Ephesians 5:21 - 6:9

 

[Grace and Peace] EPHESIANS_

 

[Activity] Spend some time exploring the logical flow of Ephesians 5:21-6:9…

 

[Read Ephesians 5:21]

 

Paul addresses different relationship types (marriage, family, co-workers) when he writes to the Ephesians. Before he gets specific in his instructions, he gives a general one. What attitude are we supposed to have towards others?

 

 

What should submission look like in daily life?

 

 

[Read Ephesians 5:22-33]

 

In verses 22-24, why does Paul tell wives to submit to their husbands?

 

 

How does remembering that a wife is really submitting to the Lord affect submission to a husband?

 

 

In verses 25-33, how are husbands, in turn, to treat their wives?

 

 

How does comparing a husband’s love for his wife to how the Messiah loves the church remove any danger of the husband abusing the wife’s submission?

 

 

 

What are some practical ways that husbands and wives can live out Ephesians 5:33?

 

 

[Read Ephesians 6:1-9]

 

 

In verses 1-3 what does it mean for children to obey and honour their parents?

 

 

How can fathers – and mothers – practice the commands for them in verse 4?

 

 

Paul could no more imagine a world without slavery than we can imagine a world without electricity. If Paul were writing this letter today to the church of 2021, he would address his instructions to employees and employers…

 

In Ephesians 6:5-8, how are slaves (or employees) to do their work?

 

 

Likewise, how does Paul tell us that masters (or employers) should treat their slaves (employees) in Ephesians 6:9?

 

The most remarkable thing, to the original readers of this letter, is that in both the instructions to children/parents and slaves/masters, both the children and slaves, in Paul’s eyes, have what we would today call “rights” as well as the parents and masters. In Paul’s day and culture, all the restrictions would be placed upon the ‘submissive’ children and slaves. But here, Paul insists on mutual responsibility…

 

[Activity] Choose one role from this study: husband / wife / parent / child / employer / employee… When is it hard for you to follow Paul’s instructions for that role.
What would help you change?