_In this Bible study on Ephesians 5, we will go through the three processes of Understanding, Application and Communication.
_A. The Process of Understanding
We use the acronym "START" to determine how the original receivers of Galatians understood the message.
1. Situation
Unlike other epistles written to specific churches, this epistle does not deal with specific problems in a local congregation.
Instead,
Paul addressed great themes that pertain to the Christian's position in
Christ, as a member of the body of Christ, the church. Ephesus was a
city on the western shore of what is now modern day Turkey.
The unity of the church, especially between Jew and Gentile believers, is the keynote of the book.
Click here for more information on the background.
2. Type of Literature
Ephesians 5: 8-20 is in Prose form. The form of Prose is Instruction and Explanation.
Hint: All the letters (epistles) of the New Testament are in this genre.
3. Analyze the passage
The structure is very simple and easy to determine.
A - verses 8-14: Live in the light and not in darkness B - verses 15-17: Live wisely and not foolishly C - verse 18: Be filled with the Spirit D - verse 19: Make music unto the Lord E - verse 20: Be Thankful
_Message of Ephesians 5: 8-20:Our life must be characterized by doing what is right, good and true. It is not easy and requires wisdom.
The best way to do it is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, to sing to the Lord and to be thankful.
4. Relate the message to the rest of the Bible
In this step we determine whether the findings of the previous steps relate to the rest of the Bible.
The
message of Ephesians 5 relates to the rest of the Bible. It is very
clear that this message is an essential and therefor applicable to us.
There are no references to the triple C's (Ceremonial - and Civil law as
well as Cultural practices).
5. Test your findings
In this step you test your own findings (Biblical interpretation) against those of others (e.g. commentaries and study Bibles).
The commentaries and study Bibles confirm that the message to the original receivers is:
The message to the original receiver is:
Our life must be characterized by doing what is right, good and true. It is not easy and requires wisdom.
The best way to do it is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, to sing to the Lord and to be thankful.
B. The Process of Application
In
this process we determine whether the message to the original receiver
is applicable (essential) or not (incidental) to our situation.
It is very clear that this message is an essential. There is no references to the triple C's (Ceremonial - and Civil law as well as Cultural practices).
C. The Process of Communication
In this process we communicate the message to a specific target group.
Scenario: You meet a great person while camping. One night at campfire the conversation lead to a serious discussion. In the light of this passage (and other passages), how would you have answered the following questions that were raised by your friend during the course of the discussion?
Questions of friend:
1. Why is the world in such a mess?
2. What is the answer to this mess?
3. My child is hanging out with the wrong crowd. My wife and I just don’t know what to do anymore. He /she has so much potential and causes us so much pain by the foolish things he/she does. We lack some wisdom. What do you think we need to do? (Read Day 48 from the Bible as your GPS or Page 46 from Hearing God’s Tweet.)
