Ephesians 5-A “As Beloved Children”

S = 5:1-2, 8b-9, 15 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God…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… Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise…”

 

O = We are to be imitators of God as loving children are imitators of their parents. The heart of imitation here is that of “following” (not that of a cheap copy) which actually works very well with the idea of “walking” after God’s example in Christ. Walking is a common biblical metaphor for the way we live, for our lifestyle and some modern translations translate the Greek word peripateo that way. So what attributes of God comes to the forefront for us to imitate? What is the way we should live as a result?

• Love—we are to walk in love (v.2)! We are becoming who we are. Because we are beloved by God we love. We begin to show a family resemblance…so we walk the way God walks (giving). Verses 3-8 speak of false-love paths (taking) to avoid for Jesus doesn’t walk that way.
• Light—we are to walk in light (v. 8-9)! Our life is about being authentic and visible not skulking in the darkness of a false identity. What those who walk in the light desire to discern the will of God because they desire to please him. Why? Because he loves us! Our lives will expose the unfruitful darkness around us not by our criticism and contempt but by our being “good, right, and true” (v.10).
• Wisdom—we are to walk in wisdom/carefully (v.15)! We are not to be foolish in what we do (false working) but to understand the will of the Lord because Jesus did. We are not to be drunk (false filling) but be filled with the Holy Spirit because Jesus was.

A = Do I try to imitate/follow God first of all in love or in holiness? Love has the power to draw me into a life of holiness, but self-righteousness will not draw me into love. I can avoid the paths/habits of people, but it can be motivated by pride, and selfishness rather than love. I know my walking in love is a grateful response to his giving himself for me when I had nothing to give to him. My love for God is also confirmed by my obedience to his commands and by how I show love to others. This week I will be intentional about walking in love, light, and wisdom… not to gain God’s approval, but because he already calls me his beloved.

P = O Lord, help me to be more warm and approachable to others and show me how to keep love (informed by holiness) at the forefront of my lifestyle. Help me to live-into my true identity as your beloved child not filling my life with what numbs and kills but with your Spirit that brings life and joy and peace! Amen.