Ephesians 5
Cautions against ImpurityIn this section, Paul calls Christians to live a life of love and holiness. He emphasizes the need to imitate God’s character, especially His love and goodness, and to follow the example set by Christ. This is a continuation of the instructions given in the previous chapter, where Paul encouraged believers to forgive one another because God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven them.v. 1: Paul says, Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children (Ephesians 5:1 a). Christians are called to imitate God in their lives, reflecting His holiness, mercy, and goodness. Just as children often resemble their parents, believers—who are God’s dearly loved children—should reflect His character. This is a high calling, but it is also an honor to live in a way that shows others what God is like. v. 2: Paul continues, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us (Ephesians 5:2 b). Love should guide all our actions and relationships. Paul points to Christ as the perfect example of love, reminding us that He gave himself for us. Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate act of love, as He offered Himself as an offering and a sacrifice to God to take away our sins. This sacrifice was a sweet-smelling savour to God, meaning it was pleasing and fully accepted. Just as Christ’s love led Him to give Himself for us, we should show love by putting others above ourselves and living sacrificially. Living as Children of Light Paul urges Christians to live in a way that is pure and different from the world. He warns against sinful actions and attitudes that are common among unbelievers, and calls believers to reflect Christ’s light and love. Paul explains that those who belong to Christ must avoid immorality, impurity, and greed, and instead walk as children of light, showing goodness, righteousness, and truth in everything they do. v. 3: Paul tells the believers that sexual immorality, any kind of impurity, or greed must not even be talked about among them, as is proper for the people of God. Christians should avoid these sins completely and not let such things be part of their lives (But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Ephesians 5:3 c). v. 4: He warns against using bad language, foolish talk, or crude jokes. Instead, believers should use their words to give thanks to God. The way Christians speak should be different from that of the world (Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks; Ephesians 5:4 d). v. 5: Paul makes it clear that no one who is sexually immoral, impure, or greedy—because greed is like idolatry—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Such a lifestyle is not compatible with being a true follower of Jesus (For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God; Ephesians 5:5 e). v. 6: He tells them not to be deceived by empty words, because God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Christians should not let anyone convince them that sin is not serious; God does judge sin (Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience; Ephesians 5:6 f). v. 7: Paul urges them not to join with people who do these wrong things. Christians should not partner with those who live in disobedience (Be not ye therefore partakers with them; Ephesians 5:7 g). v. 8: He reminds them that they used to live in darkness, but now they are light in the Lord. So, they should live as children of light—showing the difference that Jesus has made in their lives (For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light; Ephesians 5:8 h). v. 9–10: Paul explains that the fruit of the light is found in all that is good, right, and true. Believers should try to find out what pleases the Lord (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord; Ephesians 5:9-10 i). – v. 11: He tells them not to take part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead to expose them. Christians should not join in sinful actions, but speak against them and show a better way (And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them; Ephesians 5:11 j). v. 12: Paul says that it is shameful even to talk about what disobedient people do in secret. The sins of the world are so bad that Christians should not even discuss them, except to warn against them (For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret; Ephesians 5:12 k). v. 13–14: He explains that when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible. That is why it is said, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” The gospel brings light to people’s lives, and when they turn to Jesus, he gives them new life (But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light; Ephesians 5:13-14 l). – v. 15–17: Paul urges believers to be very careful how they live—not as unwise but as wise people. They should make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. He tells them not to be foolish, but to understand what the Lord wants them to do (See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is; Ephesians 5:15-17 m). – – – – – Duties of Husbands and WivesPaul begins this section by teaching about the responsibilities of husbands and wives in marriage. He starts with a general principle of mutual submission among Christians and then explains how this applies specifically to the relationship between husbands and wives. Paul uses the relationship between Christ and the church as a model, emphasizing love, respect, and unity.v. 21: Paul writes, Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21 n). Christians are called to live with humility, respecting one another and being willing to serve each other. This mutual submission is an expression of reverence for God and helps believers fulfill their responsibilities in their relationships. v. 22: Wives are instructed to submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22 o). This submission means honoring, respecting, and cooperating with their husbands as part of their service to God. It is done willingly and out of love, not as forced obedience. v. 23: Paul explains that the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23 p). Just as Christ leads the church for its good, the husband is to lovingly lead and protect his wife. Husbands are also reminded that Christ is the Savior of the body, which highlights the selfless care that husbands should have for their wives. v. 24: Wives are encouraged to follow the example of the church’s submission to Christ: As the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing (Ephesians 5:24 q). This submission applies to all areas that are lawful and consistent with obedience to God. v. 25: Husbands are commanded to love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it . This love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. Just as Christ gave His life for the church, husbands should be willing to serve and care for their wives in every way. v. 26–27: Paul explains Christ’s purpose in loving the church: That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26 r). Christ’s goal is to make the church holy and pure, free from sin and blemish, so that He can present it to Himself as a glorious church (Ephesians 5:27 s). Husbands are called to love their wives with the same purpose—to help them grow in holiness and joy. – v. 28–29: Paul continues, So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies (Ephesians 5:28 t). A husband should care for his wife as he cares for himself, providing for her needs and protecting her. Paul adds, No man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church (Ephesians 5:29 u), showing that a husband’s love should be tender and nurturing, just as Christ cares for His church. – v. 30–31: Paul reminds us that believers are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones (Ephesians 5:30 v). This unity reflects the closeness of the marriage bond, which Paul describes using the words from Genesis: For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and the two shall be one flesh (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31 w). Marriage is a unique and deep union designed by God. – v. 32: Paul calls this relationship a great mystery, saying it refers to Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32 x). Marriage is not only a bond between two people but also a picture of the relationship between Christ and His church. This gives marriage a sacred and profound meaning. v. 33: Paul concludes, Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband (Ephesians 5:33 y). Husbands must love their wives with deep care, and wives must respect and honor their husbands. When both fulfill these roles, marriage reflects God’s design and brings glory to Him.
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