Ephesians 5 is such a loaded chapter in the Bible. First Paul tells the reader to be an imitator of God. Wow. That is loaded. What does that entail exactly? Well my pastor always says, if you don't know what the writer is saying, keep reading. So.....verse 2 tells us it means to walk in love, just like Christ did. He gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. If that is not love, I do not know what is.
Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
He continues....
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
If we are going to walk in the light with fellowship with our Lord we must live a life that is pleasing to Him. We do not do good works to earn our salvation, we live and love as Christ because that is what He commands of us. We should discern what is pleasing to the Lord. This is not legalism, this is obedience. Grace is a free gift, we cannot earn our salvation, but obedience is another story. Be imitators of God, offer yourselves as a sacrifice JUST LIKE JESUS. He walked the ultimate life of obedience to the Father. He prayed to the Father, not my will but yours.
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
We must be wise. We must submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. He is what drives us to love others. He is our ultimate example. Also, we should continue to encourage one another. Let us not be foolish brothers and sisters. Pray that we will live lives pleasing to the Lord. Lives full of love and self-sacrifice. And let us not forget to give thanks ALWAYS. Thank you Lord for your truth!
