First United Methodist Church of Orlando

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WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Open Bible

The Letter to the Ephesians
Becoming Imitators of God

 

Week of August 30 – September 5th

Primary reading for the week: Ephesians 4:1-5:20 Psalm 33, Psalm 42, Colossians 3:12-17

In the first three chapters of Ephesians, we have read of the amazing things that God, who is rich in mercy, has accomplished through Jesus. These chapters are filled with descriptions of God’s majesty and power, and the ways that this power is at work in the church and in the lives of those who trust in Jesus. 

In the beginning of chapter 4, there is a change of emphasis. The author considers what ways we can respond to God as we live our lives. To put it another way, here is my (very truncated) outline of Ephesians.

                        Chapters 1-3   God is powerful! Jesus saves!
                        Chapters 4-6   Now what do we do?

There are three parts below, which could be done together, or on separate days:

Part 1:  With this in mind, read through Ephesians 4:1-5:20 this week, noting the encouragements that stand out to you about living a life that honors God. 

·        Is there anything that speaks to you in particular?
·        What ways is God calling you to respond to the mercy shown us in Christ?

Part 2:  This week in worship, we will use the beginning of Ephesians 5 to begin.
Ephesians 5:1-2  Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children,  2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

As you prepare for worship, consider the following questions:
·        What does it mean to you to think of yourself as a “beloved child” of God?
·        The verse tells us to live in love, pointing to the way that Christ loved us. What most impresses you about the love of God expressed in Jesus?
·        What ways can you “live in love” this week?

Part 3:  Consider the following verses from Ephesians.

Ephesians 5:18-20  Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit,  19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts,  20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There seems to be a connection here between “being filled with the Spirit” and singing psalms and melodies to God in our heart. 

  • What ways can you fill your heart with a “melody to the Lord”?
  • There are two Psalms in our reading list this week, both of which speak of singing. Psalm 33 is more upbeat, while Psalm 42 comes from the perspective of feeling morose. Pick the Psalm that mirrors your own mood this day and take a few moments pondering how God might speak to you through it.

 

 

page updated August 30, 2010
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