Dear Ephesus // Seeds, Shade and Sleeping (Chapter 5:1-20)

SEEDS (PICK them up?)

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Ephesians 5:1 NIV

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

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Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

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Ephesians 5:3-5 NIV

3 But 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. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

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Galatians 6:7-9 NIV

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

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Ephesians 5:6-7 NIV

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

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Ephesians 5:8-13 NIV

8 For 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) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 

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SHADE (HOLD the shade?)

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Ephesians 5:8a NIV

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. 

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Ephesians 5:11&13 NIV

11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 

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SLEEPING 

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Ephesians 5:14-16 NIV

14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

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Ephesians 5:17-20 NIV

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Questions:

 

What does it mean when Scripture says over and over that we reap what we sow? What do you want to reap in your life? What seeds should you be sowing to reap those things?What does it mean to bring God’s light into dark places? Have you ever experienced this? What was the result?What do you think Paul means when he says “wake up sleeper!”? Are there areas of your life that you are sleeping through? What is one practice you can put in place to make sure you’re awake to how the Holy Spirit is leading?