Ephesians 5:1-20 Notes for Discipleship Groups or Personal Study: What challenges have you faced recently in identifying as a Jesus-follower (judged as unintelligent, anti-science, a homophobic, against progress, picked on by others, fear of sharing your testimony, etc.)? Was there anything that stuck out to you from Cyndee’s testimony? So why follow Jesus? What’s so unique about him? What has he done for you? Is there any benefit to following Jesus that we cannot find anywhere else? The disciples of Jesus left his side. Are there times you have turned away from God, even momentarily, after your decision to follow him? (We all have. It’s more common that we admit.) Read Ephesians 5:1-20. The Ephesians lived in a society full of temptations, and philosophies that could tempt them back to evil. We are all in a process of transformation. No one is perfect. Are you aware what triggers you to consider turning to sexual immorality, greed, gossiping, foolish talk, coarse joking, alcohol or drug abuse, or any other form of immorality or impurity? Why are these things not the answers for an aching or confused soul? To overcome sin, it helps to focus on our identity and purpose. How does Paul describe the believer's identity (see v. 1, 4, 8)? How do you feel about theses “labels” for you? Knowing our purpose is important too. Read Ephesians. 1:12-14 to discover a person’s greatest purpose. Why is living a life of glorifying God better than anything else? Read Peter 2:9-12. How can we glorify God through our gifts, passions, and stories in a dark world? Pray