Study Questions: Ephesians #11
Christ and You
Ephesians 5:1-21 (CGS#11)
INTRODUCTION: When we read and study the Bible, we need to remember that while the Bible has authority over us and speaks truth that is relevant to our daily life, we are not the original audience. That means we are going to have to work to understand imagery, sayings, and even the styles of writing so that we can ensure a correct understanding of God’s Word. Now, does that mean we all need a Master’s or a PhD to read the Bible? Absolutely not! It does mean that sometimes we need to slow down and really consider the original audience when we come to a tricky passage. Ephesians chapter 5 is one of those passages that requires us to really consider the original audience. And when we do, we will come to see truths that are truly beautiful and for our good. So, let’s recap a few things.
The original audience of Paul’s letter is the believers in and around Ephesus. Ephesus was a major port city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). In fact, it was the largest and most influential city in the region. With that, there was no shortage of religious, political, or fleshly experiences that one could have in Ephesus. Indulgence was the way of life for those living there. But Paul reminds the believers that Jesus has called them out of those old ways and deceitful desires and into a new life with him. Paul has said this truth multiple times through the letter and once again spells it out in 5:3-11. Paul also told the Ephesian believers in 1:22 that Jesus was “head over all things.” For the Ephesians, certain cultural norms and assumed truths guided their daily life. The idea of headship was one of those assumed truths. Cesar was head over the Empire and everyone had the duty of laying themselves down so that the head was preserved. Here is how Seneca explained it, “In his (Cesar’s) defense they are ready on the instant to throw themselves before the swords of assassins, and to lay their bodies beneath his feet if his path to safety must be paved with slaughtered men.” [1] This idea was first espoused by Aristotle in his “household codes.” These were rules that governed the home and society so that it might be “orderly and good.” This wasn’t just their view of fellow humans and rulers, but of the divine as well. It wasn’t the duty of the gods to love them, but their duty to love the gods since they were “heads” over them.
Yet, Paul says something radically different about Jesus and offers a beautiful Kingdom reversal. Jesus, who is the head over all, is actually the one who serves and offers love to a broken humanity. This is not how it worked in their minds. A God who loves and serves them? Ludicrous! But that is precisely the beauty of the gospel message, and that beauty is to be the motivation for their obedience to the new ways of living that come with life in Christ. This is also to be the basis of their willingness to submit to one another (5:21). Submission was as difficult to them as it is to us. But in this reversal of Christ, the one who is over all things serves instead of demanding to be served (Mk. 10:45). They now are to live in the same way of mutual and willing submission to each other. In this way, we are imitators of God, not because we’re pretending to be something we’re not. But because we are living out what we’ve become in Christ who gave himself up for us (5:1-2). Submission wasn’t easy for them, and it isn’t easy for us, but Jesus hasn’t asked us to do anything he hasn’t already done.
GETTING STARTED – As a group, take time to answer this question. Who is or was someone in your life that it was easy to submit to or obey? What was it about them that enabled that response for you?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
Note: Another way to approach your time together is to talk through the following questions.
- Paul is once again not letting us off of the hook, Christianity isn’t about ideas that we agree with, but it is about our whole transformation. How have you grown to become more Christlike over the years? Or, what is a key area of growth for you now?
- Why is it important in Western societies to remember that your fundamental identity and value lie in being created in the image of God rather than in anything else of this age?
- Paul keeps coming back to the example of Jesus. How does Jesus’ example motivate you towards Godly living?
- In Jesus’ earthly life, he was led by the Holy Spirit. That same Holy Spirit is in you as a believer. How does the Holy Spirit lead you through your day? Do you look and listen for the Spirit? What are things that distract from following the Spirit’s leading?
- Submission is not easy! When we submit to one another, we acknowledge each other’s value and dignity. This goes hand-in-hand with humility. How can you take steps to honor others by not asserting our own way but instead, seeking to serve them?
[1] Lee-Barnewall, Michelle. Neither Complementarian nor Egalitarian: A Kingdom Corrective to the Evangelical Gender Debate (pp. 224-225). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.