SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 5
BIBLE VERSES:
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesian 5:1-2)
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.” (Ephesians 5:6-7)
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:8-11)
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:15-20)
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do 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.” (Ephesians 5:21-24)
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25)
“In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself” (Ephesians 5:28)
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:31-33)
Paul encouraged us to be imitators of God and live a life of love. He mentioned about the followings to avoid: sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, course joking, greediness, disobedience. We are to love as children of light that produces goodness, righteousness and truth. Refrain doing the fruitless deeds of darkness but expose them to make it visible. Be wise and careful to make the most of every opportunity and understand the will of God. Do not get drunk on wine but be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, song, hymns and spiritual songs in your heart and give thanks to God the Father. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
WIVES AND HUSBANDS (vs. 22-33)
Wives must submit and respect their husbands as the church submit to Christ. Husband must love their wives as the Christ loves the church. A man shall leave his father and mother and the two will become one flesh. (v. 31)
THOUGHTS;
PAUL’S DESCRIPTION OF CHRISTIAN WALK:
- Walk in Love (vs. 1-+6-) – Since God is love, as imitators of God, we should walk in love. Our speech should be seasoned with salt.
- Walk in the Light (vs. 7-14) – Live as children of light that produces fruit of goodness, righteousness and truth.
- Walk Wisely (vs. 15-17) – Walk carefully by seeking God’s will. Be intelligent in using your time, energy, money and talent for the glory of God.
- Walk in Harmony (vs. 18-32) – Husbands and wives must be united in harmony with the fullness of the Spirit. They should be filled with the Word of God to develop Christian character.
Paul instructed us to expose the deeds of darkness. Christian must speak out and stand for what is right and true. Remaining silent may be interpreted as approval.
Submitting does not mean to be a door mat. Submitting means following his leadership in Christ. Loving his wife means putting aside his own interest to care for the well-being of his wife.