Walking As Children of God Ephesians 5:1-6:9 Part I
In the Pauline epistles, the word “walking” was used as a metaphor denoting one’s personal conduct. In the first three chapters of this grand book of Ephesians, Paul expounded on the new life of the believers and the new unity they embraced together in the body of Christ. Beginning with chapter 4, the apostle began to apply those truths in a practical way. The word “walk” appears five times in chapters 4 and 5 (4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15).
Ephesians 5:1-6:9 may be outlined as follows: I. The Command to Walk in Love – Ephesians 5:1-7; II. The Command to Walk in the Light – Ephesians 5:8-14; III. The Command to Walk in Wisdom – Ephesians 5:15-21; IV. Following Biblical Guidelines for the Family and in Relation to Servants and Masters – Ephesians 5:22-6:9.
- The Command to Walk in Love – Ephesians 5:1-7
As children of God, we are imitators of God. The word “followers” in verse 1 means mimics. We are to imitate God in the way He treats people. Paul had just exhorted us to “be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). To “walk in love” is a marvelous demonstration of one who is imitating God. Love should be the characteristic feature of our conduct, just as it was with Christ, who “hath loved us” (v. 2).
The sacrifice of Christ was well-pleasing in God’s eyes. Christ giving Himself over to death on our behalf served as “an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.” In walking in love and imitating God’s character, one should avoid those sins that contradict and disfigure genuine love. The following sins such as “fornication”, “uncleanness” and “covetousness” should have no place whatsoever in believers’ lives (v. 3). Fornication refers to all forms of sexual activity outside of marriage; uncleanness speaks of impurity of any kind, whether in deeds, words or uncontrolled lusts; covetousness refers to any improper desire for what one does not have.
From verse 4, in reflecting Christ’s love, believers should avoid using “filthy” or obscene speech. The word “filthiness” in verse 4 means something wicked or ugly that causes shame or disgrace. In addition, believers must avoid “foolish talking,” that is, silly and idle chatter, and “jesting”, that is unloving joking. Instead of unloving speech, Christians are to be characterized by “giving thanks” (v. 4). It is always “convenient” or proper to give thanks.
In verses 5-6, believers are to avoid the things that contradict love, knowing that those whose lives are characterized by such sins are barred from spiritual blessings. In verse 5, “no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man” has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.” In verse 6, Paul reminded us not to let anyone deceive us “with vain words.” Paul offered this strong admonishment because there are those who would like to twist the truth of grace into a license to sin (Jude 1:4).
As children of God, we are saved by “grace through faith.” Salvation by grace is incompatible with a continued life of sin. It is because of practices such as Paul mentioned in verses 3-5 that the wrath of God comes “upon the children of disobedience (v. 6). It is because of those who continue to practice sin can expect only the wrath of God. Believers are warned against becoming “partakers with them.” We have no business identifying ourselves with unbelievers in their sinful activities (v. 7).
May God Bless!
