Ephesians 5:1-12 (NIV)

The cultures of Paul’s day were not so different from our own in a lot of ways. We can totally relate to the evils Paul calls out and warns against like sexual immorality, obscene joking, and greed… We see them in leaders in government and business; we see them in our families, coworkers, and even sometimes in our churches. Paul here encourages the Ephesian church to remember that their inheritance in Christ gives them a different identity as well as a different vocation--that of Israel, that of Jesus--children of God purposed to be a blessing to others, reflecting God’s love, forgiveness and justice as light into a dark world.

----------REFLECT----------

1. What word or phrase stood out to you in the passage?

2. Why do you think Paul says that immorality, impurity, and greed indicate idolatry? Are there ways you are living that might indicate you’re worshiping something besides God?

3. We are all tempted towards greed, consumption, materialism, and self-gratification veiled in sexual liberty, but in Christ we are called to live differently, and every day it’s a choice. Are we going to live by the moral standards of our culture or by the standards of the kingdom of light? So what would have to be different in your life today for you to live by the standards of the kingdom of light?

----------GO DEEPER----------

Bible Project Podcast: New Testament Letters >>

Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Historical Context >>

Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Literary Context >>

Bible Project Video:  Ephesians >>

----------CONNECT----------

Find an InterVarsity Chapter >>