Lesson 10, Series1: EPHESIANS 6:1-9

PREPARATION

If you are able, sit outside or looking out a window.  If not possible, then visualize a favorite place in nature.  Tale five minutes to contemplate the created beauty, calming your thoughts, your breathing and simply being in the presence of God.

Read Ephesians 6:1-9 twice, then read beginning with Ephesians 5:15 through 6:9.

OBSERVATION

1. Who is Paul addressing in the verses 6:1-9?  (Take into account the longer section to answer this.)
2. Identify the key words and phrases.
3. Circle the verbs, noting the tenses.
4. Highlight the prepositions and connecting words.
5. Draw arrows between the comparisons and the contrasts. 
6. Lay out the relationships of commands and promises.

INTERPRETATION           

1. Analyze the structure of the passage.  Remember that Paul wrote this letter without chapters or verses.  Reviewing from the last Lesson #8: Verse 21 starts with “And further”.  What is Paul referring to in the previous section?  In Greek the verbs are such that is it more like this:  Be filled with the Spirit (vs 18) by:  singing psalms. . . giving thanks. . . and submitting one to another.  What can be understood from the structure that includes this passage?
2. Discover the role and significance of the Lord/Christ/God in the behavior of each group that Paul is instructing.
3. Discover Paul’s intention with the contrast in vs. 4.
4. Unearth Paul’s intended meanings of some key verb phrases, digging into the surrrounding words and context in the passage:
   1. obey…;
   2. do not provoke;
   3. treat…in the same way.
5. Summarize the attitude that Paul is promoting, whether for slave/master, wife/husband, child/parent.

APPLICATION

1. Considering this passage in light of the entire section beginning with Ephesians 5:15: What impresses you?
2. How does the discipline of children relate to the marriage relationship?
3. If you have children, is there any change or affirmation you may want to make based on this study?
4. What are the principles in the section directed to slaves and masters that can be applied in the workplace today?