Bible Text — Ephesians 5:1–10 (NASB)

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;

2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

3 But sexual immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints;

4 and there must be no filthiness or foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, which amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

6 See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

7 Therefore do not become partners with them;

8 for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light

9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),

10 as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

1. Be Imitators of God (v. 1)

• Continues the practical counsel of chapter 4 (see 4:32).
• “Walk” = your lived Christian life.
• Imitate God as beloved children by knowing Him in Jesus (cf. 1 Cor 10:33–11:1; Luke 6:35–36).

2. Walk in Love (v. 2)

• Jesus is the perfect example of the Father’s love.
• He offered Himself as a fragrant sacrifice for our sins.
• 1 John 3:16 shows the practical outworking of this love.

3. Avoid Sexual Immorality (vv. 3–5)

• Ephesus was morally dark; so is our culture.
• These vices must not even be named among saints (cf. Col 3:5).
• Shameful talk corrodes; those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom.

4. Walk as Children of Light (vv. 6–10)

• Reject “empty words”; hold fast to God’s Word and commands.
• Do not partner with darkness; pursue God’s promises (cf. 2 Cor 6:14–16).
• Fruit of the light: goodness, righteousness, truth—learning what pleases the Lord.