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EPHESIANS - LESSON 8

 

INTRODUCTION

  When we become Christians, we are to  live  a  life  "becoming" to saints.  The Christian thinks and lives differently from the world  - or he or she should.  In this lesson Paul contrasts   the "mind" trouble of the Gentile world that leads to sinful living (4:17-19), with the "renewed mind" of the "new man" that leads to righteous living (4:20-24)  He then offers seven  practical exhortations characteristic of holy living (4:25-5:2). May we so live as to prove we have properly "learned Christ" (4:20).  

 

I. OUR WALK AS INDIVIDUALS: THAT WHICH BECOMETH SAINTS (4:17-5:2).

A. Walk NOT as the Gentiles walk (4:17-24).

1. The Gentile Walk (4:17-19)

a) In the vanity of their mind.

b) Darkened in understanding.

c) Alienated from the life of God

(1) Because of the ignorance in them.

(2) Because of the hardening of their heart.

d) Given over to lasciviousness.

(1) Because they were past feeling.

(2) To work all uncleanness with greediness.

2. The Christian's walk (4:20-24).

a) Different from the Gentile's walk.

b) Must put away former manner of life.

c) Must be renewed in the spirit of our mind.

d) Must put on the new man.

B. Exhortations to live  the life of the new man in Christ (4:25-5:2)

1. Speak the truth.

2. Control our anger.

3. Steal no more - but labor and share.

4. Speak good words that edify.

5. Grieve not the Holy Spirit

6.  Put away bitter anger.

7. Be imitators of God

a) Be Kind.

b) Be tenderhearted.

c) Be Forgiving.

d) Walk in love.  

 

QUESTIONS:

1. Who does Paul have reference to when he speaks here of the Gentiles?

 

 

2. In what do most Gentiles walk?

 

 

3. What was the condition of the Gentiles’ understanding?

 

 

4. Why were the Gentiles alienated from the life of God?

 

 

5. Define lasciviousness ?

 

 

6. What attitude of heart leads up to and accompanies lasciviousness?

 

 

7. What works are connected with lasciviousness?

 

 

8. One who learns Christ must put away  the ____________   __________ .

 

9. Why should you not live a life lusting after the things of the world?

 

 

10. What accompanies the spirit of your mind being renewed?  

 

 

11. The new life of the Christian is a new ______________ .

 

12. From verses 21 and 24, characterize  TRUTH:

 

13. When you put away the "old man" you put away _______________ .

 

14. What reason does Paul give for speaking truth to your fellow brethren?   

 

 

15. A Christian is never to be angry.  (T)  (F)  

 

16. Of what kind of anger does Paul warn the Christian ?  

 

 

17. What are we not to give the Devil?  

 

 

18. When a Christian practices verse 28, he or she  can continue to participate in the various  forms of Gambling today.  (T)  (F)  

  

19. What type of speech is not to come out of our mouths?  

 

 

20. What type of speech is to be spoken?  

 

 

22. How can we grieve the Holy Spirit?

 

 

23. Unto what day are we sealed?  

  

24. Does God really expect us to control feelings of bitterness and malice?  

 

 

25. "And be ye _____________ one to  another, _____________________,

   _____________________ each other, even as ________ also in Christ forgave you."

 

26. We imitate God when we ____________ in ________________ .  

 

 

27. After looking at Christ's example, describe the walk of love: