Reading Paul, Hearing Jesus (GEPC)
Ephesians 4:17-32
Paul makes it clear that we are not just to speak the faith, but we are to live the faith. Put off the old self, be renewed in your mind, put away falsehood, love and forgive one another.
Monday, May 12
Read Ephesians 4:17-32. What does it mean to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self?” Why would someone “grieve the Holy Spirit of God?” Why is it important that we put these falsehoods away and change the way we live?
Tuesday, May 13
After reviewing Ephesians 4:17-32, read Matthew 15:1-20. What is the connection between our hearts and our actions/words? Why is it so important for our hearts (surrendered to Jesus) us to be consistent with our actions/words?
Wednesday, May 14
After reviewing Ephesians 4:17-32, read Mark 8:27-38. Why do we find it hard as Christians to “deny ourselves” and to “lose our lives for his sake?” What are we hanging on to? Is it worth hanging on to, or are we just “giving an opportunity to the devil?”
Thursday, May 15
After reviewing Ephesians 4:17-32, read Luke 10:25-37. What are the admirable qualities of “the Good Samaritan?” How do these qualities compare to the virtues that Paul encourages the Ephesians to exhibit? What about the priest and the Levite
Friday, May 16
After reviewing Ephesians 4:17-32, read Matthew 5:21-26. What does Jesus say about anger? Why not place the emphasis on acting out of anger instead of anger itself? How does Paul communicate the same message about anger to the Ephesians?
Saturday, May 17
After reviewing Ephesians 4:17-32, read 1 John 3. John also makes some strong statements about faith and actions. Can we be Christians in name only? What is the core teaching that holds our Christian life together?
Bethel Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN – bethelstpaul.com