Ephesians 5:1-20
Follow God’s Example
Walk in Love
Walk in Light
Walk in Wisdom
Walk in the Will of God
Walk in the Worship of God
Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
How to love like God:
Be caring
-To orphans and widows
-To the poor
-To others in the church
-To those outside of the church as well
Be hospitable
-To these same groups of people!
How to Describe the Love of Christ:
Sacrifice
Smell
Practically it may look like:
Forgiving someone who “doesn’t deserve it.”
Giving financially to support someone who is in a tough spot.
Giving of your time to share the gospel
Be patient with those whose actions don’t encourage patience
Loving those who are really hard to love, or those who don’t look, act or smell like you do…
Walk in Light
Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.
Shine by Being Holy (v. 3-6)
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
Sex
Selfishness
Speech
Shine to please the Lord (v. 7-10)
Ephesians 5:7-10
7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
Live in the Light (v. 7)
Live in Your Identity (v. 8)
Live in the Truth (v.9)
Live to Please the Lord (v. 10)
Shine in the darkness (v. 11-14)
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Shine a Light on Sin (v. 11-13)
Allow Christ to Shine on and In Others (v. 14)
Walk in Wisdom
Ephesians 5:15-16
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
What Wisdom Is
How to Attain it
“Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. It can be said that wisdom, in turn, acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but not the other way around. One can be knowledgeable without being wise. Knowledge is knowing how to use a gun; wisdom is knowing when to use it and when to keep it holstered. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom applies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him.”
Walk in the Will of God.
Ephesians 5:17
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Walk in the Worship of God
Ephesians 5:18-20
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If what you are choosing to do is wise, biblically wise, and it leads you to worship God, then it’s in the will of God.
People who are walking in love, walking in the light, walking in wisdom and walking in the will of God will naturally walk in the worship of God.