Ephesians 5:8-20

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see?What other words stick out in your mind

Paul continues to tell how to live in society that is not lovers of God- (see John 17:13-23 for Jesus' perspective on living in the world. It fits very well with what Paul expresses throughout Ephesians.)

vs 8- 14 The darkness and light reference was very common for good verses evil, for true knowledge verses deception in the time that Paul writes. John also uses it the light and dark analogy quite a bit. (John 1:5, 3:19, 1 John 1 :5, 2:8-9)

Paul continues to go back to the fact that when you become a Christian, you change. The old has gone the new has come. He also continues his comparisons of the change.

• vs 9 fruit of light vs 11 fruitlessness of darkness

• vs 13 visible vs 12 hidden or secret

• vs 15 wise unwise

• vs 17 understanding foolish

• vs 18 Drunk on wine filled with the Spirit

vs 8-9 key is to live the fruit of the light (same idea as the list of the fruit of the Spirit from Gal 5:22)

vs 10, 15-17 Finding the Lord's will- To find the Lord's will you do what you know pleases Him. Making the most of opportunities even in the midst of evil. Then you will continue to understand what God's will is. The key for knowing God's will is living a changed life. Doing what we know God wants us to do. Looking for the opportunities to share and expose the world to the light of God's love in Jesus. (being an imitator vs 1) Then there is an opportunity for others to to rise up from their death (vs. 14) Knowing God's will is also about staying away from evil (vs 11, 18)

To sum up knowing God's will is really quite simple. Live what you know God would have you do. Stay away from what is not of Him. Make the most of the places and situations God places you.

vs 14b- could be one of the first choruses of the church

vs 19, 20 Part of what we are always called to do is to encourage one another and give thanks to God for everything. (think about the story of Joseph when he was sold as a slave by his brothers. He endured a great deal but God in turn used it for good Gen 45:5. Joseph thanks God in spite of what he went through)

Interesting Words

vs 11 - expose- we are called not only to avoid evil but to expose it.

vs 19 - make music in your heart to the Lord- When I am closest to God there is a joy that often expresses itself in music from my soul. It is not about how well you sing or play it is about meaning to be joyful before God (Ps 100:1-2) Joy can often be best expressed through music.