1,2 Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be ye followers of God, imitators of God. Resemble him especially in his love and pardoning goodness, as becomes those beloved by their heavenly Father. In Christ's sacrifice his love triumphs, and we are to consider it fully. read more
Ephesians 5 THE CLOSING WORDS of chapter 4 enforce upon us the obligation to kindness and forgiveness which rests upon all saints, inasmuch as we have been forgiven of God for Christ’s sake. The opening words of chapter 5 carry this thought a step further and a step higher. Not only have we been forgiven but we have been introduced into the Divine family. We are children of God and beloved by Him. Hence as dear children we are to be followers, or imitators, of God. The imitation enjoined is... read more
A Warning, Principally against the Sins of Uncleanness. The imitation of God excludes uncleanness: v. 1. Be ye, therefore, followers of God, as dear children; v. 2. and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet- smelling savor. v. 3. But fornication and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; v. 4. neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which... read more
c. Three points of view for the new walk(Ephesians 5:1-14.)1) Look above thyself to follow God!(Ephesians 5:1-2.)1Be ye [Become] therefore followers [or imitators] of God, as dear [beloved] children; 2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us [also loved you],1 and hath given himself [gave himself up] for us2 an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour [savour of sweet smell].EXEGETICAL AND CRITICALEphesians 5:1-2 a. The exhortation. Become therefore, γίνεσθε οὖν.—This... read more
EPHESIANS GOD’S IMITATORS Eph_5:1 The Revised Version gives a more literal and more energetic rendering of this verse by reading, ‘Be ye, therefore, imitators of God, as beloved children.’ It is the only place in the Bible where that bold word ‘imitate’ is applied to the Christian relation to God. But, though the expression is unique, the idea underlies the whole teaching of the New Testament on the subject of Christian character and conduct. To be like God, and to set ourselves to resemble... read more
Walk as Children of Light Ephesians 5:1-12 It is indeed a high calling to imitate God and to walk in love after the measure of Christ; but it will be impossible unless we open our innermost heart to the Holy Spirit. We must not only sacrifice ourselves for others, but there should be a fragrance in all that we do. “An odor of a sweet smell.” Note carefully the injunctions of Ephesians 5:3-4 , especially as they concern speech. It is by our speech that we betray the true condition of our... read more
All that the apostle had been saying was emphasized by the statement of their relationship to God as he called them to be "imitators of God." Again he urged them to put off the old and put on the new. In the old are things of darkness. Believers are to walk as children of the light. That light is found in Christ, "Christ shall shine upon thee." In the final movement the apostle makes a contrast between false excitement and true enthusiasm, between being "drunken with wine" and being "filled... read more
Followers of God Ephesians 5:1-33 INTRODUCTORY WORDS The opening verse of today's chapter has a clear and clarion call to the children of God. It is something that we may not sidetrack or push aside. We need to face it clearly, positively, and without reservation. Two things are definitely before us. 1. Are we willing to be followers of God? We put it with a question mark because we want you to consider it thoughtfully, and fully, then make your decision. (1) Some things which are entailed... read more
THE HIGHEST DIGNITY OF MAN‘Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us.’ Ephesians 5:1-Exodus : We can follow God in love. In this ability our highest dignity as men resides, because this allies us perfectly to God, as children to a father. Let us look first at some other views of the dignity of man which are more popular. I. Some discourse to us of the dignity of our humanity, whilst they describe the God-like power of intellect, and... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Ephesians 5:1-13
(1) ¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (3) ¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; (4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor... read more