10-Minute Version
In Ephesians 5 we are called to live lives of love:
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
In Ephesians 5:3-4 Paul goes on to say that this life of love is to be one marked by thankfulness:
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God .
How curious! Why is thanksgiving in this verse a replacement for (or the opposite of) sexual immorality, impurity, greed, foolish talk and idolatry? And why is thanksgiving the mark of a loving life?
Discuss these questions with your partner. Then spend a few minutes talking about how you might be more thankful and loving.
15-Minute Version
Read Ephesians 5:1-20
Questions:
What does this passage teach us about God, who he is and what he does?
What does this passage teach us about humanity/yourself?
What does God expect us to do in light of this passage?
Link to passage: https://bit.ly/2VySphB
30-Minute Version
Read Ephesians 5:1-20
Use applicable bible-handling tools to study this passage.
Link to passage: https://bit.ly/2VySphB
Link to tools: https://bit.ly/2IfF2g8
