Ephesians 5:15-21

As we get into the Word this week, let us not be deceived by the empty words of this world. Instead, let us walk as children of light whose lives have been captured by Jesus and are seeking to please the Him. 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: careful, wise, foolish, drunk, filled, speaking, songs, giving thanks, and subject.

Passage for the week: Ephesians 5:15-21 (NASB)

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

DIGGING DEEPER

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



Many times we think that in order to be wise, you must be a genius. What does a wise person look like according to verses 15-17? How can you live wisely according to this passage and make the most of the time God has given you?




Take a moment and think through what you do on a daily and weekly basis. What is it that you are doing that would be considered wise and in agreement with God’s will for your life? What is it that you are doing that would be considered foolish and against what God would have for your life?





After you have answered the questions above, ask God to give you grace and strength to carry out His will for your life and make the most of the time He has given you.



Verses 19-21 look like four separate commands in English. In Greek, however, they are actually linked to verse 18 and describe several results of being filled with the Spirit. In your own words, explain the characteristics of those who are filled with the Spirit below and one way you can live that out in your life today!


Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs


Singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord


Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father


Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ



After looking at these verses, what characteristics are you lacking in your walk with God? Pray right now and ask God to fill you with His Spirit and give you the grace to live out these characteristics.





For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

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