Reading Paul, Hearing Jesus (GEPC)

Ephesians 5:1-21

What it looks like to imitate God and to imitate the devil is like day and night. The deeds of darkness can’t stand up to the light of Christ shining in our lives.

Monday, May 19
Read Ephesians 5:1-21. Why is purity so important? Should we really “expose” the deeds of darkness? Isn’t it just enough to leave them alone? How should the Christians address one another? Why?

Tuesday, May 20
After reviewing Ephesians 5:1-21, read Matthew 5. How is Matthew 5 all about being “imitators of God?” Jesus tells us to even avoid anger. What does Paul say about our anger? How does loving your enemy relate to exposing the deeds of darkness?

Wednesday, May 21
After reviewing Ephesians 5:1-21, read Matthew 25:14-46. Who has an inheritance in the kingdom of God? How does Paul’s list relate to Jesus’ picture of the final judgment?

Thursday, May 22
After reviewing Ephesians 5:1-21, read John 3:16-21. Jesus uses the light and darkness analogy to talk about righteousness and evil. What does the light do? If we walk in the light, what will we do?

Friday, May 23
After reviewing Ephesians 5:1-21, read Isaiah 51:17-23. How could the church in Ephesus relate to Psalm 51? How is our world today like the world described in this Psalm?

Saturday, May 24
After reviewing Ephesians 5:1-21, read Philippians 2:1-18. We should imitate God like children. How does humility and selflessness play into that picture? If we are to imitate God, and Jesus is God, then according to Philippians 2, what are we to do?

 

Bethel Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN    –   bethelstpaul.com