Ephesians 5

Verses 1-2

• As believers, we are called to be like God and Christ in our character (Matthew 5:48). Focus on being loving, above everything else (1 Peter 4:8).

  • Christ's love for us, and sacrificing Himself for us, was pleasing to God. You will also please God if you love others as Christ loved.

    • When you read about Jesus' life, you are reading about someone who embodied perfect love. Read through the gospels, and work at taking on the same characteristics that you see in Jesus' life. This will make you more loving.

Verses 3-7

• Verses 3, 5-7. Don't be fooled. Practicing sin ends in suffering the wrath of God. Therefore, the immorality of the world should not exist in the lives of believers, and especially not sexual immorality. Why? 

  • We are saints of God. Saints don't live in sin. Since we are holy to God, it is only natural that we would live holy! Be who you are!

  • Avoid sin because you know that you are now a saint—your nature has changed! This speaks to your identity in Christ.

• Verse 4. Also avoid joking about sinful things or participating in inappropriate humor.

  • Replace foolish and facetious talk with thanksgiving. Fill your speech with thankfulness and praise to God, and this will help you stop any kind of foolish talking in your life.

Verses 8-14

• Paul reminds us of the same things, now in different words.

• Verses 8-9. First, you are a child of light; therefore walk as a child of light. Righteousness is who you are (2 Corinthians 5:21), so live like it! Identity, again, is taught here.

  • As believers, we are not striving to become righteous. Christ has made us righteous already (Romans 5:17). Our task, therefore, is to believe that and walk accordingly.

• Verses 10-14. When it comes to the sins of the world, don't participate with unbelievers in their sin on any level, and don't even talk about sin—not casually, at least. Don't find entertainment or enjoyment out of doing or talking about anything that you know is immoral.

• Instead, expose sin, as that's what light does. Say when something is wrong or immoral. When you're around unbelievers, and they bring up something sinful, say something. Let them know that it's wrong.

*Overall, as believers, we are love (verse 2) and light (verse 8). Love and light do not practice sin; they avoid it and expose it!

Verses 15-20

• Be serious about your life, be educated in the Word, and know what you should be doing. Don't be aimless or careless. Have a plan, and make the most of the opportunities that you have to bring glory to God.

  • The world is getting darker, and fast, and we eventually won't have as much as opportunity (John 9:4).

• Don't be intoxicated or distracted by anything, avoiding any mind-altering substances. Instead, overflow with joy and godly talk. 

  • How? Fill yourself with godly things, and godly things will come out.

Verses 21-33

• Paul turns his attention, now, to teaching about the application of love and holiness to Christian communities, homes, and marriages.

• Verse 21. In your community, consider the needs and desires of your fellow believers, and help them where they need or request help. This is how we can submit to each other.

  • On submission in a marriage, keep in mind that a husband has a responsibility to submit to his wife, in this sense, by serving her where she needs help and respecting her wishes. However, the husband must be the leader and make final decisions. 

• Verses 22-24. The instruction is simple. Wives, obey your husbands as you would obey Christ.

  • But do not obey what compels you to disobey the Word. In everything your husband asks that does not contradict the Word, obey faithfully. 

  • Know that this will bring you the most joy in your marriage. Grief comes when we live in disobedience.

• Verses 25-30. Husbands, focus on loving your wife as Christ loves His church. As Christ:

  • Verse 25. Sacrifice your preferences or desires to do what will best serve your wife's needs in her life and faith.

  • Verses 26-27. Build up your wife with teaching of the Word, helping her to walk without sin.

  • Verses 28-30. Take care of your wife as you must take care of your own body. Do for her what is most needful for her overall health and wellbeing.

• A marriage where wives submit in everything, and husbands love in everything is a perfect marriage!

  • Keep in mind that both husbands and wives will love and submit. But wives must focus more on submission, while husbands must focus more on love.

• A marriage is meant to be a picture on earth of the love and oneness between Christ and His church!

  • Know how powerful for the glory of Christ your marriage can be. People can come to Christ by simply looking at your marriage, so cultivate your home and marriage intentionally!