Ephesians 5:6-14

In Ephesians 5, Paul continues to outline what it means “to live a life worthy of the calling you received” (4:1). As we are seeking to be culture warriors in this world and not culture imitators of the world, it is crucial that we are seeking to imitate and follow God! This passage will show us how we can do this and not be deceived by the darkness but to walk as children of light who please the Lord. Let’s get into Word so the Word can get into us and change us from the inside out!


Before you start your time with God today, take a moment to pray to your God. After you pray, take time to read through the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.

As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: deceive, partakers, darkness, Light, unfruitful, expose.

Passage for the week: Ephesians 5:6-14 (NASB)

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
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 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things become visible when they are 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.

DIGGING DEEPER

List all of the characteristics of God and any promises of God that you find in this passage.



Verse 6 tells us to not be deceived with empty words and to not join up with those who disobey God. What are some of the empty words of the world that can so easily deceive us? Evaluate your life right now and see if you are being deceived.




The Scriptures are full of warnings about being deceived. Check out the following passages and really think about what God is saying through them. Then, write down what each verse is saying about being deceived and how that applies to your life today.

Romans 3:13

1 Corinthians 15:33

Galatians 6:7

2 Timothy 3:13

Titus 3:3

James 1:13-16

1 John 1:8


From these verses, how will you seek to live in the world but not be deceived into becoming just like the world?





From verses 8-14, we see Paul contrasting light and darkness in showing us how to live holy lives. According to this passage, what does it mean to live as children of light?





From verses 8-14, what does it mean to live in darkness?





What are the unfruitful works of darkness? Explain.





What kind of interaction should we have with the works of darkness? What are we commanded to do?




Spend time right now praising God for His work in your life, and pray that He will continue to give you the grace to obey Him by walking in His way and worshipping Him with your life.

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen