CHRISTIAN FAMILY FELLOWSHIP, PDO-MUSCAT
FOLLOWERS OF GOD, WALKING IN LOVE
(Ephesians 5:1-20)
Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians is often referred to as the Epistle of Believers’ wealth and walk in Christ. The first half, covering chapters 1-3, which is doctrinal in nature talks about the believers’ wealth in Christ. Part two, covering chapters 4-6, focuses on believer’s duty —the practical aspects of our walk in Christ. In other words, it is an Epistle about the Redeemed’s riches and responsibilities in Christ.
In today’s study, we shall be focusing on some of the practical aspects that the Apostle was trying to bring to the attention of the Ephesian church.
True Meaning of Followers Eph. 5:1; Matt 5:45; I Peter 1:29; Matt.4: 19; 8:22; 16:24; Luke 9:23; John 12:26; I Cor. 11:1; 4:16; IThess.1:6; Psalm 63;8.
(i) What do you understand by the word "Followers of God"? Ephes. 5; Acts 11 :26b)
(ii) Give some examples of God’s nature mentioned in the Scriptures? (John 3:16; I John 4:8; I Peter 1:16; I John 1:9; Heb.6:18; Matt. 5:45)
(iii) Can one be a "Child of God" without being a "Follower"? (II Peter 1:4; Matt 3:17; John 17:23)
(iv) What can hinder us from being "Followers of God"?
(v) Can you sincerely say "I am an imitator of God?
(vi) How can we become "Followers of God" indeed?
The Greek word translated "Follower" is Mimetes; meaning imitators, one who mimics the gait, speech, accent and manner of life of another. We are to imitate God as children do the parents imitate His acts, words, nature, ways, graces and Spirit. The world is to see God in us by our actions, comportment and attitudes. Are we truly salting and lighting the world around us (Matt. 5:13-16)?
The Mandate for Fellow-Heirs. Ephes. 5:2; Lev 18:3-5; 26:3; Ephes 4:1; 17; 5:2; 8; 15. Matt.5:44-45; 48;
As dear children, our Father expects us to daily, constantly and always live His word out for people around us to see and
be challenged.
(i) From Ephes. 5: 2—20, list some practical things God commanded us to do and not to do.
(ii) In our contemporary world, is it possible for believers to live according to these injunctions and commandments? Please explain.
(iii) How can the church today positively influence the unchurched?
You are a member of Christ’s church (if you are born again!). Let us walk according to the light we have received so that the unchurched can be challenged.
The Measure of our Fellowship. Ephes. 5:5-7; Rev 3:4; Matt.22: 3740; Mark 12:30-31; John 14: 15;23; 15:12
(i) Is there any relationship between our love for God and the degree of our obedience to His Word? (John 14:15, 23). Give some practical examples.
(ii) How can we demonstrate God’s love? (Matt. 22:3740; James 2: 14-20).
(iii) From. Ephes 5:.5 — 7. Is there any direct correlation between our obedience to God’s Word and the degree of fellowship we have with Him here and hereafter? Please give relevant Scriptures.
(ii) Where are you in your walk with God?
Conclusion: Having been born of God (through faith in Christ), we become partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). God’s nature and characters are expected to be seen in us as children do resemble their parents. God commands us to be like Him (Matt. 5 48). The fruit of His Spirit (Gal. 5:22) is expected to be seen in us thereby attracting others into His kingdom. How much of God’s nature does your life reflect? Your speech, attitudes, actions, comportment, your entire life-style?
Our love for the Master dictates how we "walk" His "Talks". Are you walking His Talks or just "talking" His Talks? Happy are you if you know His words and Blessed are you if you obey and do them.