Ephesians 5:1-6

Key Points:
1. The Wrath of God is coming for those that are disobedient.
2. Walk in love following the example of the Messiah.
3. Confirm your identity in Christ by producing fruits of the Spirit.

Key Themes:
o Live a lifestyle consistent with the behavior of God's children(1)
o Jesus shows us how to act like God's children, follow Him(2)
o Children of God must abide in love(2)
o God children surrender their will to God(2)
o A lifestyle of sin reveals bad fruit and confirms we have no inheritance in God (3-5)
o Don't be ignorant of God's coming judgement on those who disobey Him(6)

Reflective Questions
1. How does Paul say we should imitate God?(v1)
a. What makes it difficult for people in our generation to relate to the image of a child imitating their parent?

o The image of a child imitating their parent can be difficult for people to relate to in this generation because of the rise of children growing up in broken homes. Many children today don't have parents that would be good to imitate. Many children today grow up in homes where their parents are enslaved to addictions or so driven and selfishly only focus on themselves neglecting their parental duties. Children in many homes don't feel loved by their parents.
b. How do you think parents influence their children's behaviors?
2. Who does Paul give as a specific example to follow? (2)
a. What are some of the things Paul lists as behaviors and characteristics of the person we are supposed to imitate?(2)
b. How does the example of the Messiah affect the way we think about how to treat others?
3. Why does Paul tell us not to engage in the activities listed in v3-4? (5)
a. What are the assumptions we make about people that that display the behaviors in v3-4?
b. How do church people use vs 3-5 to treat other people, especially other Christians? Does this list give Christians the task or authority to condemn people?
c. What would be an appropriate way this list can be used to build up the family of God?
4. Why does Paul warn the Ephesians to not be deceived by empty arguments?(6)
a. What are the ways people try to minimize the impending wrath of God?
b. How do people justify sinful behavior?

Individual Challenge
Would you commit to asking God what areas of your life need to be changed so that you walk in the footsteps of Jesus? How would your life change if you were to eliminate one specific behavior you know doesn't honor God? Who would notice the change? How would it affect your witness?

Community Challenge
How would our community change if everyone committed to walking as Children of God? How would the way we relate to each other change? How would it affect the way people perceive the Church?