Children of Light
Ephesians 5:8-14
– The Bible Teacher's Commentary –
Bible Study Questions
Ephesians 5:8-14
The Christian is in the midst of a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:11). Sometimes one teaching will help bring the needed insight to bring a breakthrough in one's stale Christian life. At other times, another teaching will help. The apostle in this passage brings before us yet one more clear illustration that helps challenge us to allow the full power of the gospel to radiate from our lives. This is the illustration of light. Below are Bible study questions of Ephesians 5:8-14 to help bring the power of these verses to shine.
8 For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you (Ephesians 5:8-14). (NASB used)
- Kickoff question: What observations can you make about the different properties of light? Include both physical observations as well as principles you might have learned in a science class.
- What does Paul mean in Ephesians 5:8 that “you were formerly darkness?” Isn’t that a rather severe statement?
- What does he mean by stating that “you are now light?” Isn’t that a bit exaggerated? (Ephesians 5:8).
- What does Paul call God’s people in Ephesus (Ephesians 5:8)? Is it true for all Christians?
- What does it mean to be ‘children of light’ (Ephesians 5:8)?
- How does the apostle describe light or its fruit in Ephesians 5:9? Define each term in your own words to the best of your ability.
- How does Ephesians 5:10 summarize our goal as God’s children? How does that relate to the topic of light?
- What does he say not to do in Ephesians 5:11? What does he say to do?
- Why in Ephesians 5:12 does he tell us to do those things (Ephesians 5:11)?
- What principle of light is mentioned in Ephesians 5:13?
- Explain how that works in a spiritual sense. Give at least three examples.
- Where do the words from Ephesians 5:14 come from? Use reference or concordance.
- Why do you think Paul quotes these words?
- What does he tell us to do in Ephesians 5:14? What will happen if we do?
- How do you do what he says to do in Ephesians 5:14? Give a practical example of how this is done.
Application
- Read Matthew 5:14-16. How does this relate to the passage here in Ephesians 5:8-14?
- What should a Christian do if he or she feels more like darkness than light?
- Why is the society so dark? Do you think it is related to how well lit the church is? Explain.
- The key for revival is in verse 14. How would you tell another Christian what this is?
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