The Mayfield Class

Reflection Questions

1. What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says our struggle is “not against flesh and blood”? How does that change the way we view conflict in our lives?

2. The Apostle Paul describes Satan as organized, powerful, and cunning. Where have you underestimated the enemy’s influence in your life?

3. The Apostle Paul commands us to “be strong in the Lord.” What does that look like practically in your daily rhythms? Where are you tempted to rely on your own strength?

4. How does knowing that Satan is a created being, not equal to God, shape your confidence in spiritual battle and motivate you to follow through with the command of verses 10-11?

Reflection Questions

1. Which of the four commands to employees/slaves resonated with you? And how does this passage challenge our cultural view of work, authority, and leadership? Respect (Vs 5), Sincere heart (vs 5), considerate (6), and pleasant (vs 7-8). 
2. What does it look like to work “as unto the Lord” in your current job or role?
3. How does this passage connect to the broader theme of walking in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1)?
4. In what ways can our work relationships become platforms for gospel conversations and discipleship?

Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean for children to obey “in the Lord”? How does this shape our understanding of obedience as an act of worship, not just compliance?

2. Why do you think Paul addresses fathers specifically in verse 4? What does this say about spiritual leadership and responsibility in the home?

3. What does “discipline and instruction of the Lord” look like practically? How can parents disciple their children in everyday rhythms?

4. If you’re not currently parenting, how can you support and encourage those who are? What role does the church play in helping families live out this passage?

Reflection Questions

1. Which of the five ways husbands are to love their wives stood out to you? (Sacrifically vs 25, Sanctifying vs 26-27, sensitive vs 28-29, satisfying vs 29-30, and specific vs 31-32)

2. How does Paul’s command for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church challenge our cultural view of love?

3. In what ways does your marriage relationship serve as a witness to the gospel in your home, church, and community?

4. Verse 33 summarizes the call: husbands love, wives respect. How are you cultivating both in your marriage?

Reflection Questions

1. Equal before God, but distinct in their household roles. What stood out to you in the passage about the role of a Godly wife? 

2. What stood out to you about the role of a Godly husband? 

3. How does verse 18-21 and being Holy Spirit-filled change your perception of verses 22-24 and submission? 

4. Why is verse 23, Christ is the head of the Church, critical to understanding the roles of husbands and wives within a Godly marriage?

Reflection Questions

1. What does it look like to “make the best use of the time” in your current season of life (parenting, work, etc.) and how does the reality that “the days are evil” shape your urgency and intentionality? 

     Hint: What are some practical ways you can evaluate and realign your daily treadmill to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel?

2. The Apostle Paul contrasts foolishness with understanding the Lord’s will. What role does (or should) daily Bible intake and prayer play in shaping your understanding of God’s will? 

3.  Verses 19–21 describe the overflow of a Spirit-filled heart. Which of these traits—edifying speech, heartfelt worship, gratitude, or mutual submission—do you find most challenging? Why?

4. How does the biblical concept of “walking” challenge the idea of spiritual stagnation? Are there areas where you’ve been standing still—or even drifting backward?

Reflection Questions

1. In light of Ephesians 4:1 and 4:17… How is 5:1-2 an encouragement and also instructive to us? 

2. Why do you think Paul stops to list six specific sins in verses 3-4 after giving five examples of taking off and putting on in 4:25-32?

3. Which of the three reasons for being imitators of God resonated with you? Why?   (1) The Character of God’s Kingdom vs 5. 

  (2) The wrath of God vs 6-7. 

  (3) Being who we are called to be, the Light vs 8-14.

4. What does it mean to expose the works of darkness (Vs 11)? How might we do this today? How does the Holy Spirit provide wisdom and boldness for this task?

Reflection Questions

1. Based on this text… why is joy tied to putting on a new self clothed in righteousness and holiness?  

2. Why does Spiritual Warfare (vs 27) play a part in joylessness and struggling to putting off the old self and putting on the new self? How should that inform the way we react to this passage? 

3. Which of these 5 transformations stuck out to you the most? Why? 

4. How are these 5 characteristics seen in the life of Jesus? How is that motivating and encouraging to you?

Reflection Questions

1. The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of clothing to describe spiritual transformation. How does this imagery help us understand the change that happens when we follow Christ?

2. What does Paul mean when he says Gentiles walk in “the futility of their minds” and how does this contrast with the renewed mind of a believer? How can we intentionally renew our minds daily?

3. How does surrounding ourselves with strong Christian community help us put on the new self? In what ways does church fellowship and discipleship play a role?

4. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our identity is no longer tied to the world’s standards but to Christ. How does knowing your identity in Jesus reshape the way you live? Why is it important to understand that transformation comes through Christ rather than just behavior modification?

Reflection Questions

1. Why is it so important to understand “Grace” and “Gift” (vs 7) when thinking about our own spiritual gifts? 

2. Why is diversity of spiritual gifts within the church a good thing? What responsibilities do we have with our spiritual gifts in verse 12? 

3. Which spiritual growth characteristic stuck out to you in verses 13-16? Doctrinally stable (vs 14), speaking the truth in love (vs 15) or growing in Christ-likeness (vs 15)

4. How does viewing the church as a body (vs 16) help us to understand our role within the church and inspire us to live out verse 1, to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we’ve been called?