Ephesians 5:1 (NKJV) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. Paul used a different reason for serving God than most people would use. He encouraged the Ephesians to walk in love, because they were God’s children Walk in your Father’s footsteps, imitate God a. He wasn’t using the motivation of fear. b. When fear is the motivation for serving God, it brings torment (1 John 4:18). When believers get a true revelation of who they are, they live holy lives out of love without the side effects of fear Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. In this verse, Paul’s admonishment to believers is to conduct their lives continually in love, for God is love (1 John 4:8) a. The phrase “for us” in this verse means, ‘instead of, in behalf of.’ He substituted for us, receiving the full impact of the divine wrath against sin.” Ephesians 5:3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 1. The reason for the holiness Paul had just advocated in the first part of this verse is that believers are saints. a. The very word “saint” denotes separation, It’s the nature of a saint to be separate from the sin the world lives in. Ephesians 5:4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 1. Paul was saying that thanksgiving is the opposite of the filthiness, foolish talking, and inappropriate jesting a. Thanksgiving takes humility. Ephesians 5:5 For [a]this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 1. When we become new creations our inner spirit did become new, but that doesn’t excuse us from what happens in our flesh Romans 6:15-16 (NKJV). John 10:10 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 6:9-11(NKJV) Sin doesn’t make Christians sinners any more than good acts make sinners saints a. We can accept His righteousness and be imitators of our Father God Ephesians 5:6-7 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 1. Notice that God’s wrath comes on “the children of disobedience.” a. This is specifying the non-believers. God’s wrath is reserved for His enemies (Nahum 1:2) Paul warned Believers not to commit sin like the lost do. a. God’s wrath against our sin was placed on Jesus b. Knowing that God’s wrath comes on the unbelievers for such actions reveals that these actions are not pleasing to God, c. Therefore, true believers are motivated not to sin. But if they do, does God’s wrath come on them? How to walk in God 1. Let your life, reflect His Love Ephesians 5:1 2. Walk by faith 2 Corinthians 5:7 3. Be a saint be separate from the sin of the world Ephesians 5:3 a. let your life identify with the Kingdom of God 4. Let thanksgiving rule your mouth Ephesians 5:4 5. Choose abundant life John 10:10