Friday 10 February 2012

Righteousness, Sexual Immorality, drunkenness and idolatry.

A Bible study on Ephesians 5:5 - 21

Ephesians 5:5-8,10-21 (NIV)For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person---such a man 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 [10] and find out what pleases the Lord. [11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. [12] For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. [13] But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, [14] for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O 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. [19] Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [21] Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

People believed that sexual immorality could be committed without damage to the soul.

Warnings in v5-7

Ephesians 5:5-7 (NIV)
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person---such a man 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.

- Have nothing to do with idolaters.
- Don't listen to others
- God's wroth will fall on those who know the truth but ignore it.

We can't blend into the culture and practices of the current age.

As Christians how much have we moved towards what I is culturally acceptable?

How can we deceived with empty words?

- TV, culture around us, the messages coming from the world around us.

- given false hope

- we might be told that we can behave as we like and will be able to make a death-bed confession.

Why would Paul call immoral, impure or greedy people idolaters?

Things are put before God - we worship these instead. We live in a culture where immorality, impurity and greed are are at the centre of what we do.

In what areas of my life am I most tempted towards idolatry?

Ephesians 5:8-21 (NIV)
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] For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. [13] But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, [14] for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O 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. [19] Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [21] Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Darkness - ignorance, error, sin, temptation

Light - truth, righteousness 

If we are living in the light bring your sin out  in the open, share it with others.

Why is it important to make sin visible?

- Christian openness and transparency comes from being in the light. We should positively expose them. Once they are out in the light they diminish.

Bringing things into the light can be painful and a difficult experience but can be transformative.

How can we as Christians bring things from the dark into the light?

- sharing with other people
- confess to yourself and God

How can we take care of our Christian life?

- stopping before it goes too far
- constantly remind of what God wants us to do
- God giving us little nudges
- if someone is leading us in a wrong direction, don't follow.
- acting with integrity.

What are the characteristics of a wise person? V15-17

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
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.

- someone who is very careful
- be wise (understand the Lord's will)

How can we make the most of every opportunity

Colossians 4:5 (NIV)
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

How would making the most of every opportunity combat the evil days.

- spread the good news of Jesus
- people would be more content with their lives
- people would be less likely to commit idolatry. 

What are the beneficial results of being filled with the Holy Spirit?

Ephesians 5:19-21 (NIV)
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [21] Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

- stimulation, a sense of feeling alive and wanting to do things.
- being at peace

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

If we are filled the Holy Spirit there is no room left for anything else evil.

Why do we need to be filled with Holy Spirit to submit to one another?

- we need God's help to do this
- this is not something that we would do naturally on our own 
- it is a mutual submission 

Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

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