Ephesians: Wholeness in a 
World
Week of August 7, 2005
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Ephesians 5:1-14
1 Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes – these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure than no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
10 Try to find out what is pleasing to Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But when the light shines on them, it becomes clear how evil these things are. 14 And where your light shines, it will expose their evil deeds, This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you that I can call you my “father.” Because this is true, I want to imitate you in everything. I want to pattern my life after your example, which you have shown through your Son Jesus. I ask that you would give me the grace to follow you. In Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Monday |
Dear Jesus, I give you glory! Thank you for making my life brand new because of your blood. Help me to live in purity. I want everything that I do to honor you. Grant me the strength to reject things that displease you. I your name I ask. . . Amen. |
Tuesday |
Dear God, May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to you this day. May my words breathe life and encouragement to people. Help me to speak words of life today. In Jesus’ name I ask. . . Amen. |
Wednesday |
Dear Lord, I come to you today and I ask that you would help me not to conform myself to the patterns of this world. I do not want to fall into materialism and greed. Help me to put you first above all that I have and own. In Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Thursday |
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of friendship. Help me to the chose the kind of friends that you want me to have. I want my friendships to be ones that would honor you. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Friday |
Dear God, I love you. I thank you for saving me. I want to please you in every way. I do not want to fall into sin, but live a life of holiness. Help me to do this today and every day of my life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Saturday |
Dear Jesus, Thank you for giving me your light. Because of you, the darkness is now gone and I am alive to live as you would have me. Help me to spread your light to others. In Your name I ask this. . . Amen. |
Background on the Text
In Ephesians 5:1-14, the apostle Paul continues his exhortation to the church at Ephesus by encouraging them to live as “children of the light of Jesus Christ.” This chapter begins where chapter four left off, by explaining just “how” Christians are to behave. Paul reveals the contrast that must exist between the believer and the non-believer. He does this by using the contrast of “darkness” and “light” in revealing that the world is without light (vs 13). It is because of the light of Jesus, where sin becomes exposed. It is as if the world is in a deep “sleep” (vs 14), and the light of Jesus causes one to become awake to what really matters in life. When one comes into the light, the deeds that they once did in the darkness, now is stripped away, and they begin to pattern their life after the holy things of God.
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points.
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts