Week 8
Followers of God’s Example
Ephesians 4:17 - 5:2
Alternate Video site: https://vimeo.com/297419950
Opening: What are some ways you wanted to follow your parents’ example when you were younger? Or perhaps ways you wanted to follow older siblings or other extended family members? (If you participated last week, share with the group how practicing bearing with others went.)
Examine the Passage: Ephesians 4:17-5:2
- We find in this passage a list of ways of how not to live with others. What sins are highlighted here? (vs. 4:25-5:2). Make a list.
- Yet, in Christ, we are called to a new way of being. What new behaviors are we to put on when relating to others? Then grab a pen and highlight or circle each.
- Verse 25
- Verse 28
- Verse 29
- Verse 32
- We see here in this list that Paul has raised the bar in the purpose behind our actions. Why should we speak truthfully (vs. 25)? Why must we work (vs.28)? What should be the goal of our speech (vs. 29)? What should be the motivation for forgiveness (vs. 32)?
- You were ‘created to be like God’ (vs. 4:24) and ‘Follow God’s example’ (vs. 5:1). Circle or highlight those key phrases. Now, looking to God’s example, in what ways has God acted toward you, (see 4.32-5:2)?
- How specifically are you motivated to follow God with the knowledge that you are ‘dearly loved children?’
Explore the Theme: Compassion and Forgiveness. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
- When is compassion deserved or undeserved?
- What is it like for you when people are compassionate towards you?
- Consider a group of outsiders or disenfranchised people in your community. What do they need? What do they have to give? Where is God calling you to walk in his compassion?
- Consider: do I expect more from others than I do from myself? Do I criticize others in the area of my own weakness?
- Forgiveness does not mean subjecting yourself to continued victimization. If appropriate, share an example of when you needed good boundaries and limits for protection. Or, as a group, share scenarios where boundaries are needed, even as we forgive. You can also share from examples in television or movies.
Engage Your Life: Practice speech that builds up. We see in this passage a real connection between our relationship with God and our relationships with others. As we grow in our intimacy with Christ we will experience new ways of being with others. Consider your speech this week. How does it build-up others or when does it not? How does it communicate a sense of oneness, while we are also gifted differently? Consider also when to be silent, and when to really listen. In conversations, when do you feel the need to appear well-informed, spiritual or funny? When and how are you most likely to speak a harsh or impatient word? How do you speak about others when they are not around? Take note of what you have learned, and are able to adjust, over the next week and come ready to share next time.
Praying Grace and Peace: Share prayer requests and provide a couple of minutes of quiet individual prayer time to reflect on the forgiveness and love that is offered us by God as dearly loved children. Then go to corporate prayer for one another and for praying grace and peace to all.
(Note: you may want to add these phrases, “dearly loved children,” “forgave,” and “loved” from Ephesians 4:32-5:1 to your note card, which we concluded using two lessons ago, and which highlights our identity in Christ as found in Scripture. We are now highlighting new phrases and key words which focus on how we ought to live, in light of our identity.)