Break the Ice (5 min)
- When you look at this image what is your first thought?
- Can you describe what you are feeling?
- Is it representative of what is happening today?
- If you were going to make a spiritual description of this image, what would you say?
Bring the Word (40 min)
How many of you went straight to singing the song from reading the lesson title?
Ephesians 5: 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. (NLT)
This concept has been emphasized in so many ways – even back to creation.
Prayer for the conversation to come. (Leader)
Section 2 (50 min)
Part 2 Topic: The Father’s desire for the unity of His new people. Ephesians 4 through 6:20
Read Eph. 4:17-24
NASB “This I say, and affirm together with the Lord”
NKJV “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord”
NRSV ” Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord”
TEV “In the Lord’s name, then, I say this and warn you”
NJB “In particular, I want to urge you in the name of the Lord”
“that you walk no longer” In Eph. 4:17-19 there is a series of characteristics of the heathen lifestyle. These new believers themselves used to live like this (Eph. 4:28). Paul lists the characteristics of fallen humanity several times in his writings (Rom. 1:29-31; 1 Cor. 5:11; 6:9; 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 4:19, 31; 5:3-4; Col. 3:5-9).
How to produce holiness was the major conflict between Paul and the Jewish legalists. Both Paul and the Judaizers wanted a righteous lifestyle in converts. Paul acknowledged the past pagan sins of these believers, but believed that free grace, an indwelling Spirit, and a growing knowledge of the gospel would produce what legalism could not. The performance of the Old Covenant has been replaced by the new heart and mind of the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-32).
NASB, NKJV, NRSV “in the futility of their mind,”
TEV “whose thoughts are worthless”
NJB “the empty-headed life”
This term means “vain,” “empty,” “aimless” (Rom. 1:21). Verses 17-19 could refer to either (1) the false teachers’ speculations or (2) the believers’ previous lives in paganism.
4:18 “being darkened in their understanding” Their current state of spiritual blindness (as is ours) is a result of (1) supernatural temptation; (2) bad theology; and (3) personal choice.
“excluded from the life of God” This refers to separation from the OT covenant God and His promises (Eph. 2:12).
“because of the ignorance that is in them” This refers to self-willed ignorance (Romans 1:18-3:20).
“because of the stubbornness of their hearts” This is the continual results of the fall (Gen. 3; John 3:17-25).
NASB “having become callous”
NKJV “being past feeling”
NRSV “have lost all sensitivity”
TEV “have lost all feeling of shame”
NJB “sense of right and wrong once dulled”
Fallen humanity had become, and remained, insensitive or hardened beyond feeling, to both natural revelation (Ps. 19:1-6; Rom. 1:18-2:16) and special revelation of the Bible and the Son, the written word (Ps. 19:7-12) and the living Word (John 1:1-14).
NASB “having given themselves over to sensuality”
NKJV “having given themselves over to licentiousness”
TEV “give themselves over to vice”
NJB “have abandoned themselves to sexuality”
This literally means “open shamefulness” (Rom. 1:24, 26, and 28). Fallen humanity has abandoned all restraints, social and spiritual. These false teachers even shocked other pagans.
NASB “for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness”
NKJV “to work all uncleanness with greediness”
NRSV “greedy to practice every kind of impurity”
TEV” and all sorts of indecent things without restraint”
NJB” eagerly pursue a career of indecency of every kind”
This means more and more for me at any cost (Col. 3:5). Fallen humanity has lost the sense of corporate good. Humans live only for themselves, for the moment. This is the curse of the Fall of Genesis 3.
4:20 “but you did not learn Christ in this way” This is a strong contrast between Christ’s preachers and the false teachers. Verse 17 implies a contrast between their previous life in paganism and their new life in Christ.
4:21 “if” These believers had heard the truth.
“Jesus” This was a rare use of the name “Jesus” by itself, in Paul’s writings. It may be related to the false teachings concerning Jesus the man (i.e., His humanity) versus Christ the Spirit (i.e., His deity). In Gnosticism Jesus could not be fully God and fully man because “spirit” (i.e., God) is good, but matter (i.e., humanity) is evil. They would assert His deity but deny His humanity (1 John 4:1-6). It is interesting that modern society has reversed this heresy.
4:22 “lay aside” Clothing is used as a metaphor to describe spiritual characteristics (Job 29:14; Ps. 109:29; and Isa. 61:10). This was also an emphasis on the need for repentance and a resulting changed life (Mark 1:15; Acts 3:16, 19; 20:21).
NASB “your former manner of life”
NKJV “your former conduct”
TEV “which made you live as you used to”
NJB” give up your old way of life”
“the old self” This refers to mankind’s fallen characteristics and propensities in Adam (Rom. 6:6; Col. 3:9). It is the priority of self, independence from God, more and more for me at any cost.
4:23 “you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,” Believers are to continue to be made new in their thinking by allowing the Spirit to develop the mind of Christ in them (Rom. 12:2; Titus 3:5). This is an aspect of the “new covenant” from Jer. 31:31-34 (Ezek. 36:22-38).
4:24 “put on” This is the clothing metaphor which emphasizes the continuing decision to be in Christ (Rom. 13:14; Gal. 3:27; Col. 3:8, 10, 12, 14; James 1:21; 1 Pet. 2:1). This terminology of putting on Christ may have even been connected to the ordinance of baptism in the early church, where new converts put on clean, white clothing after baptism. It denotes a choice.
“new self” This is a metaphor for the new life in Christ. Peter called it “partaking of the divine nature” in 2 Pet. 1:4. This contrasts with the old fallen Adamic nature of Eph. 4:22.
“in the likeness of God” Believers should have the family characteristics of God (Rom. 8:28-29; Gal. 4:19). The Bible emphasizes our position in Christ and our need for progressive Christlikeness. Salvation is free, but maturity costs everything. Christianity is both a death and a life, a point and a process, a gift and a reward. This paradox is very difficult for modern people to grasp. They tend to emphasize one aspect or the other.
Eph. 4:25-32
4:25 “lay aside” It continues the metaphor of clothing (Eph. 4:24). The believer needs to make an initial decision followed by repeated (i.e., daily, even hourly) decisions to live a holy life.
“falsehood” This refers to either
1. lying
2. “the lie” of unbelief as it was used in 1 John 2:22
3. the message of the false teachers
“speak truth each one of you with his neighbor,” This is a quote from Zechariah 8:16. Notice Paul quotes the OT as encouragement for new covenant believers (Eph. 4:26). The OT is not a means of salvation, but it is still the revealed and authoritative revelation of God (Matt. 5:17-19). The OT still functions in sanctification, just not in justification.
“for we are members of one another” The “body” is one of Paul’s metaphors for the church (1 Cor. 12:12-30). Believers are gifted for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7). Believers live for the family – community. They cannot live as isolated individuals.
4:26 “Be angry, and yet do not sin” This is a quote from Ps. 4:4. There are some areas of life where anger is appropriate, but it must be handled properly (i.e., Jesus cleansing the temple, John 2:13-17).
This begins a series of phrases which usually means to stop an act already in progress (Eph. 4:26, 27, 28, 29, and 30).
“Do not let the sun go down on your anger” This may have been an allusion to Deut. 24:15. The Jewish day began at sunset (Gen. 1:5). Anger is a powerful emotion which must be dealt with quickly. This may refer metaphorically to time or literally to sleep which allows anger to become a subconscious force.
NASB “do not give the devil an opportunity”
NKJV “nor give a place to the devil”
NRSV “do not make room for the devil”
TEV “don’t give the Devil a chance”
NJB “or else you will give the devil a foothold”
Anger which is not godly is an opening for spiritual attack; even godly anger (John 2:13-17; Matt. 21:12-13) must be dealt with quickly (Eph. 6:10-18).
The term “devil” is a Greek compound (diabolos) which meant “to throw across” (Acts 13:10; Eph. 4:27; 6:11; 1 Tim. 3:6, 7; 2 Tim. 2:26). It was a metaphorical way of referring to Satan the accuser. Paul referred to Satan in several passages (Acts 26:18; Rom. 10:20; 1 Cor. 5:5; 7:5; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:14: 12:7; 1 Thess. 2:18; 2 Thess. 2:9; 1 Tim. 1:20; 5:15). Satan was apparently an angelic being who rebelled against God (Gen. 3; Job 1-2; Zech. 3). It is biblically difficult to talk about Satan because
1. the Bible never speaks definitively of the origin or purpose of evil
2. the OT texts which are usually seen as possibly related to Satan’s rebellion are specifically directed to the condemnation of prideful earthly rulers (King of Babylon, Isaiah 14 and King of Tyre, Ezekiel 28) and not Satan.
It is obvious from several NT passages that there was conflict in the spiritual realm (Matt. 4:10; 12:26; 16:23; John 13:27; 14:30; 16:11; Acts 5:3; 2 Cor. 4:4. Eph. 2:2; 1 John 5:19; Rev. 2:9, 13, 24; 3:9; 12:9; 20:2, 7). Where, when, and how are all mysteries. Believers do have an angelic enemy (Eph. 2:2).
The relationship between God and Satan has developed from one of service to antagonism. Satan was not created evil. His adversarial work in Genesis 3, Job 1-2 and Zechariah 3 were within God’s will. It provided a test for human loyalty and trustworthiness. Mankind failed.
4:28 “he who steals must steal no longer” The new life in Christ has the potential and goal to radically and permanently change one’s actions and character. This change is an evidence of one’s salvation and a witness to the lost.
“he must labor” Judaism held manual labor in high regard; so too, did early Christianity (1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:10-12).
“in order that he may have something to share with him who has need” Labor is not only the will of God for mankind, (i.e. Adam worked in the Garden of Eden before sin came), but a way to share with those in need. Believers are stewards of God-given prosperity (Deut. 8:11-20), not owners. Our giving is a true barometer of our spiritual health (2 Corinthians 8-9).
4:29
NASB “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth”
NKJV “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth”
NRSV “Let no evil talk come out of your mouth”
TEV “Do not use harmful words in talking”
NJB “Guard against foul talk”
This term literally was used of something rotten or of crumbling stone work (Matt. 7:17-18; 12:37; Luke 6:43). It came to be used metaphorically of something “corrupt,” “depraved,” “vicious,” “foul,” or “impure.” In context it refers to the teachings and lifestyles of the false teachers (Col. 3:8). It does not, in this context, refer to jokes, or coarse jesting (Eph. 5:4; Col. 4:6). Jesus taught that speech reveals the heart (Mark 7:15; 18-23).
“but only such a word as is good for edification” One evidence of God-given spiritual gifts is that they edify the whole body (Rom. 14:13-23; 1 Cor. 14:4, 5,12,17,26). Believers must live, give, and minister for the good of the body (the church, 1 Cor. 12:7), not for themselves (Eph. 4:3). Again, the corporate aspect of biblical faith is emphasized above individual freedom (Rom. 14:1-15:13).
“that it may give grace to those who hear” In context this cannot mean “grace,” as in salvation, but goodness or favor to other believers, especially those tempted and tested by (1) false teachers (2 Pet. 2:1-21) or (2) the pull of one’s previous life in paganism. (2 Pet. 2:22).
4:30 “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” This usually means to stop an act in process. This expresses the truth that the Spirit is a person. It also shows that believers’ actions cause pain to the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19). This may be an allusion to Isa. 63:10. The Spirit’s goal for all believers is Christlikeness (Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 4:13; Rom. 8:28-29; Gal. 4:19).
“by whom you were sealed” This sealing is done by the Spirit at salvation (Eph. 1:13-14; Rev. 7:2-4). Sealing was a cultural sign of ownership, security, and genuineness. Believers belong to Christ.
“for the day of redemption” This refers to the Second Coming, Resurrection Day, or Judgment Day, depending on one’s relationship to Christ.
4:31 “all bitterness” This refers to a settled state of animosity with no chance of reconciliation.
“wrath” This (thumos) refers to a fast burning anger or rage (2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20; Col. 3:8).
“anger” This (orgē) refers to a slow burning or settled resentment (2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20; Col. 3:8).
“clamor” This refers to an outcry (Matt. 25:6; Acts 23:9). In this context it might refer to loud threats or charges of wrong doing by the false teachers or their followers.
“slander. . .with all malice” This may also reflect the techniques of the false teachers. This list shows the problems caused by (1) the false teachers or (2) the characteristics that cause disunity. These same sins are also listed in Col. 3:8.
“put away” Believers must allow the Spirit to remove these characteristics of the old, fallen, Adamic nature once and for all. As salvation involves a decisive personal choice, so does the Christian life.
4:32 “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other” This is contrasted with Eph. 4:31. These are the positive continuing commands (Col. 3:12-13) that
1. please the Spirit
2. build the fellowship of the saints
3. attract lost people
“just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” This is the underlying motive for believers’ actions, the actions of Christ toward them (Matt. 6:12, 14-15; 18:21-35; Phil. 2:1-11; 1 John 3:16).
1. List the plight of the heathen (Eph. 4:17-19).
2. List three things that the Christian should do (Eph. 4:22-24).
3. List the four vices of Christians listed in Eph. 4:25-31.
Read Ephesians 5:1-14
Eph. 5:1-14 is an extension of Eph. 4:17-32. It deals with the Christian life and expresses what Christians should and should not do.
Eph. 5:3-5 turns from the self-giving love of Christ in verse 2 to the self-centered, worldly love of fallen mankind (Eph. 4:25-32).
Eph. 5:8-18 contrasts the false teachers with the true believers
1. darkness, Eph. 5:8 light, Eph. 5:8
2. unfruitful deeds of darkness, Eph. 5:11 the fruit of light, Eph. 5:9
3. disgrace. . .in secret, Eph. 5:12 expose them, Eph.5:11,13
4. unwise men, Eph. 5:15 wise, Eph. 5:15
5. foolish, Eph. 5:17 understand God’s will, Eph. 5:17
6. filled with wine, Eph. 5:18 filled with the Spirit, Eph. 5:18
Eph. 5:18, “ever be filled with the Spirit,” This is the definitive passage on the filling of the Spirit in the NT.
Paul illustrates the Spirit-filled life by using the Christian home as an example. He writes of
1. husbands and wives, Eph. 5:22-31
2. parents and children, Eph. 6:1-4
3. masters and household slaves, Eph. 6:5-9
“be imitators of God,” The English word “mimic” comes from this Greek root. In Eph. 4:32 and 5:2 an imitator of God is defined as one who (1) forgives and (2) walks in love and selflessness like Jesus. These actions establish and maintain unity (Eph. 4:2-3). Believers must strive for the corporate good of the body, not individual rights, privileges, or freedoms (Eph. 4:3).
“as beloved children” Believers were called by the same theologically significant title as Jesus (Eph. 1:6). Believers are loved because He is loved. They are to reflect the family characteristics of the Father. Jesus and the Spirit restore the image of God in human beings marred in the fall of Genesis 3.
“walk” This is a biblical metaphor of lifestyle (Eph. 4:1, 17; 5:2,15). Christianity is an initial decision followed by lifestyle discipleship. It is a point in time, a process through time, and a culmination beyond time.
“just as Christ also loved you” The ancient Greek manuscripts differ between “us” and “you.” “You” seems best in context. Jesus is our example (1 John 4:11).
“gave Himself up for us an offering and a sacrifice to God” This refers to the substitutionary atonement of Christ (Isaiah 53; Mark 10:45; Rom. 5:8; 8:32; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 2:6-11; 1 Thess. 5:9).
“as a fragrant aroma” This was an OT sacrificial metaphor for God’s acceptance of a sacrifice (Gen. 8:21; Exod. 29:18; Lev. 1:9, 13; Ezek. 20:41; 2 Cor. 2:14; Phil. 4:18). As the sacrifice burned it produced smoke which rose upward. It was removed from the visible realm to the invisible, from the physical realm to God’s realm.
Vs. 3-5
“immorality” This is the Greek term (porneia), from which we get the English “pornography.” In the NT it spoke of going beyond the accepted sexual guidelines. It could refer to
1. sexual immorality (Matt. 21:31-32; Mark 7:21; Acts 15:20, 29)
2. adultery (Matt. 5:32; 19:9
3. incest (1 Cor. 5:1)
4. lewdness (Rom. 1:29)
In the OT there was a marked difference between the terms “adultery,” where one party was married, and “fornication” which referred to pre-marital sexual activity. This distinction is lost in NT Greek where it refers to inappropriate sexual activity of any kind (extra-marital, pre-marital, homosexual).
“any impurity” This is the Greek term “clean” which negates the word to which it is prefixed. These three terms in Eph. 5:3, “immorality, impurity and greed,” all relate to (1) the activities of the false teachers (2 Tim. 3:6), and/or (2) the pagan culture out of which these converts had come, where sexual activity was often associated with pagan worship.
“greed” This term conveys the idea of “more and more for me at any cost.” Because it is in a list of sexual sins it probably relates to self-centered sexual exploitation (Col. 3:5).
“even be named among you” This usually means to stop an act in process. These sins were occurring in the church. Believers must guard against sins, and rumors/suspicions of sins (1 Thess. 5:22). We must model as well as speak the gospel.
“is proper among saints” This is parallel to “which is not fitting” in Eph. 5:4.
5:4 Believers must be careful of their speech. It reveals who they truly are (Mark 7:15, 18-23; Col. 3:18; Eph. 4:19; James 3:1-12). This is the second group of sins mentioned in chapter 5. Both groups had three elements.
“but rather giving of thanks” True believers are revealed by their thankful heart which is not related to circumstances (Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:17; 1 Thess. 5:18
5:5 “for this you know with certainty” This phrase is very emphatic. It has two forms of the two Greek verbs “to know”: (1) the imperative form of oida and (2) the Present active participle form of gnōskō. The false teachers claimed to have full, secret knowledge about God, but believers must understand that a person’s lifestyle reveals true knowledge and wisdom (Matthew 7).
“that no immoral or impure person or covetous man,” All these terms are repeated from Eph. 5:3 “immoral” (porneia). This is the masculine form of the term in Eph. 5:3, it is possibly a reference to male prostitutes or the sexual activities of the false teachers.
“who is an idolater” The parallel is in Col. 3:5. A similar statement is found in 1 John 5:21. When sex becomes the focal point of our lives, it becomes our god. When money becomes the focal point of our lives, it also becomes idolatrous (Matt. 6:24).
“has an inheritance” Believers’ lifestyles show who their father is, God or the evil one (Matt. 7; 1 John 3:6, 9).
“in the Kingdom of Christ and God” The grammatical structure links Christ and God as one (Luke 22:29; Col. 1:13). This is one example how NT authors assert Christ’s Deity.
The “kingdom” was a recurrent and central topic in Jesus’ preaching. It refers to the reign of God in human hearts now which will one day be consummated over all the earth (Matt. 6:10). One day all humans and angels will acknowledge Christ as Lord (Phil. 2:10-11), but only those humans who have repented and believed the gospel will be part of His eternal kingdom (Dan. 7:13; 1 Cor. 15:27-28).
Vs. 6-14
“Let no one deceive you” This usually means to stop an act in process. This referred to the message and lifestyle of the false teachers, who were a mixture of Gnostics and Jewish legalists (which seem so incompatible). There is so much we do not know about the heretics of the first century.
“with empty words” This may refer to the Gnostic teachings that sex sins do not affect the spiritual life. For them salvation was found in secret knowledge of the angelic levels. They totally separated justification from sanctification. This heresy is still alive and well.
“the wrath of God comes” This refers to either (1) temporal judgment (John 3:36; Rom. 1:18-32; 2:8-9; 9:22; Col. 3:6 1 Thess. 2:16); and/or (2) future eschatological judgment (Matt. 25:31; Rom. 5:9; 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9). God’s wrath is as revelatory as God’s love.
First it is a theological tragedy to over-emphasize or under-emphasize this truth. God is angry with the way mankind treats His word, His world, His will, and each other. This is not the world that God intended it to be. All human beings will give an account to God for how they lived their lives (Gal. 6:7; 2 Cor. 5:10). However, it is important to recognize the biblical perspective on this doctrine. Deuteronomy 5:9 compared with 5:10 and 7:9 sets the pattern. As judgment runs to the third and fourth generations, God’s love and faithfulness runs to a thousand generations. In Isaiah 28:21 judgment is called God’s “strange” work (Lam. 3:32-33; Ps. 103:8-14). Judgment is necessary in a moral universe, but is unpleasant to God. Hell is an open bleeding sore in God’s heart that will never be healed. He loves all humans made in His image (Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1; 9:6). He wants to redeem all humans and He has promised to do so for all who will repent and believe in His Son (Gen. 3:15; Ezek. 18:23, 32; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9).
“the sons of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2; Col. 3:6). Covenant obedience is a characteristic of God’s children. Disobedience is a characteristic of Satan’s followers.
“do not be partakers with them” This is literally “co-holders.” It usually means to stop an act already in process. Paul uses a compound with syn here as he did in Eph. 2:5-6 and 3:6. This same phrase is repeated in verse 11. Not only must believers flee entanglement in sin or even the appearance of sin, they must also carefully choose their friends and associates. The close friends we choose, like the words we speak, reveal our hearts.
5:8-9 “darkness. . .light” This is very similar to John’s dualism (Eph. 1:4-5,7-8; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46). These contrasting terms were universal symbols for good and evil which predate Greek thought and are common in the literature of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which was a Jewish separatist desert community.
The first phrase describes their previous life as continuously sinning (Gen. 6:5, 11-12: 8:21; Ps. 14:3; 58:3; Jer. 12:9).
5:8 “but now you are light in the Lord” What a strong contrast (Matt. 5:19; John 8:12).
“walk as children of light” (John 3:19-21; 1 John 1:7). Believers’ words, lifestyles, and priorities reveal who they are.
“children of” This is a Hebrew phrase for “characteristics,” as is “sons of” in Eph. 5:6. Conversion is evidenced by a changed life. This was spelled out in Eph. 5:9. No fruit, no root (Matt. 5-7; James, and 1 John).
5:9 “fruit of light” The KJV has “fruit of the Spirit,” which is in the ancient Greek manuscripts and the immediate context (Eph. 5:8), demand “fruit of light.” Even the NKJV has this.
NASB “trying to learn”
NKJV “proving”
NRSV “trying to find out”
TEV “try to learn”
NJB “try to discover”
This Greek term (dokimazō) “prove” (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 8:8,22; 13:5; Gal. 6:4; 1 Thess. 5:21; 1 Tim. 8:10; Heb. 3:9) or “try” (1 Cor. 3:13; 1 Thess. 2:4; 1 Pet. 1:7; 1 John 4:1) has the connotation of “to test with a view toward approval.” This was a metallurgical term used of testing coins for genuineness.
5:11 “do not participate in” This is literally “co-fellowshippers.” This usually means to stop an act already in process. This refers to
1. intimate social contact
2. pagan worship settings
3. false teachers’ meetings (Eph. 5:12)
“expose them” How do believers expose evil? Because of Eph. 5:12 this phrase seems to mean “to expose by our own godly lifestyle” or by the proclamation of the gospel. Light cannot coexist in fellowship with darkness (John 3:17-19).
5:14 “awake, sleeper. . .Christ will shine on you” This is either a loose quote from Isa. 29:19 or possibly 51:17; 52:1; 60:1 or an early Christian hymn (Phil. 2:6-11; 1 Tim. 3:16; 2 Tim. 2:11-13). It is in metrical form. Paul used lyrical material from
1. the OT (from several translations)
2. Christian hymns
3. Christian creeds
4. even pagan writers
“sleeper. . .dead” This refers to the spiritual blindness, and the spiritual deadness of unbelievers (Eph. 2:1; 2 Cor. 4:4).
“Christ will shine on you” Jesus is depicted here as the glorified morning star (Isa. 9:1-2; 59:8; 60:1; Luke 1:78-79), the opposite of Lucifer, (Isa. 14:12). Light is an ancient symbol of healing, health, truth, knowledge, and goodness (Mal. 4:2).
In the culture at that time, the Jews sought and honored “Light”, the Greeks sought and honored “Knowledge”, while the Romans sought and honored “Glory”. Jesus fulfilled all three.
1. Why is it so important that believers live godly lives?
2. Why are sex sins emphasized in this context?
3. Can Christians fall from grace by their lifestyles? (Eph. 5:5)
Bring it Home (5 min)
Preparation for next week: Reread chapter 5 and read chapter 6. Bring any insights or questions from this week’s lesson.
Have someone close in prayer.