Gospel Light Christian Church Thru-The-Bible Series (13.3)

The Epistle to the Ephesians

Ephesians 5:1-14 - Read this Bible passage once through before referring to the notes below.

Walk In Love (Eph. 5:1-2)

The word “followers” in verse 1 is the word “mimic,” so that the verse can be translated: “Be ye imitators of God as beloved children.”  As children we are to imitate our Father, since God is love (I Jn. 4:8), we are to “walk in love” (Eph. 5:1-2). As God is light (I Jn. 1:5), we are to “walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:3-14). As God is truth (I Jn. 5:6), we are to “walk in truth” (Eph. 5:15-17). Paul gives two reasons why we are to walk in love.

Because of Christ’s Example (v.2a).

We are to walk in love because Christ set for us a perfect example. “Christ also hath loved us and given himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice.” The greatest example of love is “that a man lay down his life for his friends” (Jn. 15:13). Jesus Christ did more than this, He laid down his life for His enemies (Rom. 5:10). Our walk in love is but a response to His love for us. If you are having a difficult time loving someone who seems unlovable, then consider what Jesus Christ did for you and let that love motivate you to imitate His example.

Because of Christ’s Expression (v.2b).

“to God, for a sweet-smelling savour.” The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross was a “sweet-smelling savour,” to God. The fact that Jesus died for us pleased the Father. His death satisfied the holy law of God and therefore is acceptable and pleasing to Him.  In the same way we should walk in love simply because it will please our heavenly Father.

Walk In Light (Eph. 5:3-14).

Since “God is light” and we are imitating our Father, then we should walk in the light and have nothing to do with the darkness of sin. In this section, Paul contrasts Satan’s kingdom which is characterised by darkness and God’s kingdom which is characterised by light. In giving this contrast, the children of light are given three admonitions.

Avoid the Works of Darkness (v.3-7).

Since we are “saints” these works of darkness are not to be “named among” us (v.3b), and we are not to be “partakers with them” (v.7). We are to not participate or be partners with the world in it’s sin.

We are to avoid “fornication,” this refers to all sexual sin, any and all kinds of pre-marital sex, including petting and foreplay.

“All uncleanness,” this is a broad term and refers to any kind of sexual perversion such as immoral thoughts, sexual fantasies, lustful glances/stares, pornography.

“Covetousness,” this is greed, self-gratification, self-centeredness and self-will.

“Filthiness,” any talk that is degrading and disgraceful or obscene.

“Foolish talking,” refers to stupid talk, senseless, a “gutter”mouth.

“Jesting,” it is turning the conversation into that which is obscene or suggestive. It refers to immoral wit. These are to be avoided.

 The reason we are to avoid these works of darkness is because those who do such things will lose “any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (v.5), and they invite to themselves “the wrath of God” (v.6). God does not take lightly our involvement in sin. When we flirt with the deeds of darkness, we rob ourselves of heavenly inheritance (rewards) and bring upon ourselves the chastening hand of God (Heb. 12:4-11).

Advance in the Works of Light (v.8-13).

It is not enough just to avoid the deeds of darkness but we must advance in the works of light. To advance in the light involves producing “goodness,” which is “love in action.”  This pertains primarily to our relationship with others. “Righteousness” this refers to “rightness of character.”  This pertains to my relationship with God. “Truth”  refers to honesty and trustworthiness.  This pertains to my personal integrity. Together, they are the evidence that we are walking in the light.

We are also to “reprove” (v.11) darkness. The word reprove means to expose sin.  It means toconfront sin with intolerance. To ignore evil is to encourage it; to keep quiet about it is to help promote it. The word “reprove” also carries the idea of reproof, correction, punishment or discipline. To walk in the light we must deal with sin, which means that when we see others sinning, we must correct them. With our children we must punish and discipline sinful behaviour. Only when we punish and correct or expose sinful behaviour are the deeds of darkness “made manifest” (v.13). One of the greatest helps we can give another is to expose the deeds of darkness and show them how to advance in the works of light.

Awake to the Cause of Christ (v.14).