We are to look to Jesus as an example of love. Why would God show us the specific when we’re not doing what we already know to be His will now? Ephesians 5:15-20 Life has a way of changing for you when you are in a car accident that very nearly took your life. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1-2. NIV 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children NIV 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. [4] Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. At times it is an encouragement to press on as we remember what the Lord did for us and our commitment to Him as we underwent the rite of baptism. Therefore it says. Rather than seeing how close we can come or how much we can get by with, be on guard. In our text today Paul pictures the Christian life as a walk. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. A well meaning person once told me that if you hang out in a coal mine you’re going to get dirty. If we are thankful to God for His provisions we will not be tempted to gain things through sinning. Jesus came and placed Himself right in the middle of evil and sin. 5 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. Where is the middle ground? [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. What are some things we know to be the Lord’s will? Walk as children of light. Seek to love others as Christ loved us. The idea here is that every day is bringing us closer to the end of this age. As we imitate Christ we guard against impurity and covetousness. In this case they are not being salt and light either because culture is affecting them rather than them affecting it. [11] Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Sermon: Living Obedient for the Good of the Church (Ephesians 4), Sermon: Marriage, God’s Great Illustration. by Brian Evans. We are to remember who we are. 3 Yet nobody should be able to name among you any act of sinful sex, impurity, or greed. [13] But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,  [14] for anything that becomes visible is light. that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. Ephesians 5:1–20 Follow God’s example, k therefore, as dearly loved children l 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us m and gave himself up for us n as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Website developed by Webility Solutions Inc. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? There are those who would seek to deceive us at every turn. The Lord Himself gave us something to help stir us up to faithfulness. We affect it, it should not affect us. Ephesians 5:1-20 New King James Version (NKJV) Walk in Love. (Ephesians 5:1-20) When children are little, say four or five or six, they begin to mimic their parents. In Ephesians 6:10-19, he speaks of our conduct in terms of our spiritual warfare with fallen and hostile celestial beings. We don’t have time to waste. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. In this way according to these folks one could live a life pleasing to the Lord. 2. One Light: Ephesians 5 1-20 January 26, 2020; Cam Roxburgh; ... Sermon Series. 5 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. Then there is the other extreme that tends toward a libertine attitude. The imagery here is that our baptism is a picture of us formerly being buried in darkness. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”. It is the pattern and practice of our life. and arise from the dead,. [7] Therefore do not associate with them;  [8] for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. It gets difficult when we are looking more to things like: Is it God’s will for me to buy something or do something specific? Paul set the tone for chapters 4-5 when he said, “Walk (peripateo) worthily of the calling with which you were called” (4:1). For you are all children of light, children of the day. The Christian life is a walk. Yet here in verse seven we read, we’re not to associate with them. He used this to try to convince me to avoid associating with the wrong crowd. [5] For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. These are the folks who many times believe the doctrine of once saved always saved but take it as a license to sin. Matthew 16:24–25 tells us that imitating God is a costly endeavor, one that requires daily self-denial and the narrow road of discipleship. Make our testimony count for him. Loving the unlovely is not often a pleasant experience. If time was short when the Apostle wrote this, how much shorter is it now? I believe we can deduce that it’s not sinful to hang out with sinners as long as we don’t partake in their sin. What the original Greek has in mind here is that we are not to associate with them in their sin or we are not to be fellow-partakers with them. Rather than allowing wine to control you as a drunken person does, allow the Holy Spirit to control you as wise godly people do. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we think about Christ bringing us from death to life…from darkness to light the picture becomes very clear. What Jesus has in mind here is that we as Christians are to be affecting or infiltrating the world. Otherwise we will get caught up in temptation and sin. 3. [3] But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Some thought the best way to live an effective Christian life is to hole up in a monastery separating one’s self from the outside world. Resources : The Bible Project - https://www.bibleproject.com We walk wisely because we represent our Lord. o 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Jesus associated with drunks and with gluttons but He was never drunk and didn’t overeat. Ephesians 5:1-20 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. At Ephesians 5:15 we come to the final description of the Christian’s walk. So much so, that He was even accused of being a glutton and a drunkard. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. This really fits the context we as Paul discusses light and darkness. If we have heroes, we look up to them and want to be like them. The stuff that you know to be God’s will and He will reveal what you’re to do in the more specific personal areas. As we walk through this world always be watchful, guarding against temptation. To Him we must give thanks; for all things are His. Browse Sermons on Ephesians 5:1-20. Mostly what God does is love you. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. This is someone who basically believes that because Christ saved us then what we do really has no effect on us at all. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. The truth is if you hang out in a coal mine you will get dirty and if you hang out with sinners you’ll probably get dirty as well. One key in walking in love and imitating Christ is to know what sin is and what sin isn’t. Read Ephesians 5:1-20 In this reflection on Ephesians, Pastor Dave discussed our tendency as human beings to “do what everyone else is doing”. NIV 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. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Introduction: Comparing our growth as Christians to a walk is a wonderful way to help us understand what God desires of us. What’s the problem with this type of thinking? We don’t have to stop to catch our breath while walking. This passage began in Chapter 4, Verse 17, with the apostle's admonition to live no longer as the Gentiles do. To Him we must give thanks; for He has given us all things richly to enjoy. However, I believe for most things is pretty easy. As most of you know, Sarah and I were in a terrible automobile accident two weeks ago yesterday. Whether they will die or whether the Lord returns, everyone will meet the Lord within the next hundred years. Observe how Christ loved us. How is it that we enter into the world without allowing it to affect us? Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 5 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Orange Baptist Church. We should see how righteous we can be. Ephesians 5:1-20 New International Version (NIV). [3] But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. [2] And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Gary Albert's sermon in our series called One studying the book of Ephesians at Believers Fellowship on November 27th, 2016. Ephesians 1:20 which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, Sermons. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. One way we can keep focused on Christ is to constantly remember His death, burial, and resurrection. It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. sarah. Ephesians 5:20 - always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; on StudyLight.org ephesians 5:1-20. made with Faithlife Proclaim. [5] For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. If we are to imitate our Lord in this world we must die to self and seek the good of others. [15] Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  [16] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul calls us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Ephesians 5:15-20 EXEGESIS: EPHESIANS 4-5. As you study Scripture with us this year, pray that God would use your study to conform you to His image. The Lord challenges us to make good use of our time. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Those in this world who are engulfed in darkness are running out of time. We can look back to our baptism and remember the commitment we made in front of everyone in the church that we promise to strive for obedience. Our attitude is thankfulness with what the Lord has already given. A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’. This section continues the contrast between the old way of life as Gentiles and the new way of life as hrist’s body, the church. That is the key verse for this section. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. To Him we must give thanks; for His goodness is free and disinterested. Walk in the Spirit. One cannot obey the command to be salt and light when we are isolated from the outside world. Ephesians 5:1-20. Scripture Formatting × Scripture Formatting. How is it that we are in the world but not of the world? This section continues through chapter 6, verse 9. 5 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. (Ephesians 5:15-20 RSV) This passage is in the nature of a review. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. These become more difficult. As a child often mimics his father, we are to mimic our heavenly Father. Here he is highlighting something else…living a consistent Christian life, so it’s a walk. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper,    and arise from the dead,  and Christ will shine on you.”. Little toddlers will put on their father's shoes and make big pretense of taking big steps in them. Most of us are not world class athletes that can run marathons. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Walk as children of light. The bottom line is as we practice these things we will get better and better at walking through the world without being affected by it. We were a sleep in darkness and buried in the grave of sin. The values of the world will have less and less effect on us as children of light. The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace whereby the partaker has readied himself and will be reminded to remain faithful and anticipate the coming Lord. As we look at this section there is one part that needs clarification. The Price of Love Devotional. His love was not cautious but extra... Read verse in The Message Bible As far as the scholars can tell, this is not a direct quote from any passage of Scripture but an ancient baptismal formula. and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering … It’s music to their ears as we speak and administer grace to them as hearers. That, however, is our calling. We also watch what we say because if we’re not careful our speech can lead to sin. In our text today, the Lord has for us a challenge to walk through this world and yet remain completely dedicated to Him. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. He meant well but his advice was more in line with the extreme to isolate oneself from the very people that Jesus spent most of His time with. 1 Timothy: Life in the Local Church; 10:Exodus; An Unhurried Life; Away in a Manger (Advent 2019) Becoming Human: Life in Jesus; Big Gulp (Jonah) Celebrations; No doubt Jesus ate and drank but never did He do so in a way that over indulged to commit sin. and Christ will shine on you.”. [11] Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Copyright © Blessings Christian Church. All rights reserved. We will be able, more and more, to Walk as Christ in this World. This sermon was preached at Blessings Christian Church on Sunday November 1, 2020 by Pastor Hilmer Jagersma.Pastor Hilmer Jagersma can be reached at pastorhilmer@blessingshamilton.ca. In other words, He would affect the world for good; the world would not affect Him for evil. Ephesians 5 1 Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children 2 and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. Posted on January 7, 2009 As we imitate Christ we are careful not to be caught up in impurity, foolish talk and deceptive words. THE CONTEXT. Ephesians 5:1-20 New International Version (NIV). We will be apart of the world like Jesus was but we will not be affected by the world. God's Blueprint for a Christ-Centered Church. Walking in love as Jesus did can be dirty business. EPHESIANS 5:1-20 Be Imitators of God or Living as Dearly Loved Children or Living as Children of Light As you start this study, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what God has said through Paul. Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; Let’s look at men of old to see how they were loyal. In this tenth lesson on Ephesians, Bill Cumbie begins to look at chapter 5 and what it means to walk in love (vv. In other words, the world will have nothing to offer us that would take our gaze off of Jesus Christ. At least, that is the case for me. (1) Look at...read more [12] For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 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