EPHESIANS LIVE-IT-OUT GUIDE

(MEMBER VERSION)

SESSION 11: EPHESIANS 6:1-9

OPENING DISCUSSION:

Group Activity:

I. For this activity, each LG member will need a small piece of paper and a pen.

II. On your piece of paper, draw a straight line down the centre, creating 2 columns.

III. The LG leader will read out 2 categories, one at a time.

IV. When each category is read, LG members have 30 seconds to write down the first 3 words that pop into their heads.

- Use the left column for the first category, and the right column for the second category.

- Do not over-think it. Simply record the first 3 words that occur to you instinctively.

V. Split into smaller groups of twos and threes. Share what you have written down, and why those words occurred to you.

VI. Conclude by praying together in your smaller groups. Give thanks to God for whatever circumstances you are in, trusting that He works everything for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).

GOING DEEPER

Read Ephesians 6:1-9

Brief Recap: Paul teaches us that living wisely and being filled with the Holy Spirit means submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (5:15-21). From chapter 5:22 to 6:9, this submission is carefully explained in the context of 3 relationship pairs. In today’s session, we will focus on the second and third pairs – the relationship between parent and child, and the relationship between master and slave.

1) According to verses 1 to 4, what is the job of a Spirit-filled child, and a Spirit-filled parent?

2) If we think of slavery as the first century equivalent of employment, how should verses 5 to 8 inform our attitude towards work?

3) According to verse 9, how should masters treat their slaves? For those of us who are employers or supervisors, how should verse 9 shape our attitude towards those under our charge?

CLOSING PRAYER

Close the session with prayer, asking God for the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live wise and godly lives at home and in the workplace.