Dr. Jeff Holmes | Ephesians 5:15-21
The agape style of love that God has given us to live out is a love that is based on sacrifice, sculpture and seeking. The job of a sacrifice is to die, to give up itself for something else. Our relationships are gifts that give us opportunities to do just that. As we learn to die to ourselves, God is shaping us like a sculpture, molding our hearts towards agape. This love seeks you out; you cannot escape it.
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These questions are provided for your further study and application of this message. It is helpful to discuss your answers with others such as your Community Group, family, friends or an accountability partner.
- How did God speak to you through the message this week?
- Read Ephesians 5:31-33. When you think about Christ's relationship with the church, how does that describe the submission in Paul's statement to submit to one another? (5:21)
- The man's job is to "love" in the relational passage, and the woman is to "submit," then later in the passage, "respect"... How is loving the woman submitting to Christ? What does that look like for you? How is respecting the husband submitting to Christ? What does that look like for you?
- Are Paul's words to the Ephesians different from what we've culturally believed?
- Do you think there is a difference between love and respect? What do you think it is?
- What is your personal calling from God out of these Scriptures? (see Ephesians 5:21)
- Write out a prayer in response to what the Lord has taught you through this study and what steps in response He might want you to take.
