EPHESIANS 5 - BE IMITATORS OF GOD

 

EPHESIANS 5 calls believers to live as imitators of God, walking in love, light, and wisdom. Paul shows how a Christ-centered life transforms personal holiness, relationships, and especially marriage, reflecting Christ’s love for the Church.

1. BE THE LOVE (5:1–7)
Believers are urged to imitate God by living in sacrificial love, following Christ’s example. Sinful behaviors are to be abandoned because they do not reflect God’s kingdom.

 “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.” (5:2)

Love is not just a feeling—it is a choice to live sacrificially. Ask: Do my words and actions reflect Christ’s love?

2. BE THE LIGHT (5:8–14)
Believers, once in darkness, are now light in the Lord. Their lives should expose darkness by producing goodness, righteousness, and truth.

 “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” (5:8)

A changed identity should result in a changed lifestyle. Our lives become a testimony when we walk in the light.

3. BE SPIRIT-FILLED (5:15–21)

Believers are instructed to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity. Being filled with the Spirit shapes worship, gratitude, and mutual submission.

 “Be filled with the Spirit.” (5:18)

Spiritual wisdom flows from a Spirit-filled life. What fills your heart will guide your decisions.

4. BE CHRIST-CENTERED (SUBMISSIVE) (5:22–33)
Marriage is portrayed as a living picture of Christ’s relationship with the Church. Wives are called to respectful submission, and husbands to self-sacrificial love, modeled after Christ.

 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (5:25)

Biblical marriage is about serving, not controlling. Love and respect flourish when both partners reflect Christ’s humility.

LET US REFLECT

1. Am I living as an imitator of God?
2. Do my choices reflect light or darkness?
3. Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my daily life?
4. Does my marriage or relationships reflect Christ’s love?

 

A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE PRODUCES HOLY LIVING AND CHRISTLIKE RELATIONSHIPS.