Love (Ephesians 5:1-5)

I. Intro
Big Idea: Our desire to imitate God shows we belong to Him.
II. Loved
A. Children imitate. Ephesians 5:1a
B. Loved kids grow. Ephesians 5:1b
III. Sacrifice
A. Imitating Christ leads to sacrifice. Ephesians 5:2a
B. Faithfulness makes a difference. Ephesians 5:2b
IV. Improper
A. Character reflects identity. Ephesians 5:3
B. Everyone knows God’s standard. Ephesians 5:4a
V. Thanksgiving
​A. God reveals a better way. Ephesians 4:4b
B. Let’s claim our inheritance. Ephesians 4:5

The Next Step

• ​How do you learn? Are you someone who learners best by listening, watching, doing things hands-on, or reading and writing?
• In what specific way are we to learn from God? What does that look like?
• According to Paul, what’s our motivation for imitating God?
• The Bible often depicts having a relationship with God as walking. Why is that an apt description?
• Read John 13:34-35. What’s at stake if we don’t love one another in a sacrificial, or holy way?
• In talking about love, the New Testament writers often reference how we speak? Why is that so important?
  
• What’s a way you have not been living up to the standard of God’s love lately?
• How is God calling you to respond to Ephesians 5:1-5?

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