Ephesians 5:1-20: Imitating God in Our Living
Introduction
One of the things I love about Reformed theology is that it teaches that we do not earn God’s love or grace. God gives us grace and the calling on our lives is to live in a grateful response to that. Therefore, when we write, talk, or preach about eschewing certain behaviors, we are thinking about what a grateful response to God’s grace looks like in all practicality. It’s not just “don’t do that so God will behave toward you in a more positive light,” it’s that someone who’s been touched by grace can respond in ways that demonstrate they realize they are called to live differently because of grace. Further, our language around actions doesn’t have to be shaming. Shame pushes people away and down. Grace picks them up and calls them forward. Paul models this well.
Ephesians 5:1-20 is a profound call to holiness, urging believers to imitate God in their daily lives by walking in love, light, and wisdom. This passage contrasts the new life in Christ with the old ways of sin, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel. This text resonates deeply with the theological emphases on God’s sovereignty, sanctification, and the communal life of the church. Drawing from Reformed confessions such as the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Heidelberg Catechism, we can see how Paul’s exhortations align with the historic teachings of the church, calling believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling.
Ephesians 5:1-20: A Call to Imitate God
Paul’s message in this passage is both theological and practical. He begins by urging believers to “be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1, ESV). This call to imitation is rooted in the believer’s identity as a child of God, redeemed by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Heidelberg Catechism (Q&A 32) reminds us that we are “Christ’s by faith,” and as such, we are called to live in gratitude and obedience to God. Paul’s exhortation to imitate God is a call to reflect His character in every aspect of our lives.
Imitating God’s Love (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Paul begins with a powerful command: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV). To imitate God is to reflect God’s love, particularly the sacrificial love of Christ. This love is not merely emotional but active and self-giving, as demonstrated by Christ’s death on the cross.
The Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 13) speaks of sanctification as the work of God’s Spirit, enabling believers to “die more and more unto sin, and rise unto newness of life.” This newness of life is marked by love—a love that seeks the good of others and reflects the character of Christ. For Reformed Christians, this love is not something we muster on our own but is the fruit of the Spirit working within us (Galatians 5:22-23).
Avoiding Sinful Behavior (Ephesians 5:3-7)
Paul contrasts the life of love with the behaviors of the old self: “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints” (Ephesians 5:3, ESV). He warns against sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and idolatry, which are incompatible with the new life in Christ. These sins are not merely external actions but reflect a heart that is turned away from God.
The Heidelberg Catechism (Q&A 109) addresses the seventh commandment, teaching that God forbids all unchastity and calls us to “live modestly and temperately.” This aligns with Paul’s call to purity, reminding us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Reformed theology emphasizes that sanctification involves both the mortification of sin and the vivification of righteousness, as believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ.
Living as Children of Light (Ephesians 5:8-14)
Paul continues with the imagery of light and darkness: “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8, ESV). This transformation from darkness to light is a central theme in Reformed theology, reflecting the believer’s new identity in Christ. The Westminster Shorter Catechism (Q&A 36) describes sanctification as the process by which we are “renewed in the whole man after the image of God.”
Living as children of light involves bearing the fruit of the Spirit—goodness, righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5:9). It also means exposing the works of darkness, bringing sin into the light through repentance and accountability. This call to transparency and holiness is a hallmark of the Christian life, as we seek to reflect God’s character in a fallen world.
Gratitude and Purity (Ephesians 5:15-20)
Paul concludes this section with a call to wisdom and Spirit-filled living: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV). He contrasts the foolishness of drunkenness with the wisdom of being filled with the Spirit, which leads to worship, gratitude, and mutual submission.
The Heidelberg Catechism (Q&A 86) teaches that good works are those done “out of true faith, in accordance with the law of God, and for His glory.” This aligns with Paul’s exhortation to live wisely and in the Spirit, using our time and resources to glorify God and build up the body of Christ. Gratitude is a key marker of the Spirit-filled life, as we give thanks for God’s grace and provision.
Reformed Reflections on Ephesians 5:1-20
For Reformed Christians, this passage underscores the centrality of God’s grace in the Christian life. Our ability to imitate God, reject sin, and live as children of light is not rooted in our own strength but in the work of the Holy Spirit within us. The Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 16) emphasizes that good works are the fruits of faith and evidence of our gratitude to God. As we walk in love, light, and wisdom, we bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
Ephesians 5:1-20 and Meaning for Today
In a world marked by moral relativism and spiritual darkness, Ephesians 5:1-20 calls believers to a higher standard of living. We are to imitate God’s love, reject sin, and live as children of light, reflecting the character of Christ in all we do. This requires intentionality and dependence on the Holy Spirit, as we seek to glorify God in our relationships, speech, and actions.
For the Presbyterian Church (USA), this passage challenges us to live out our faith in tangible ways, both individually and corporately. It calls us to be a community marked by love, purity, and wisdom, shining as a light in the darkness. As we do so, we bear witness to the hope and transformation found in Christ.
Key Takeaways from Ephesians 5:1-20
1. Imitate God’s Love: Reflect the sacrificial love of Christ in your relationships and actions.
2. Reject Sinful Behavior: Turn away from immorality, impurity, and greed, which have no place in the life of a believer.
3. Live as Children of Light: Walk in the light of God’s truth, bearing fruit in goodness, righteousness, and truth.
4. Walk in Wisdom: Be intentional about how you live, making the most of every opportunity to glorify God.
5. Be Filled with the Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you, leading to a life of worship, gratitude, and mutual submission.
By living out these principles, we honor God and become a witness to the world of the transformative power of the gospel. Our lives are to be a reflection of God’s love, truth, and wisdom, shining as a light in the darkness.
