May 26, 2020
Introduction.
Scripture is full of commands designed to instruct and exhort us towards holiness. All these commands must be understood in the reality of what God has done for us. He gave us His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sin. When this principle is understood, and applied, the commands of Scripture become a response to God’s immeasurable love for us. When we apply these instructions out of a love for Christ, we are walking in love, and are being transformed into imitators of God.
Please read Eph. 4:25-5:2
1. This portion of Scripture is part of a summary statement that was introduced in verse 20. Briefly consider the importance of verses Eph. 4: 20-24 in framing the exhortations that follows. How should these verses structure our interpretation or application of Eph. 4:25-5:2?
2. From verse Eph. 4:25-5:2, thirteen commands are given. Identify those exhortations? Where a do not instruction occurs, what are the positive actions that proceed? (These instructions follow the put off/ put on motif from Eph. 4:20-24) It may be helpful to summarize these commands into one of three categories. Speech, Think and Act commands.
3. What do all these commands have in common? Reflect on the commands you have difficulty with practicing and pray through a response to deal with these difficulties.
4. Why do you think Paul introduces the Holy Spirit in Eph. 4:30? And what significance is this in fulfilling these commands?
5. In Eph. 4:25 Paul states, “For we are all members of one body.” What would be the affects of obeying these commands upon the body of Christ
6. As you read Eph. 5:1-2, two final commands are given, explain in practical terms how these commands tie the entire unit of thought together?
Memory Verse
Eph. 5:1-2 “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.”