Step by Step in The Light

Ephesians 1 + 2 + 3 = In Christ

Ephesians 4 + 5 + 6 = Our response

Ephesians 5:1-21

Ephesians 5:1 - we are to imitate God

• Ephesians 4:32 connects to Ephesians 5:1
• We imitate God because we are His children
• Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8)
• Christ is the foundation of Christian living

Three Ways we can imitate God:

1. Walk in Love - vs. 1-2

• Christ's sacrificial love as our example
• Love flows from knowing we are loved
• Loving difficult people is an act of worship
• Speak the truth in love
• Love is not based on what others deserve
• Application:
• Who needs Christlike love from me this week?

2. Walk in Light - vs. 8-11

• Once darkness, now light in the Lord
• Characteristics of walking in light:
• Goodness
• Righteousness
• Truth
• Wake up and recognize darkness creeping in
• Examples Paul addresses:
• Sexual immorality
• Impurity
• Greed and idolatry
• Obscene and foolish talk
• Drunkenness and excess
• Replace darkness with:
• Thanksgiving
• Goodness
• Spirit-filled living
• Application:
• What areas of darkness need to be exposed to God's light?

3. Walk in Wisdom - vs. 15-17

• Be careful how you live
• Make the most of every opportunity
• Understand the Lord's will
• Number your days (Psalm 90:12)
• Live intentionally
• Avoid wasting time and opportunities
• Build your life on Christ
• Application:
• How can I make the most of the opportunities God gives me?

Because we are God's dearly loved children through Christ, we are called to imitate our Heavenly Father by walking in love, light, and wisdom every day.