Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 5:1-20 – NIGHT VISION
Ice Breaker: (Choose a question). What are the things that you loved as a child? As an adult, (other than people)? Are the things you loved as a child still the things that you love as an adult?
The Bible Project: 6:41-7:10
Note: Pastor Dave spoke about the three Greek words that describe love. The passage deals with Agape in Ephesians 5:1-2 and discusses the concept of Eros in Ephesians 5:3. Paul later deals with the idea of Phileo love in Ephesian 5:19.
Three Types of Love:
- Phileo – Brotherly love.
- Eros – Passionate, or Erotic love.
- Agape – Sacrificial love.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Agape- Sacrificial love.
- Can you remember a time when you were shown sacrificial love?
- When have you shown sacrificial love to others?
- What would help us to love more sacrificially?
Ephesians 5:3 But among you, there must not be a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
Eros- Passionate or Erotic love.
Note: From Pastor Dave’s sermon: The world’s definition of sex is any genital contact at all, whether by hand, mouth, or genital. That’s the world’s definition of sex. God says you are set apart to be holy and he created sex to be within the safety of the bonds of marriage. If it’s taken outside of that, it’s pornea. Outside of marriage means before marriage (when you’re single). It means if you were previously married but are not currently married now (single again).
- What constitutes sexual immorality? (Hebrews 13:4, Matthew 5:27-28) What other activities would you include, i.e. sexting, pornography and romance novels?
- What would you tell a Christian who said that they are engaged in above activities?
- What would you tell a Christian who said that they are engaged and think that they should begin having sex with their fiancee?
- What can we do, to keep from compromising our values?
Ephesian 5:4 Nor should there be any obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
- Pastor Dave spent some time talking about our heart condition. He said, “Our words are simply a reflection of what’s in our hearts.”
- What does swearing, cursing, foolish talking, gossip or coarse joking reveal about our hearts?
- What does thanksgiving reveal about our hearts? Consider the time your group has been meeting together. Share the blessings you have seen as a group, giving thanks to God.
Ephesians 5:5-7 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person – such a person is an idolater- has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be partners with them.
- Please explain how immorality, impurity and greed is idolatry?
- What are some of the common idols in our lives?
- How should we respond to these types of idolatry in our society? Church? Relationships?
From the sermon, We are to break the power of the dark side in your life and expose the deeds of darkness and embrace avoiding them.
Ephesians 5:8-16 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 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.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
- What is Paul talking about, when he says, “fruitless deeds of darkness”? What is the fruit of the light?
- Wise people make the most of every opportunity to give love that requires sacrifice. What does love require of me?
Ephesians 5:17–20. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From the sermon notes, you must lay down a few things:
- Sexual immorality and pick up purity.
- Greed and pick up generosity.
- Nasty talk and pick up gratitude and thanksgiving.
- Any substance that removes Holy Spirit led self-control.
- Are there any things that you identify with and need to put down?
- Are there any activities that love would cause you to add to your life?