Ephesians 5:1-14

Major Themes in the Book of Ephesians

• The glorious position of Christ
  
• The holy calling of God’s people
  
• The equipping of God’s people to do what God has appointed them
  
• God’s general purpose for the church and the believers
  
• The means God displays His glory
  
• The transition between the Old and New Covenants
  
• Paul’s authority to speak the Gospel
  
• The meaning and implications of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
  
• The Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of His people
  
• The innate sinful nature of mankind
  
• The nature and means of salvation
  
• The transformation that takes place in His people (from sin)
  
• The unique lifestyle of God’s people
  
• Unity among God’s people
  
• The ability of God’s people to withstand Satan and his forces
  
• The importance and style of prayer needed for the welfare of the church

5:1 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of[Or be named] among you, as is proper for saints. 4 Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. 5 For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Light versus Darkness
6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient[Lit sons of disobedience] because of these things. 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 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[Other mss read fruit of the Spirit] consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— 10 testing what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made visible, 14 for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said:

Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you. 

CSB