Has anyone ever said to you, "You remind me so much of your father" or, "You remind me so much of your mother"? Hopefully this was a positive statement because of an attribute, personality trait, or behavior that you are imitating. When we are around people for a long period of time such as our mothers or fathers, or when we admire or respect someone, we begin to imitate their lives. Our character, our actions, our attitudes and even our mannerisms will become very similar to theirs. The LifeWay Explore the Bible Study: Walking in Love examines the apostle Paul's challenge in Ephesians 5:1-4 to be imitators of God.
Two Discussion Options:
Be sure to check out the two options provided in the downloadable teaching ideas. One idea is discussion based. The other is video based and utilizes the following video that illustrates the art of imitating others.
Illustration for Ephesians 5:13-14
(Available in the Downloadable Teaching Ideas)
(Available in the Downloadable Teaching Ideas)
We know that light can be used to expose various cancers. Dentists now use a special light called a Visually Enhanced Lesion Scope (VELScope). Because changes in the natural fluorescence of healthy tissue generally reflect changes indicative of developing tumor cells, the VELScope allows dentists to shine a light onto a suspicious sore in the mouth, look through an attached eyepiece and watch directly for changes in color. Healthy oral tissue emits a pale green fluorescence, while potentially early tumor, or dysplastic, cells appear dark green to black. – Source: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/cancer/ada-07-optical-device
- Consider what happens when you interact with people who learn that you are a Christian. What happens when they begin using bad language, telling dirty jokes, or discussing things that aren’t appropriate? (They will either ridicule you or apologize to you; either way, the light of Christ in you is exposing their sin.)
- When we are growing in our love for Christ by learning and living God’s Word, it will not only expose in us things that need to be changed, but our lives will expose the sin of those we encounter.
Be sure to check out all the additional Bible study helps.