Sunday School Ephesians 5

Imitators of Christ

When our children were babies, they would do different things to imitate us. What are some of your favorite things that your children did in imitation of you?

What are imitations your children did that were convicting of you?

Ephesians 5:1–2 ESV

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

We ended our lesson 2 weeks ago taking this direction with us. How do you feel you did in imitating Christ over the last two weeks? Are there good things or bad things that you would like to share?

Ephesians 5:3–5 (ESV)

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

What stands out among this list of do nots?

Filthiness, foolish talk and crude joking.

What does this say about the things that we say?

Ephesians 5:6–14 ESV

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

What does it mean to be deceived with empty words?

There are many ways of abetting, or taking part in the sins of others; by commendation, counsel, consent, or concealment. And if we share with others in their sins, we must expect to share in their plagues. If we do not reprove the sins of others, we have fellowship with them.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

What barrier is meant by, “partner with them” who are deceiving? Why is this important? Is this a business partnership? A personal partnership?

the full saying Paul cites is: “Rise, sleeping one, and arise from the dead, and the Christ will shine on you.” It is difficult to find the origin of this quotation; the best guess is that it was adapted from Isa 60:1. Many commentators think it was part of a hymn which was sung at baptism ceremonies

Philip W. Comfort, New Testament Text and Translation Commentary: Commentary

Isaiah 60:1 (ESV)

Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

With that in mind, what then is Paul trying to tell us in, “anything exposed to light” and “Christ will shine on you?”

Ephesians 5:15–20 ESV

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

What is Paul telling us in verse 15?

Lamentations 3:40 ESV

Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!

What is the will of the Lord?

What is the difference between being drunk with wine and filled with the Spirit?

What does it look like to address each other in Psalms, Hymns, and songs?

What does it take to submit to one another?

I want to end this week with verse 20. Give thanks always and for everthing to God. I’ve heard a lot of science lately on how gratitude and thankfulness is good for the mind and body. It is good for marraiges and for our children. I am thankful for the opportunity to meet with each of you every week. As you go through this week, remember to be thankful always and in everything.