Introduction

Ephesians 5 continues Paul’s practical instructions for Christian living, emphasizing imitation of God, love, purity, and the responsibilities within Christian relationships. The chapter underscores how believers are to reflect their new identity in Christ through their conduct, particularly focusing on walking in love, light, and wisdom. It also provides specific guidance on marriage, highlighting the relationship between Christ and the church.

Walking in Love

Imitating God

Paul begins by exhorting believers to follow God’s example as dearly loved children and to 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 (Ephesians 5:1-2). This call to imitate God emphasizes selfless, sacrificial love modeled by Jesus.

Avoiding Immorality

Paul warns against sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, stating that these are improper for God’s holy people (Ephesians 5:3). He also cautions against obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, encouraging instead thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4).

Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ

Paul reminds believers that no immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Ephesians 5:5). He warns against being deceived by empty words and encourages believers not to partner with those who engage in such behaviors (Ephesians 5:6-7).

Walking in the Light

Children of Light

Paul exhorts the Ephesians to live as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9). He encourages them to find out what pleases the Lord and to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:10-11).

Awakening to Righteousness

Paul uses a poetic call to awaken from spiritual slumber: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14). This call to spiritual alertness emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s light in a believer’s life.

Walking in Wisdom

Living Wisely

Paul advises believers to be very careful how they live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16). This exhortation underscores the importance of intentional and discerning living.

Understanding the Lord’s Will

Paul urges the Ephesians not to be foolish but to understand what the Lord’s will is (Ephesians 5:17). He contrasts being filled with wine, which leads to debauchery, with being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

Worship and Gratitude

Paul encourages a lifestyle of worship, urging believers to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing and making music from their heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). He also emphasizes the importance of always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).

Instructions for Christian Households

Mutual Submission

Paul introduces the concept of mutual submission out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). This sets the tone for the specific instructions that follow regarding relationships within the Christian household.

Wives and Husbands

Paul provides detailed instructions for wives and husbands, using the relationship between Christ and the church as the model:

• Wives: Paul instructs wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, emphasizing that the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior (Ephesians 5:22-24). This submission is portrayed as a reflection of the church’s submission to Christ.
• Husbands: Husbands are instructed to love their wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word (Ephesians 5:25-26). Paul emphasizes that husbands should love their wives as their own bodies, nurturing and caring for them just as Christ does the church (Ephesians 5:28-29).

The Profound Mystery

Paul quotes Genesis 2:24, stating that a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh (Ephesians 5:31). He explains that this is a profound mystery, but he is talking about Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32). Paul concludes by reiterating that each husband must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband (Ephesians 5:33).

Conclusion: Significance and Relevance

Connection to Jesus Christ

Ephesians 5 connects deeply to Jesus Christ by presenting Him as the model for love, sacrifice, and leadership. The chapter’s instructions on marriage reflect the relationship between Christ and the church, emphasizing Christ’s sacrificial love and care for His bride.

God’s Love for the World

This chapter demonstrates God’s love by highlighting the selfless, sacrificial nature of love that believers are called to emulate. The transformative power of living as children of light and the call to mutual submission within relationships showcase God’s design for harmonious and loving community living.

Contemporary Relevance

Ephesians 5 remains profoundly relevant today as it addresses the practical aspects of living out the Christian faith in personal and relational contexts. It challenges believers to live in love, purity, and wisdom, reflecting their new identity in Christ. The chapter’s teachings on marriage provide a timeless model for healthy and Christ-centered relationships.

Through its emphasis on imitation of God, living as children of light, and the practical outworking of Christian faith in relationships, Ephesians 5 equips believers to live lives that honor God and reflect His love and wisdom in every aspect of life.