Ephesians 5:1-9
Walk as children of light—holy, thankful, and motivated by the cross.
1️⃣— “The Therefore”
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children…” (v. 1)
Whenever Scripture says “therefore,” we ask, “What is it there for?”
Paul is connecting back to Ephesians 4:22-24—“put off the old self … put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Because we are new in Christ, we are called to live a new kind of life.
Our walk—our everyday living—should now reflect the God who made us new.
2️⃣ Be Imitators of God (vv. 1-2)
The Greek word for imitator is μιμηταί (mimētai)—“to mimic.”
We imitate God not to become His children but because we are His children.
Children naturally imitate their parents—they copy what they admire.
Paul tells us, “Walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
💧 Story – The Soldier’s Medal
A man received a medal in honor of his brother who had died saving others in battle.
Every time he looked at it, he was reminded of the price paid for his freedom.
It changed how he lived—he wanted his life to be worthy of that sacrifice.
That’s how the cross should move us.
When we remember that Jesus gave His life for ours, gratitude—not guilt—becomes our motivation.
We don’t live holy lives to earn His love; we live holy lives because of His love.
“When the cross is our motivation, holiness becomes our joy, not our burden.”
3️⃣ Set Apart — A Holy Life (vv. 3-5)
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed… ”
Holiness isn’t just avoiding bad things—it’s being set apart for God.
The Greek word ἅγιος (hagios) means “set apart, consecrated.”
When Paul calls believers saints, he means “holy ones,” belonging fully to God.
🌿 Story – The Fine China
A woman kept two sets of dishes—everyday plates and beautiful fine china.
The everyday plates were used for anything and stacked carelessly.
But the fine china was set apart—handled gently, polished, and brought out only for honored guests.
That’s what holy means.
You and I are not common dishes; we are fine china reserved for the King’s table.
We are separated from ordinary use so that our lives can display His beauty and honor His name.
“Paul reminds us that we’re not common anymore—we’ve been chosen and set apart, so our lives should look different.”
Paul lists three attitudes that oppose holiness:
- Sexual immorality (porneia) – distorting God’s design for purity.
- Impurity (akatharsia) – inner uncleanness of heart or motive.
- Greed (pleonexia) – craving more, which Paul calls idolatry.
When self becomes the center, we’re no longer worshiping God—we’re worshiping ourselves.
4️⃣ A Warning Against Deception (vv. 6-7)
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.”
Paul cautions us not to be lulled by smooth words that minimize sin.
“Empty words” are hollow teachings that say, “It’s not that serious; God understands.”
But sin still destroys. Grace forgives and transforms—it never excuses rebellion.
Therefore, “Do not be partakers with them.”
We are called to compassion, not compromise.
5️⃣ From Darkness to Light (vv. 8-9)
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
Notice Paul doesn’t say we were in darkness—he says we were darkness.
It was who we were. But now, through Jesus, we are light in the Lord.
Our identity has changed; therefore, our walk must change too.
The fruit of the light (v. 9) shows up as:
- Goodness – reflecting God’s kindness.
- Righteousness – living with integrity.
- Truth – walking honestly before God and others.
6️⃣ Living It Out Today
Know God – Stay in His Word; you can’t imitate what you don’t know.
Remember the Cross – Let gratitude drive your obedience.
Guard Your Heart – Don’t allow “even a hint” of what pollutes holiness.
Watch Your Words – Replace crude talk with thanksgiving.
Shine Your Light – Let goodness, righteousness, and truth mark your life.
7️⃣Paul’s next thought (vv. 10-14) continues the same theme:
“Find out what pleases the Lord and expose the deeds of darkness.”
So we move naturally from Living in the Light to Shining the Light—taking what God has done in us and reflecting it outward to a dark world.
💬 Takeaway
We imitate God not by perfection but by reflection—
reflecting His holiness, His love, and His truth.
We once were darkness, but now we are light in the Lord.
So let us walk worthy of the cross that made us holy.