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| Inductive
Studies in Ephesians with Chris Lang |
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Week 4
Summer 2000
Homework looks good!
Handouts
Class Outline
Homiletics Worksheet
Structure (4:25-5:2)
25 Therefore,
laying aside falsehood,
SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE OF YOU WITH HIS NEIGHBOR,
for we are members of one another.
26 BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT SIN;
do not let the sun go down on your anger,
27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.
2* He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor,
performing with his own hands what is good,
so he will have something to share with one who has need.
29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a
word as is good for edification
according to the need of the moment,
so that it will give grace to those who hear.
30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander be put away
along with all malice.
32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other,
just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
1 Therefore be imitators of God,
as beloved children;
2 and walk in love,
just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us,
an offering and a sacrifice to God
as a fragrant aroma.
Claim:
Act like God by walking in love (5:1 Conc. Indicator, Imperative)
Support:
Context:
Paul picks up on the previous paragraph that we have been created in
righteousness, holiness and truth. Stress is laid on turning from the old lifestyle.
Paul reiterates the need to speak truthfully with each other from 4:15.
Theology
Define:
"unwholesome"
"sealed"
Meaning:
Because we have been recreated by God in truth and righteousness, we are to speak truth to one another. Beyond that we are to resolve our anger, share with each other, encourage and forgive. These qualities tell us about the nature of God. As we practice these things, we begin to be imitators of God. The paragraph culminates with an admonition to forgive as God has forgiven us (4:32), this is the quintessential nature of God and it is how we are to imitate Him.
Parallels:
Zech. 8:16 remnant of Israel. God purposes good for Jerusalem, "These things you should do: speak the truth to one another…"
Application
Them:
This is an extension of the previous passage, since we’ve been created like God, we ought to imitate God in our love and forgiveness. Imitate God in your character and begin by practicing love and forgiveness. This entails being honest with each other and speaking to edify each other.
Us:
Speaking truth means more than being honest. How do we speak the truth to each other? "Boy, this lasagna tastes like garbage!" No, we speak God’s words after Him. It means to speak God’s word—"to have them as frontals and to speak in the gate…"
Structure (5:3-14)
3 But immorality, impurity or greed must not be named among you,
as is proper among saints;
4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting,
which are not fitting,
but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know with certainty,
that no immoral or impure person or covetous man,
who is an idolater,
has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words,
for because of these things the wrath of God comes...
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;
8 for you were formerly darkness,
but now you are Light in the Lord;
walk as children of Light
9 (the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness, right., truth),
10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 Do not participate in deeds of darkness, but expose them;
12 for it is disgraceful to speak of things done by them in secret.
13 But all things become visible when 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."
Claim:
Do not walk in darkness but light
Why would we not stop with vs. 7 as the thesis? We have a conclusion indicator and an imperative. Because verse 8c carries on the thought begun in vs. 7 and we’ve seen a consistent pattern in Ephesians toward "not…but" statements with the emphasis almost always being laid on the "but" half of the sentence. Also, 8c summarizes the content of the paragraph better than does vs. 7. The paragraph encompasses walking in the light.
Support:
Context:
Our forgiveness and identity as "beloved children." The next passage warns to
exercise caution and goes on to show the contrast of loving Christian relationships.
Theology
Define:
"coarse jesting"
"light"
Meaning:
Paul gives a series of contrasts, not that but this. Do not practice immorality and coarse jesting but give thanks. Do not practice darkness but shed light on it. The reason we are not to take part in these things is because God will judge these things. And we do not belong to judgment but to grace. We are not of the darkness but of the light. The believer is to radiate light: awake, arise and shine.
Parallel:
Application
Them:
Paul is cautioning these believers not to return their past darkness and to know for certain that God will judge that lifestyle. But not primarily because of judgment, rather he is saying don’t do that because you don’t belong to that. It’s not who you are.
There is an alternative and it begins with giving thanks and praise to God. It continues with walking in the light. Christ has shown on them and should be reflected in their behavior. Learn what pleases God.
Us:
How can we learn to walk in the light? What is the fruit of the light: goodness, righteousness, and truth?
Christians need to live as those who radiate light. Does this mean that we tattle on those who do wrong? I think what Paul is saying is that by speaking the truth of Christ, or the light of Christ, that we expose people to the truth. In exposing people to the truth, we shed light on the darkness of their lives. As we speak the truth of Christ, we are calling on them to awaken from their dead state, and respond to Christ by rising from the dead. The effect of this is that Christ shines in us by transforming our lives.
Structure (5:15-21)
15 Therefore be careful how you walk,
not as unwise men but as wise,
16 making the most of your time,
because the days are evil.
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand the will of Lord is.
18 And do not get drunk with wine,
for that is dissipation,
but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs,
singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
20 always giving thanks for all things
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God,
even the Father;
21 be(ing) subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Claim:
Walk with care (:15 Conclusion indicator, Imperative)
Support:
Context:
Why is it important for us to be careful how we walk? Because we have been raised from the dead and Christ has shown in our hearts. And we have been called on to be imitators of God. Paul will spell this out more carefully in the next passage by showing us how it works its way out in daily living.
Theology
Define:
"dissipation"
Meaning:
Paul tells the Ephesians to walk their Christian walk aware of what they’re doing. This consists primarily in walking as wise and knowledgeable stewards who are empowered by the Spirit. What does this kind of steward look like? He is a person who is grateful, edifying, and characterized by positive, loving relationships (5:22-6:9).
Parallel:
Application
Them:
Pay attention to how you’re living your life. It is a call to lead a life that is reflective. Are you being a wise steward who is fully aware of how God wants you to live? Are you being filled with the Spirit?
Us:
We need to use our time as stewards of a gift. Our time is not our own simply to spend on our pleasures, rather it belongs to the Lord. We need to understand what He wants from us then and live accordingly.
One of the ways he wants us to live is according to His Spirit. This kind of lifestyle is characterized by edifying speech to each other and gratitude to God. You know if you are a negative person with a dour attitude or a razor sharp tongue, you need to be transformed. If this is you, you’re not walking carefully.
Homiletics Worksheet
Clarify the Thesis:
Write down ideas until you mold an adequate and evocative thesis.
All of the sub-points and illustrations should contribute to your central
thesis. Examining the passage:
List them out. (These will often become the sub-points of my teaching. Limit
your sub-points to two or three. If you can’t limit the number, then
group them and summarize.)
What is the central point to be considered from the text? (This
is your teaching! Teach what the passage teaches.)
State the thesis of the passage early and often in your teaching. Each sub-point
must refer back to the main point (Illustration: arrow).
Why is the teaching of this passage important: biblical clarification,
correction or defending an attitude, belief or behavior. Goal is not always
stated, but impacts how material is organized.
What do you want your audience to do/understand that will make a difference?
"What I would hope you would carry away from tonight’s teaching
is…"
You must be able to articulate this even if you don’t say it to your
audience.
What background does your audience need to have before they understand the
passage?
What extra information would make the passage come alive?
Challenge people’s misconceptions!
How does the author go about making his point? (Refer to your Supporting Points)
Clarify important words/theological concepts (as they arise in your teaching).
What is the passage saying or presupposing about key theological issues? Clarification should include illustration and antithesis where appropriate or relevant. This may also be a good place for group input.
What did this passage mean to its original audience?
What does it mean for us today in the local/universal church?
How has this passage affected my spiritual life?
What difference could this truth make for our witness to the world and to the vitality of our group? This doesn’t have to come at the end of the teaching.
What would change in their lives if they understood this? Think of specific individuals.
What dangers are there if people don’t understand/act on these truths?
As I was studying this passage, what occurred to me? How did it challenge me?
How would my life be different if I acted on the basis of this truth? In what positive direction may God be calling on me to act?
Principles for Application:
2 Tim 3:16 Inspiration naturally results in application.
Determining cultural limited vs. eternal:
Develop an Introduction
What current event relates to the point of this passage?
"Imagine what it would be like if. . ." (antithesis to main point or paint a picture of the historical situation)
"Have you ever noticed. . ." (observation question to illustrate diverse opinions on the topic)
"I remember when" (personal experience with topic)
"Have you ever wondered about. . ." (unresolved questions in mind of participants)
Worksheet
Passage:
Thesis:
Watch Out!
Make sure you Walk the Walk.
Goal:
I want people to be mindful of how they live/walk their Christian lives. "The unreflective life is not worth living," Plato.
What tone should this teaching have? Alarm/Exhortation
Context:
State the relevant historical, literary, theological context (including OT passages).
Recall last week’s teaching on Eph 3. We need to exercise care in our lives because we’re called on to imitate God and because Christ has shown in our hearts. Teach some indicative—what’s it based on?
Explanation/Support
Relevant antithesis to previous points.
Words or concepts that need clarifying.
Application:
Think about how you spend your time. Are you purposeful in using the hours God has given you or do you let your circumstances dictate your actions?
Is God’s will reflected in how you spend your time?
What are some activities we probably spend way too much time on?
Are these qualities manifested in your life: Encouragement, Gratitude? What does that tell you about your spiritual state?
Single out a particularly encouraging person in your group as an example.
Introduction:
Young people at Yellowstone at night, fell into boiling water. Be careful how you walk. There are spiritual pitfalls all around you.
Finishing touches:
Evaluate and reorganize the material as needed.
Ask yourself how every point contributes to the thesis?
Decide whether to let the outline of your passage dictate your outline or whether you’ll refer back to the passage as needed. What is the author’s logical flow? Does your teaching outline reflect the flow of the passage? Does it need to? Decide when to read the verse that states the central point, or the whole passage if it is short enough.
Structure (5:22-33)
22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife,
as Christ also is the head of the church,
He Himself being the Savior of the body.
24 But as the church is subject to Christ,
so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives,
just as Christ also loved the church
and gave Himself up for her,
26 so that He might sanctify her,
having cleansed her by washing of water w the word,
27 that He might present to Himself the church in her glory,
having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing;
but that she would be holy and blameless.
28 So husbands ought love their wives as their bodies.
He who loves his own wife loves himself;
29 for no one ever hated his own flesh,
but nourishes and cherishes it,
just as Christ also does the church,
30 because we are members of His body.
31 FOR THIS REASON MAN LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER
AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE,
AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.
32 This mystery is great;
but I’m speaking about Christ & church.
33 Nevertheless, each one of you is to love his wife as himself,
and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.
Claim:
Love your wife and respect your husband (:33 Controlling idea/Conclusion indicator, "nevertheless")
Support:
Marital headship like church and Christ (:23-24 Indicatives)
Christ died for church (: 25-32 Indicatives)
To sanctify her (:26 Connective word, "so")
To glorify her (:27 "that")
Love as yourself (:28 "so")
You are one flesh (:31 Illustration/quotation)
Theology
Define:
"Submit" upotassw literally means to "arrange under," "to place under," to "subordinate" or to "order oneself under". It usually has a hierarchical connotation such as soldiers in an army to one of superior rank, (O’Brien, p.399).
"Respect" fobhtai in Greek or "fear", "awe", "reverence".
"Washing" as reference to the bridal bath given before the wedding ceremony by both Jews and Greek cultures.
Meaning:
What does "submit to one another" look like in the marital context? Very simply the marital relationship is a reflection of the relationship we as the church have with Christ. Wives are called on to respond to their husbands in very much the same way the church responds to Christ. Husbands are called on to lay down their lives to the same extent that Christ does for the church.
Parallel:
1 Cor. 11:3-12; 1 Tim. 2:11-13
Application
Them:
Wives listen to your husbands.
Husbands: Lay it down for your wives! You’re only hurting yourself by holding out. There’s a principle here in that as you serve, nourish, and cherish she will naturally respond to you. Initiate. Love begets love.
Us:
Worksheet
Passage: Ephesians 5:22-33
Thesis:
Love like Christ
The Love of Christ as the Foundation of the Marriage
Goal:
To get husbands and wives to value serving each other as they do Christ.
Context:
Marriages are foundational to the church. Can we have a Spirit filled body without Spirit led marriages.
Explanation/Support
i. Submission is ultimately to god
ii. Authority is for service not self.
Relevant antithesis to previous points.
1. Submission is not subservience or inequality.
a. Liberation, Yes!
b. Christ as liberator: Women followers, Gal 3:16, radical equality of persons not roles. Difference between the Office and Person.
2. Is it an if/then relationship? If he then she?
3.
Words or concepts that need clarifying.
a. SUBMIT
b. Headship: Order to the creation. 4:15-16 it is the care, sacrifice of Jesus.
Application:
Read your own mail!
Husbands: when was the last time you shed blood for your wife, let alone a little sweat? Cherish your wife because she is a part of you.
Wives: are you more concerned with getting your own way or serving?
Respond to your husbands initiation.
Introduction:
Example of a model marriage that draws people to Christ.
Antithesis: Pleasantville is not the biblical ideal!
Finishing touches:
Evaluate and reorganize the material as needed.
Ask yourself how every point contributes to the thesis?
Decide whether to let the outline of your passage dictate your outline or whether you’ll refer back to the passage as needed. What is the author’s logical flow? Does your teaching outline reflect the flow of the passage? Does it need to? Decide when to read the verse that states the central point, or the whole passage if it is short enough.
