This Is Personal
Introduction
Are you still making excuses?
Following Jesus isn’t just about public faith. It’s deeply personal, showing up in the habits, attitudes, and choices we make when no one else is watching. In these verses, Paul calls us to move beyond excuses and get honest about what really lives in our hearts. Are we willing to kill impurity instead of managing it? To starve our cravings for more and practice real gratitude? To clean up our words so they reflect our new identity in Christ? This isn’t about religious rule-keeping, it’s about living as dearly loved children who imitate their Father, not because they have to, but because they want to. Paul’s challenge is urgent: don’t trade your spiritual inheritance for something temporary. Make it personal, and let God’s love reshape your story from the inside out.
Discussion Questions
Outline
I. Kill the Impurity. Eph 5:3a
· It’s not about God trying to restrict your life…it’s about him trying to set you free from the thing that’s slowly destroying you.
II. Starve the Greed. Eph 5:3b
· You can’t be thankful for what God has given you when you’re always dissatisfied with what you have.
III. Clean Up Your Mouth. Eph 5:4
· The way a Christian talk should be radically different than the world around us.
Study Questions
1. What’s the funniest or most creative excuse you’ve ever given to get out of something you were expected or asked to do? Did it work? Did you confess?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 11:1 alongside Ephesians 5:1-2. What does it meant to imitate and walk in love like Jesus? What’s one quality of Jesus you find inspiring, but also tough to copy in your own life?
3. Ephesians 5:3 says there shouldn’t even be a hint of sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among God’s people. Why do you think Paul sets such a high bar? How can this be lived out practically?
4. Greed is often subtle and can show up in more than just money. What are some ways greed or discontentment sneak into your life? How does gratitude help starve those cravings?
5. Read Ephesians 4:29; 5:4, and Matthew 15:18. Why do you think our words matter so much to God? How can practicing thankfulness change your speech? How can it change your heart’s attitude?
6. Paul gives a warning in Ephesians 5:5 about missing out on the kingdom because of persistent sin. How does taking sin personally, rather than making excuses, change your motivation to grow and live differently?
7. CALL TO ACTION: Memorize Ephesians 5:1-2. Ask God to show you one excuse or habit to surrender this week. Take a concrete step to “walk in love” instead, and say something encouraging to someone. Share your step with someone who will encourage you.