Bible Study: Ephesians 5

To watch a talk on this topic head to the bottom of this study.

Discuss

If you played back the film of your last week with your sports friends, what would your actions tell us about who you are?

People watch our actions and often determine who or what we are by what they see - do they see you differently? Even without words, we can see by their behaviour who someone is. Identity shapes behaviour. In your sports club, what does your behaviour say about who you now are in Christ?

Read Ephesians 5:1-18

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.

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. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

What you need to know

In Ephesians Chapters 1-3, we see clearly how we have become adopted sons and daughters of God through what Christ has done. In Chapters 4 and 5 we learn how to live out this new identity.

What does the passage tell you about who you were before Christ?
What does the passage tell you about who you are now in Christ?
How should your new identity shape the way you view your life?
What does it mean to be part of God’s family?
What does it mean to live in light rather than darkness?

Sum Up

You have a new identity in Christ. For the Christian, identity shapes behaviour and it is so important always to remember who we are as we train, compete and socialise. The Christian life is not something you have to do (to be saved), but something you get to do, want to do and will do. You want to do it in light of recognising your identity in Christ and what He’s done.

Re-read Ephesians 5:1-18

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.

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. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

What you need to know

As you seek to understand more of God’s design and love for you, the outflow will be a heart that desires and will live according to His design. Therefore, you will live a life that is for your good and pleasing to Him.

This time as you read through the passage, list together the actions and consequences (stated or implied) that describe those living in darkness and in light.
Discuss as a group the challenges of living God’s way in respect to the areas of sex, language, alcohol and general lifestyle discussed in this passage.
In the sports culture at your university today which areas provide the biggest challenge for you?
Why is God’s way best?
How can a Christian be thrilled with God’s way of living?

Sum Up

As you navigate your specific sports culture, whatever that may look like in a Covid world, be sensible and wise. Use the principles and commands of God’s word with godly discipleship and accountability to manage yourself as you live out the Christian life. Remember you are forgiven, and the first two verses remind you that you are a dearly loved child of God.

What does this mean for us?

IDENTITY SHAPES BEHAVIOUR NOT BEHAVIOUR SHAPES IDENTITY

It’s who you are - The Christian life is not something you have to do (to be saved), but something you get to do, want to do and will do. You want to do it in light of recognising your identity in Christ and what He’s done.

It’s for your good - As you seek to understand more of God’s design and love for you, the outflow will be a heart that desires and will live according to His design. Therefore, you will live a life that is for your good and pleasing to Him.

It’s for the good of other sportspeople - In conversations we want to defend this way of life and lift Christ up as the reason for it. Also, we are called to expose the darkness in people’s lives, so they see and turn to Jesus.

Discuss

If you played back the film of your last week with your sports friends, what would your actions tell us about who you are?

Read Ephesians 5:1-18

What you need to know

Sum Up

Re-read Ephesians 5:1-18

What you need to know

Sum Up

What does this mean for us?

Go Deeper

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