Sunday School Lesson June 26, 2022
Subject: Filled with the Spirit
The Point: The Holy Spirit enables us to live as fully devoted disciples.
The Passages: Ephesians 5:8-21
Study The Bible: Ephesians 5:8-14
1). We are no longer to walk in the ways of the world.
- For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light–
- for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth–
- testing what is pleasing to the Lord.
- Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them.
- For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret.
- Everything exposes by the light is made visible,
- for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
Lasting truths from: Ephesians 5:8-14
* The moment a person trusts Christ he or she receives a new nature that demands a new way of living.
* Just because a Christian has a new nature doesn’t mean he or she isn’t responsible for “working” to discern the will of God and proving what is pleasing to God.
* As children of light, Christians are responsible to be so radically different from the dark world that the sin of the world is obvious.
2). We walk wisely when we walk under the Spirit’s control.
Ephesians 5:15-18
- Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise–
- making the most of the time, because the days are evil.
- So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
- And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit.
Lasting truths from: Ephesians 5:15-18
* Walking in God’s wisdom is critically important and followers of Jesus are responsible to carefully align their lives with His will.
* Because we are living in the evil days prior to God’s judgement, believers must make the most of every opportunity to glorify God by following His will.
* Many external forces can control our actions, but Christians should submit to the Spirit’s desire and control.
3). We worship and live thankfully when we walk under the Spirit’s control.
Ephesians 5:19-21
- speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord,
- giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
- submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
Lasting truth from: Ephesians 5:19-21
* Christians controlled by the Spirit of God will give visible evidence that He is in charge of their lives.
* Thankful hearts grow out of absolute trust that God is in control, regardless of the situation.
* Unity in the home, at work, or in society is dependent upon submission to God’s designed and ordained structure.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Paul stated that Spirit-filled Christians will expose the works of darkness. How do Christians do that and in order to do so, what is incumbent for their lifestyle?
- Some people view the filing of the Spirit as a hyper-emotional visible expression. How can you explain to others the proper biblical teaching about Spirit control?
- Submission, especially in the home, is viewed as archaic and misogynistic. How can you explain to and help others understand the proper biblical perspective on submission?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”