Ephesians 6:1-9

Overview:
Paul begins by telling children to obey and honor their parents, and this is a promise - "it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." Fathers discipline but not to cause anger and rebellion. Instruct them in things of the Lord. 
As you work, whether slave or on the job, do your work as though you were doing it for Christ Himself. Masters and bosses should not threaten always remembering your Master in heaven who is not concerned w/ your position.
Application:
It is very hard to work for no one's approval but God's.  We all seek to see if others are noticing that we are doing a good job. We are only to take on the jobs that He directs us to. And once we take on a job, we are to do it to the best of our ability knowing God (if no one else) will reward us for it in heaven. If we are over others, treat them with respect trying to practice the way God is over us and how He controls us. My take away from this is that I don't need to prove anything to anyone except God.

Ephesians 5:22-33

Overview:
Wives submit to your husband in all things. Husbands love your wives following Christ's example of how He loved the church - gave His life for her. A man shall leave his father and mother and "hold fast" to his wife becoming one. A man should love his wife as much as he loves himself and the wife should respect her husband.
Application:
I used to have problems with these verses until I understood the concept Paul was getting out. If a husband loves his wife the way Christ loved us, how can you not love someone who is ready to die for you, someone who cares for you as much as they do themselves and also seeks to nourish you - help you to be all you can be? When you put it in that perspective wives get off easy - they just need to submit and respect. The man does all the work and the woman gets the benefits. Totally opposite of the women't lib agenda - but that model never worked and this model does.

Ephesians 5:11-21

Overview:
Don't get involved with things that are not pleasing to the Lord - rather expose them fro what they are. Once they are out in the light, it becomes visible to all. When Christ's light is shining on the darkness, it will shrivel away. Don't even speak about these evil things. You must make the most of your time here on earth because there is evil all around you. Know what God's will is for you and do it! Let the Holy Spirit take over so that you are no longer master of yourself but it is the Holy Spirit doing the work in you (much like wine masters the person who drinks too much). When you are filled/controlled by the Holy Spirit you will be joyful and thankful  to God for everything, and your fellow believers will be encouraged by your attitude also. Don't always seek your own way, but just as Christ submitted to the will of His Father, submit to one another in love.
Application:
Making the most of my time...that is what I'm striving to do w/ the Lord's strength. I could do a much better job of that if I were 100% controlled/filled with the Holy Spirit. I still stubbornly try to do it in my own strength instead of using His - not smart or efficient. I've gotten much better about not insisting on my own way (always thought my way was best), but could still use some improvements there. Instead of whining and complaining about what we don't have, I am very thankful for what we do have. God has supplied our needs and even given us some of our desires. I have much to be thankful for.

Ephesians 5:1-10

Overview:
Just like little children try to do what their parents do - that's how you should be with Jesus - try to be like Him. Paul speaks very harshly to those who are involved in sexual sins. He says that we should not talk crudely - even jokingly, because it is out of place. Instead our lives should be marked with thankfulness. Anyone who is involved in sexual immorality, impure and covetousness has no part in heaven. Don't be deceived by worthless speech, or become partners with them. You are different now - once you were in darkness but now you are in God's light. So walk like children of the light. You will know you are walking in light because you will be doing things that are good and right, always trying to do what is pleasing to God.
Application:
I want to be imitating my Father so much, that everyone can easily identify me with the family resemblance. I want my life to be characterized by thankfulness instead of wanting more. I pray I would be discerning in what I hear - that I would not be a people follower, but a God follower. I was disturbed today to find out that John Piper had invited Rick Warren to speak. If I was a man follower, it would shake my faith, but looking to God,  it brings me to my knees in prayer that Piper and all of us would not be guilty of compromise. Warren's ecumenical stance in saying Muslims and Christians pray to the same God is heresy - but few are willing to call him on it. It grieves me that Piper who is a very bright theologian, would choose to ignore that, and allow him to represent him in this guest appearance.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Overview:
Paul reminds them to be honest, don't be angry and if you do, take care of it right away (don't let the sun go down on your anger). Don't allow Satan to get a foothold on your life (give no opportunity to the devil). Don't steal - rather work hard and share the profits of your labor with others in need. The only words that come from your mouth should be things that build up others, nothing else. Do not disobey the Holy Spirit (do not grieve the Holy Spirit). Put all worldly speech and thoughts away (bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander and malice) and be kind to each other, forgiving each other just like the example of Christ and the way He forgave you.
Application:
The fact that Paul is saying pretty much the same things over and over again in each of his letters, tells me these things were just as common for believers to slip into as they are today. I know the right thing to do, but continually fall into the "old" Candy. The only speech that comes out of my mouth should be that which builds others up in their faith. Kindness and forgiving should characterize my life. When it doesn't, I'm grieving the Holy Spirit, because He is continually prodding me to do the right thing, while I am continually disobeying or quenching those proddings - therefore I am grieving Him by my actions.