In Ephesians, we dive in deep to discover the true meaning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, into what Paul calls "the incalculable riches of the Messiah" (3:8)

In our text for this week, Paul is laying it all out - specific things we've got to do or not do in our Christian walk. This isn't about rules, rather this is about our response to God's grace. We want to walk, deliberately and intentionally following Jesus Christ, doing all God requires us to do. Why? Because the Holy Spirit is leading us in a totally new way of living life on this earth.

I want to encourage you to do a couple of things:

1. Read through the book of Ephesians all in one sitting.

2. Print out this verse and post it somewhere in your home or office:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8)

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 a. OR go to our FB page to link to Youtube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Questions to Ponder:

1. How does Paul explain the process of personal change? Does it happen by trying harder or by becoming a new creation?

2. How does speaking truthfully support and build up the body of Christ? How does telling lies, gossiping and unwholesome talk break it down?

3. What does Paul mean when he says not to give the devil a "foothold" in your life (Ephesians 4:26-27)?

4. Anger in and of itself is not a sin. What is the difference between righteous anger and unrighteous anger? What are some ways unrighteous anger can quickly lead to sin?

5. Why do believers in Christ often say things to hurt others, even though God clearly instructs them not to do so? Why does it feel good at times to put others down?

6. What are some ways that you seek to build others up with your words?

7. What virtues and practices from this passage should we pursue as people of light?

8. What are some of the characteristics of a mind infected with sin?

9. Why is it imprtant to make "the most of every opportunity" when it comes to serving God and being wise (Ephesians 5:15)?

10. What does it mean to walk in wisdom (verse 15)? What are your sources for this kind of wisdom?