Morning light streaming through an open wooden shutter into a dim room, dust floating in the beam across a plain table.

The Book of

Ephesians 5

Once darkness, now light. Paul shows what it looks like to walk in love, in the light, and at home.

33 verses≈ 4 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

1Every blessingChosen, redeemed and sealed in Christ
2–3One new peopleSaved by grace, brought near
4–6:9Walk worthyUnity, new life, love at homeChapter 5
6:10–24Stand firmThe armor of God and prayer

Imitators of God

walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us

Ephesians 5:1–2

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Question

Quick question

Paul’s call to “walk in love” rests on what Christ has already done.

How does Paul describe the way Christ gave Himself up for us?

Children of Light

Ephesians 5:8

Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Test and prove what pleases the Lord.

Paul

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk

Ephesians 5:15–16

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Hands plucking a small wooden lyre beside another pair of hands holding a double pipe, in warm lamplight.

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

0:18

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Reflect

Now you are light

Paul doesn’t only say you are in the light. He says “now you are light in the Lord.” Write down one thing that belonged to the old darkness, and one way you could answer His call, “Walk as children of light,” this week: in your words, your work or your home.

Wives and Husbands

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.

In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church. For we are members of His body.

the two will become one flesh

Ephesians 5:31

This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

As Christ and the church

Whiteboard

It all begins with “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Paul speaks to wives, then asks husbands to love as Christ did, giving himself up. The picture keeps widening, from one home to one flesh, until Paul says what he was talking about all along: “I am speaking about Christ and the church.” Then he brings it home again: love and respect.

Pray

As Christ loved the church

Thank Jesus that He “loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Pray for the marriages you know, your own if you are married: for self-giving love, honor and joy. Pray especially for any that are hurting, and ask Christ to bring His healing and His peace.

You’ve experienced

Ephesians 5

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A verse to carry with you

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Ephesians 5:8

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