Over the past four Sundays we’ve been looking at the “household codes” in Ephesians 5:22-6:9, where Paul addresses wives and husbands, children and fathers, and slaves and masters. Before discussing these questions as a group, read through Ephesians 5:22-6:9 together.
- If you are married, how have Paul’s instructions in 5:22-33 helped you in your relationship with your spouse?
- If you are single and not married, did those instructions help you in any way?
- Whether you are single or married, what is one thing that you learned in this passage about Christ and the church?
- If you have parents (don’t we all?), how have Paul’s instructions in 6:1-4 helped you in your relationship with your parents?
- If you are a father, have Paul’s instructions to you in 6:4 changed how you think about and relate to your children?
- Paul did not address mothers specifically in 6:1-4, but if you are a mother, was there anything there that helped you in your relationship with either your children or your husband?
- Paul addressed slaves and masters (slave owners) in 6:5-9, but we learned in the sermon that his instructions there apply to anyone with a job. Have his instructions changed how you relate to your employer? If you’re an employer, manager, or boss, have his instructions changed how you relate to those who work under or for you?
- In 6:5-9 we also learned that every one of us is a slave of Christ, wholly owned by him. How has that significant truth affected your life this week, if at all, and how might it change your life from this day forward?