Scripture - Ephesians 5:1-21
5 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. 4 Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. 5 For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
LIGHT VERSUS DARKNESS
6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—9 for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth—10 testing what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. p 1055 13 Everything exposed by the light is made visible, 14 for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said:
Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.
CONSISTENCY IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—16 making the most of the time,, because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
5 Key Attributes of Imitation
1.
(Ephesians 5:1-2) – Walk in
- “Walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” (v. 2)
- Imitating God begins with love—Christlike, sacrificial, and unconditional.
📌 Attribute: *Selfless, sacrificial love*
✅ Application: Love others in action, not just words (1 John 3:18).
2.
& Truth (Ephesians 5:3-10) – Walk in
- “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (v. 8)
- Holiness separates believers from sin, while truth keeps them rooted in righteousness.
📌 Attribute: *Moral purity and integrity*
✅ Application: *Reject impurity and deception*; live honestly and righteously.
3.
(Ephesians 5:11-14) – Walk in
- “Testing what is pleasing to the Lord.” (v. 10)
- Imitating God requires wisdom—carefully discerning good from evil.
📌 Attribute: *Godly discernment*
✅ Application: *Evaluate life choices*—ask, “Does this please God?”
4.
Stewardship (Ephesians 5:15-17) – Walk
- “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time.” (vv. 15-16)
- Every moment is an opportunity to glorify God.
📌 Attribute: *Purposeful living*
✅ Application: *Prioritize kingdom work*; manage time and decisions wisely.
5.
-
Living (Ephesians 5:18-21) – Walk in the
- “Be filled by the Spirit… giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (vv. 18-20)
- The Christian life is fully realized when empowered by the Holy Spirit.
📌 Attribute: *Spirit-led life*
✅ Application: *Live in worship, gratitude, and humility.*
Summary: 5 Key Attributes of Imitating God
| Attribute | Verse(s) | Key Idea | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Love | 5:1-2 | Walk in sacrificial, Christlike love | Serve and forgive like Christ |
| Holiness & Truth | 5:3-10 | Walk in light—reject sin, live in truth | Be morally pure and honest |
| Discernment | 5:11-14 | Seek what pleases God | Test choices against God’s will |
| Wise Stewardship | 5:15-17 | Use time wisely | Prioritize God’s kingdom |
| Spirit-Filled Living | 5:18-21 | Be led by the Holy Spirit | Worship, give thanks, and submit in humility |
Personal Notes
Devotionals
Monday: Be Imitators of God
Scripture: “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Reflection: As children imitate their parents, we are called to imitate our Heavenly Father. Christ’s sacrificial love is the ultimate example of how we should live. His love is not self-serving but self-giving, characterized by humility and grace.
Practical Application Question: In what specific ways can you show Christlike love to someone in your life today, especially when it requires sacrifice or patience?
Tuesday: Walk as Children of Light
Scripture: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—testing what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8, 10)
Reflection: As believers, we are no longer defined by darkness (sin and ignorance). Instead, we are children of light, called to reflect God’s truth and righteousness in our actions. Walking as children of light means aligning our lives with what pleases God and rejecting what doesn’t.
Practical Application Question: What choices can you make today to reflect the light of Christ in your workplace, home, or community?
Wednesday: Expose the Darkness
Scripture: “Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
Reflection: Participating in sin may feel easier or more comfortable at times, but as Christians, we are called to stand against it. Exposing darkness doesn’t mean being harsh or judgmental; it means living in a way that lovingly reveals God’s truth and goodness to those around us.
Practical Application Question: How can your actions or words today shine light into a situation where sin or darkness is present?
Thursday: Be Wise and Make the Most of Time
Scripture: “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Reflection: Time is one of our most precious resources, and the enemy often distracts us with things that don’t matter. Wisdom means living intentionally, focusing on what aligns with God’s will and brings eternal value.
Practical Application Question: Are there areas where you’ve been wasting time or being distracted? What can you do today to focus on what truly matters to God?
Friday: Be Filled with the Spirit
Scripture: “And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:18-19)
Reflection: Being filled with the Spirit means allowing God’s presence to guide and empower your life. Instead of relying on temporary comforts, we are to seek the Spirit’s joy, peace, and guidance. Spirit-filled living also includes encouraging others through worship and words that glorify God.
Practical Application Question: How can you rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and joy today, rather than turning to worldly comforts or distractions?