GSCC Small Group January 16, 2007

Prayer: Pray that in 2007 small groups will grow in love and knowledge of God, and more leaders will come out to serve God with conviction.

Ephesians 5:1-21

1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For 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. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them. 8For 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) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for 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."

15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Questions:

1. What are the most obvious traits you find of your parents in yourself?
2. Read verses 1-2. Does a dearly loved child love more? Give an example to support your answer.
3. What do you think a life of love is comprised of? (other-centered, verse 2B)
4. Why are things like sexual immorality, greed and other deeds of darkness contrary to the life of love? Does living a life of love require higher standard? (focus on imitator of God, refusal to be deceived, and desires to let sin be exposed in light)
5. Read verses 15-17. How do we know if a decision is wise or foolish? Share a wise decision you have made in the past?
6. Verse 16 talks about making the most of very opportunity, to do what? (make wise decisions and not placing your hope in what the world can bring) What do you think Paul said the first century days were evil? How do you compare today’s days with first century’s?
7. Read verses 19-21. What do we usually converse with our brothers and sisters? How can I honor God in our daily conversation? (worship him in our hearts and minds, and submit to each other)