Small Group Questions | Walk in New Life | Ephesians 5:1-13

In the Fall of 2025, Coastline began a journey through the book of Ephesians. This letter from the Apostle Paul is packed with timeless truth about who we are in Christ and how we are called to live as His people. From God’s eternal plan of salvation to the call for unity in the church, Ephesians grounds us in the gospel and shows us what it means to walk faithfully in a broken world. As we’ve studied this book together, our congregation has been both encouraged and challenged. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or walking through Ephesians with your church.

Small Group Questions | Walk in New Life | Ephesians 5:1-13

Today we continue our sermon series through the New Testament letter to the church in Ephesus. This church was started by Paul on his second missionary journey. He spent a considerable amount of time with the church. For example, Paul spent three years in Ephesus and only eighteen months in Corinth. Paul was able to teach this church about the great love of God. The Holy Spirit began working in the life of God’s people and lives were radically changed. In our passage today we’re going to see Paul make a statement and then help the church understand how to live this out for Jesus. He teaches them to walk in God’s love, to walk in righteousness, and to walk in light.

1) Thinking of the story of Jimmy Choi who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and chose to walk to regain strength. Share about a time when choosing to take small, consistent steps in your faith helped you grow spiritually.

2) Read Ephesians 5:1-2. Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus to: “Follow God’s example… and walk in the way of love.” What does it mean to imitate God’s love in practical, everyday ways?

3) Read Micah 6:8 and Luke 10:25-37. Think about a time when you saw someone reflect Christ’s love through forgiveness or compassion. What impact did their example have on you or on the person who received the love of Jesus? 

4) Read Ephesians 5:3-7. Paul calls believers to live differently from the culture around them. What are some ways our culture normalizes behavior that God calls us to leave behind as we grow in spiritual maturity?

5) In these couple of verses, Paul emphasizes living a life of righteousness. How can we pursue purity, righteousness, and holiness while still showing humility and grace toward others?

6) Read Ephesians 5:3-7. Paul says, “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” (See also Matthew 5:14–16, Colossians 1:13–14, and 1 Thessalonians 5:5.) How does that truth shape your identity and daily choices?

7) Read Psalm 32:3–5, James 5:16, and 1 John 1:7–9. Confession brings light into dark places. Why do you think confession is so freeing, and what sometimes holds people back from practicing it regularly? 

8) Close your time in prayer with either confession of sin or asking Jesus to help you be light in our darkening world.