Paul writes, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 5:6, NKJV). Paul has identified those who practice various sins without shame or repentance, the “sexually immoral, or impure, or who is covetous” (Ephesians 5:5, ESV). He has offered a blunt … Continue reading –>
In what sense does Paul intend believers to be “imitators of God”? See Ephesians 5:1-2, NKJV. Paul urges the believers in Ephesus to walk in love, a call important to this section (see Ephesians 5:8, Ephesians 5:15). This “walking in love” (see Ephesians 5:2) is to be modeled after Christ’s own love for us (compare Ephesians 4:32), expressed in His atoning sacrifice. Paul affirms four things … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 5:1-20; 1 Corinthians 5:1-11; Revelation 16:1-16; Colossians 4:5; Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29-35; Acts 16:25. Memory Text: “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” (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV). … Continue reading –>
Real Divine Healing: Part 5 By Andrew McChesney Almira told her parents about her decision to become a Seventh-day Adventist. She also told them about taking the forbidden classes on the supernatural, the appearance of the evil spirit, and the persistent nightmares. Mother wept. “If the church helps you, go,” she said. After her baptism, … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “Let your conversation be of such a nature that you will have no need of repentance. ‘Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.’ … If you have love in your heart, you will seek to establish and build up your brother in the most … Continue reading –>
By referring to “the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30), Paul has just invited his readers to consider their uses of speech in the context of Christ’s second coming. Ephesians 4:31-32, then, may be understood as addressing the use of speech as we approach that grand event. In the light of Christ’s return, what attitudes and behaviors, related to speech, … Continue reading –>
In discussing sins of speech within the Christian community, what exhortation does Paul share about the presence of the Holy Spirit with believers? Ephesians 4:30. Paul simultaneously offers a daunting warning and a heartwarming promise. Our sins against one another in the church are not minor misdeeds with little consequence: what grieves the Holy Spirit is our … Continue reading –>
Which of Paul’s words of counsel with regard to the use of speech among believers is the most important to you just now? Why? (Ephesians 4:25-29). Paul repeatedly uses an interesting structure in Ephesians 4:25-32, which is illustrated by Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV): a negative command (“putting away lying”); a positive command next (“let each one of you speak truth … Continue reading –>
In retelling the story of the conversion of his audience, what essential main point is Paul getting across to them? (Ephesians 4:20-24). Having described their former, Gentile existence (Ephesians 4:17-19), Paul does not say, “That is not the way you learned about Christ.” Instead, he exclaims, “That is not the way you learned Christ!” (Ephesians 4:20, ESV). Noting that … Continue reading –>
Compare Ephesians 4:17-32 with Colossians 3:1-17. How does Paul advocate for believers to live in a way that encourages the unity of the church? In the prior section, Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul’s theme was the unity of the church. When we compare Ephesians 4:1 and Ephesians 4:17, we note how similar these two exhortations are about how to walk or to live. This resemblance suggests … Continue reading –>
