LIVING A LIFE OF OBEDIENCE

1 John 2:3-6; Eph. 5:1-14

OPEN IT:

What do you think delights God above everything else in your life?

DIG INTO IT:

1. Read 1 John 2:3-6 and answer the following questions:
2. We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.
3. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.
4. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him:
5. Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

a) Do the words “know him” in reference to Jesus mean more than intellectual knowledge? Explain:

b) Which commands are we to be obedient to?

c) Would it be better to say, “Keeping God’s commands saves us,” or “Keeping God’s commands demonstrates we are already saved”? (Hint – See Eph. 2:8-10).

2. Read Eph. 5:1-14 and answer the following questions:
3. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children
4. and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
5. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
6. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
7. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
8. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
9. Therefore do not be partners with them.
10. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
11. (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
12. and find out what pleases the Lord.
13. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
14. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
15. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
16. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

a) How does being an “imitator” of God help me to know God better?

b) How does Christ’s sacrifice prove His love? In what ways can we imitate that kind of sacrifice for each other?

c) Look again at the list of sinful behaviors in vv. 3-5. Do the sins on this list appear to be of equal weight? Why or why not?

d) List some specific ways we can “live as children of light” (v. 8)? Should we live this way because we owe it to God, or because it is best for us, or both? Explain:

e) When you live in the light, how exactly does your life expose the “deeds of darkness”?

f) Why is it “shameful” to mention disobedient activity (v. 12)?

REFLECT ON IT:

1. What is the most difficult thing about leading a life in imitation of Christ’s?
2. Does God give us the ability to actually live up to His expectations for us? If so, in what way?
3. Would you say that living in obedience to Christ makes your life run smoother or causes more difficulty?
4. In what area do you struggle the most when it comes to following Christ’s commands?
5. When God looks at your life, do you think He is pleased with the way you are living? If not, why not? Can the group help?
6. How can we pray for you today?

PRAY ABOUT IT:

“The great people of the earth today are the people who pray, (not) those who talk about prayer…but I mean those who take time and pray.”
~ S.D.Gordon

Davis, Barry L.. Instant Bible Studies for Small Groups (pp. 25-26). GodSpeed Publishing. Kindle Edition.