Ephesians 5: Being Imitators of God

In Ephesians 4 Paul exhorted his readers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. We are to become in our practice who we already are in our position. In Ephesians 5, He further expounds on what it means to have a worthy walk—to walk in love, in light, and in wisdom.

Walk in Love

As children of God, we are to imitate Him (Ephesians 5:1). We are called to walk in love, as Christ did. Jesus demonstrated the greatest act of love by dying for us (cf. John 15:13; Romans 5:8), and we likewise are  to show sacrificial love to others (cf. John 13:34–35, Matthew 22:34–40). Jesus does not invite us to do what He has not already done for us. But now, being God’s children and in the line of Christ, we have His Spirit within us; in turn, we are called to live as He did—to serve one another, be gracious to one another, forgive one another, and love one another.

Walk in Light

Though we are in the world, as children of God we are not to be partakers of the world. The life of Christ is manifest in us when we actively follow Him and, by our good conduct, shed light on the deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:6–14).

Walk in Wisdom

As God’s children we should live carefully and wisely (Ephesians 5:15–21). We must make the most of every day, being spiritually mature and full of the Spirit. We must be wise and skillful in how we live so that we effectively serve the Lord and minister to others. As we do this, we should always remember to give thanks to God for all things.

This teaching is based on Ken Boa’s Handbook to Scripture. 

Related Reading:

• Ephesians 5
• Ken Boa’s summary of Ephesians 5