Allow the group to tell about their work conditions.
Transition: In this passage we will see that the Ephesians are challenged to be wise imitators of God in their work relations. People do not always live to 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 slave (vs. 5-8). What requirements do they have?
Define the role of the master (vs. 9). What requirements do they have?
How does a relationship with God affect these earthly relationships? - Application of the Bible lesson Think about your relationship with God and others. Discussion: How can we show that we honor God and value the grace He shows to us? Application: Show God’s grace by living obedient lives that serve everyone at work.
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
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