An Interactive Bible Study

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

SESSION I: UNITY

(Ephesians 4:1-6)

Questions for Reflection and Application

What does Paul beg the Ephesians to do?
Define each of the characteristics to which Paul calls attention in v. 2.
How would following the instructions in verse 2 contribute to the unity of the Church?
In what kinds of situations do you find that you struggle with the tension between humility and pride?
In verses 4-6, Paul repeats the word “one” seven times and three of those allude to the persons of the Trinity. How does unity of our God relate to Christian unity?
How does Paul make it clear that unity is not uniformity?(See 4:7-16).

SESSION II: PURITY

(Ephesians 4:17-5:4)

Questions for Reflection and Application

On a scale from 1-10, 10 being most pure, how would you describe the purity of the church today? Explain.
Paul insists that the Ephesian Christians must no longer live like pagans(Gentiles). How are the pagans described?
Look carefully at this description. Explain the logical steps of their downward path of evil.
What then is the significance of truth and ignorance in living a life of purity?
What are you doing to renew your mind in Christ?
List each of the six examples of sin that we are to put off, noting the positive command with each instruction(See 4:25-5:4).
Why do you think Paul introduces the Holy Spirit in 4:30?
In 4:25, Paul states, For we are all members of one body. What would be the affects of obeying these commands upon the body of Christ?

SESSION III: LOVE

(Ephesians 5:21-33)

Questions for Reflection and Application

Whether you are married or single, when is it hard for you to humbly submit your will to that of another person?
Why is verse 21 an excellent opening statement to this section on marriage?
What does it mean to submit to the Lord(v.22)?
What do we learn from verses 22-24 about how a wife is to regard her husband?
Why is the wife supposed to submit to her husband?
How has Christ loved the church?
In your own words, what is the husband’s goal for his wife(vv.26-27)?
What is the significance of a husband and wife becoming one flesh(vv.31-32)?
How do you respond to the fact that the marriage of believers represents to the world Christ’s relationship to His church?
How can the Christian community build and support our marriages?