THE STUDY – 5:1-2
GOD’S SPECIAL SECRET
THE BRIDAL WALK IN A NEW LOVE

V. CHAPTER FIVE - The Church As The Bride Of Christ
    A. The Spiritual Engagement of the Bride 5:1-17
        1. The Bridal Walk in a New Love 5:1-2

5:1-2 [Mac]
1 Therefore, in your status as beloved children, get to be doers of what you see God do. 2 And maintain a walk in godly love, just as Christ also loved us and delivered Himself up to God for our benefit as an offering and a sacrifice for a sweet-smelling fragrance.

5:1-2 [NASB]
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

THE COMMENTARY

Therefore – we’re getting to know this word pretty well. It always indicates an action that should be taken because of an earlier statement. In this case, at the end of Chapter four, Paul is educating his listeners that in Christ (and members of this new movement) replaces “the world as two kinds of mankind,” the Jew and the rest of the world. And now the people of the world have become one through the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. This doesn’t mean there are no longer Jews and the rest of the world, but as far as being able to become “Children of God” all of mankind is welcome to come to Jesus Christ, by Faith provided by the Grace of God. All those who do become “One New Mankind” according to God’s reckoning.

Now, based upon this “One New Mankind,” Paul was teaching them to become completely different from the world. Chapter 4:24 says,

“And for your own benefit, put on your edition of the new man which is created in line with God’s standards, which operate in the sphere of true righteousness and holiness.” [MacCorkle translation].

In much plainer language he says, “You, stop living like the world around you, start living according to God’s standards.”

We move into Chapter 5 and Paul begins with “Therefore,” and MacCorkle reminds us that Paul is using the metaphor of “The Church as the Bride of Christ.” Jesus Christ is the Bridegroom. Chapter 5 is going to lead us in understanding the believer’s relationship to the Family of God – and how we are supposed to learn to act in this new family.

Verse one reminds us that, in this new family relationship to God the Father, we are beloved children of His. As children we are all in the process of growing up and now we are growing up in His family. We may be older children, in fact all believers are already betrothed as “The Bride of Christ.” The Groom is Jesus, but the wedding has not yet come. The wedding is scheduled to begin upon the Rapture of the Church when He returns “in the air” to take us to Himself.

So as new members of this family, Paul is telling us to begin to “Grow Up!” and start acting like members of God’s family, not members of the world. He’s going to teach us of a new Spiritual Love that brings us three new ways of “Walking in Love.” Here in verses 1 & 2 we will now have a new walk in a New Love.

This new love is a Spiritual Love. He tells us the aim of this new walk is to be “doers of what you see God do.” As members of God’s family we should be seeing, and doing, all kinds of new things and doing them in new ways. Ways that demonstrate to others, and to ourselves, the aspects of God’s Love for us and the things He continues to do for us because of that Love. Think of the Love of God for believing mankind in the giving of His Son’s life (and the Son’s willingness to give His life) for you and me. How remarkable that is. And “Therefore,” we should be walking in our lives in ways that honor that kind of love.

Verse two should move your heart in love. That our walk should be “Just as” Christ also loved us. And again, the method which He willingly and intentionally chose to demonstrate His love for us was to be completely obedient to His Father’s wishes and offer Himself as a Sacrificial Offering, “for a sweet-smelling fragrance.” Think back to the Tabernacle and the Altar of Incense. Several times a day the Priests would bring and lite the sweet-smelling incense that would waft through the Tabernacle and on into the Holy of Holies into the presence of God there at the Mercy Seat, where the blood of the sacrifices would be sprinkled by the High Priest – The Sacrifice of the Lamb of God. “Therefore,” our daily walk should also smell of a “Sweet-smelling fragrance” to Christ our King, and to His heavenly Father.

THE STUDY – 5:3-5
GOD’S SPECIAL SECRET
THE BRIDAL WALK IN A NEW LIGHT 
"Imitate God"

 
V. CHAPTER FIVE - The Church As The Bride Of Christ
    A. The Spiritual Engagement of the Bride 5:1-17
        1. The Bridal Walk in a New Love 5:1-2
        2. The Bridal Walk in a New Light 5:3-14
            a. Imitate God 5:3-5

3:3-5 [Mac]
3 But fornication and all uncleanness, or covetousness, do not let it be mentioned among you, as is fitting for people who are set apart. 4 This includes obscenity and foolish talking or jesting, things which are not appropriate, instead give thanks. 5 For you all should recognize this fact: no fornicator or unclean person or coveter, which is idolatry, possesses an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

3:3-5 [NASB]
3 But fornication and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure man, or one who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

THE COMMENTARY

Paul now begins these three verses with a list of the ways the world around us acts and lives. It’s quite a list, but it ends with an extremely important reminder:

5 “Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure man, or one who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

So let’s look at the Fornicator, Impure, Covetous, and Idolater. While these all look like adjectives they are in fact nouns.

Fornication refers to sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other. Why is this such a problem for the Believer?

Back at the beginning, in the book of Genesis, Man was created and he was alone, without a “helpmate.” God took a rib from the man and created the woman from it. The woman was made from the man. The man was divided and became two individual beings. They entered into the Garden of Eden for a short time, and then the Fall, and they were cast out into the world around them. There must be a deep symbolism there and if we follow the scriptures all the way to the end, we can see that symbolism. Down at our end of time, for instance, there is man, woman, and marriage. The two coming (back) together as “One Flesh” according to the Scriptures. Some time in today’s future, there will be the Rapture, and then the Marriage of Jesus to His Bride, the believing Church. The Two become One. It would seem likely that the Man and Women divided at creation mirrors the need for reunion of the man and women at the wedding, as extremely deep symbols, an amazing metaphor, for the union of Christ and His church – just before entering into the Real Garden of Eden and Heaven, together for eternity.

Covetousness is next on the list and the way it is presented here is not a single act of wanting something that doesn’t belong to you, but a lifestyle of wanting and probably attempting to acquire, and then probably actually acquiring the things wanted at the real owner’s expense.

Again, why is this so important to our Lord God? Because it is the exact opposite of His character. He is gracious and giving of all things according to His will. He is God, and He is who He is, and does not, can not change. His desire for you is that, in this life, you are walking in such a manner that you are glorifying Him through duplicating His personal qualities to the best of your abilities. He knows you are human and takes that into your account, but… He wants His children to be like His Son, His Spirit, and His Self – to the best of your abilities. Especially as you are part of the “Bride of Christ.”

It also must be remembered that you have been forgiven of every sin and sins if you are a true believer In Christ. He’s telling you that these are the things that unbelievers go to Hell for doing and being - So if you are doing, acting, thinking, considering any of these things… you will be responsible before HIM for it, penalties and lack of rewards will be considered.

Here’s the list that Paul presents in this text, if you are doing any of this… STOP, and STOP NOW!:

All uncleanliness, fornication, covetousness, obscenity, foolish talking, foolish jesting, and things which are not appropriate. At the tail end of Paul’s verse 5 he tells us why this is so very important… God considers the things in this list as IDOLATRY. The Worshipping of things you hold as gods in your life.

Instead you are to Give Thanks! Why? Because through Christ you have been forgiven and made clean – so don’t soil your life and His name, because you will be inheriting the Kingdom of God – Give Him Praise, Give Him Love, Give Him Thanks!

THE STUDY – 5:6-10
GOD’S SPECIAL SECRET
THE BRIDAL WALK IN A NEW LIGHT

"Let No One Deceive You"

V. CHAPTER FIVE - The Church As The Bride Of Christ
    A. The Spiritual Engagement of the Bride 5:1-17
        1. The Bridal Walk in a New Love 5:1-2
        2. The Bridal Walk in a New Light 5:3-14
            a. Imitate God 5:3-5
            b. Let No One Deceive You 5:6-10

5:6-10 [Mac]
6 Do not let any person deceive you with meaningless words, for because of these things the wrath of God keeps coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 The first reason is, you all were formerly identified with moral darkness but now you are identified with spiritual light in the Lord. Behave yourselves as children characterized by spiritual light. 9 The second reason is, the fruit of the spiritual light consists in all kinds of goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10 This spiritual fruit is accredited evidence of what pleases the Lord well.

5:6-10 [NASB]
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not associate with them, 8 for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

 
THE COMMENTARY

Here Paul’s first words need to be taken seriously. “You, let no one.” Who’s in your list of “someone” you should listen to who is seemingly "living the Christian life, but not trying with all their will to think and believe like Jesus?" Now that I’m older I see that over the years I have voluntarily left the company of many of my old “friends, co-workers, associates, etc.” I well imagine that if you’ve been traveling along this Christian life trying to be more like Jesus every day… that you have also left many behind. Paul tells us to be “on guard” and to look seriously at your relationships and weigh all those around you in their speech and desires. For he says, “Let no one deceive you with meaningless words.”

Again, the question of “Why” comes to mind. It is because those who do such things, the sons of disobedience, are experiencing, and will definitely experience the Wrath of God upon them. You are a child of God, forgiven at the cross, so don’t even listen to those who tempt you, misguide you, or attempt to steer you into an unrighteous action or position.

Verse 7 says, “Therefore,” once again. Do NOT become their partners. Don’t associate with them. Don’t align yourself with them. Here’s the question again, “Why.”

Verse 8 begins the list:

1 – (Vs. 8) You were formerly identified with moral darkness – But, Now You are identified with Spiritual Light in The Lord. Therefore, (You) BEHAVE yourselves as (God’s) children (who are to be) characterized by Spiritual Light.

2 – (Vs. 9-10) The FRUIT of the Spiritual Light consists in All Kinds of Goodness, Righteousness, and Truth. For This Spiritual Fruit is accredited evidence of what Pleases the Lord well.

Paul’s message in these three verses is clear. As a Child of God you need to be living according to all of the “LIGHT” which is Spiritually given and received. You do have God’s Holy Spirit indwelling in your body with you and who is “illuminating” God’s word and Person in your life. He, and the Word of God – you are reading your Bible, aren’t you? – give accreditation to God’s personal nature. The Spirit shows you and informs you every hour of every day that these things are true. Living the righteous life is absolutely pleasing to God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

We’ll get to Reason Number-3 and the “Why” in the next paragraph.

THE STUDY – 5:11-13
GOD’S SPECIAL SECRET
THE BRIDAL WALK IN A NEW LIGHT
"Do Not Participate In Darkness"

V. CHAPTER FIVE – The Church As The Bride Of Christ
    A. The Spiritual Engagement of the Bride 5:1-17
        1. The Bridal Walk in a New Love 5:1-2
        2. The Bridal Walk in a New Light 5:3-14
            a. Imitate God 5:3-5
            b. Let No one Deceive You 5:6-10
            c. Do Not Participate In Darkness 5:11-13

5:11-13 [Mac]
11 Stop sharing fellowship with the unfruitful works of the moral darkness, instead even practice exposing them. 12 The third reason, it is disgraceful even to talk about the things they do in secret. 13 But when all these things are exposed by this spiritual light, only then are they made visible.

5:11-13 [NASB]
11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; 13 but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light.

THE COMMENTARY

Right off the bat Paul tells us, once again, “STOP” sharing fellowship.” Sometimes we get caught up in a personal struggle with the things of the world. Our old man grabs our attention – a book, a magazine, TV, Internet programs, reels, hormones…. And our attention is grabbed and we want… Paul tells us that we should recognize these “calls,” and STOP as soon as we recognize them. Stop and realize what is happening to you, and then Stop what you’re feeling, thinking, about to act on, and turn back to the Light of the Lord, run away from the darkness, especially the moral darkness (the things they, and we, do in secret) and be free of it.

He says to illuminate your heart and mind with God's light and expose (to your inner self) what is wrong with what you are thinking and feeling – and make a habit of exposing your moments of darkness with His marvelous light. Over and over again so that you may learn to avoid that kind of feeling and thinking of your “Old man.”

3 – Don’t disgrace yourself, or those around you by even speaking about the things that the world does in darkness. These are the things you can talk with your elders, deacons, pastors. They can help you clear your mind and lead you deeper into the Spiritual Light that God provides. But, don’t talk to others about these despicable things. You’re intention may perhaps be good, but it may also stir up the wrong emotions and feelings in the other person(s). Your responsibility is to Stay In The Light – and to show forth The Light from your life and talk.

Vs. 13 tells us why we have all this emphasis on Spiritual Light so far in this chapter. It simply says,

“But, when all these things are exposed by this Spiritual light, only then are they made visible.”

The visibility spoken of is not to those around you. Paul’s focus is upon taking all of your moments of Spiritual darkness, exposing them to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit by Shining Their Light upon the darkness, because only then will they be completely exposed to you. Only then can you righteously see why you need to STOP fellowshipping with such DARKNESS. Because You are a Child of God in Christ Jesus.

THE STUDY – 5:14-15
GOD’S SPECIAL SECRET
THE BRIDAL WALK IN A NEW LIGHT
"Be Careful How You Walk"

 
V. CHAPTER FIVE - The Church As The Bride Of Christ
    A. The Spiritual Engagement of the Bride 5:1-17
        1. The Bridal Walk in a New Love 5:1-2
        2. The Bridal Walk in a New Light 5:3-14
            a. Imitate God 5:3-5
            b. Let No one Deceive You 5:6-10
            c. Do Not Participate in Darkness 5:11-13
            d. Be Careful How You Walk 5:14-15

5:14-15 [Mac]
14 The explanation is everything that gets revealed is spiritual light. Consequently, the scripture says: Wake right up, sleeping ones, And rise right up from among those who are spiritually dead, and Christ will shine upon you. 15 Therefore, take heed how clearly you behave yourselves, not as unwise people but as wise.

5:14-15 [NASB]
14 Therefore it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give you light.”
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,

THE COMMENTARY

This verse brings me back to my early years in grade school. My second grade teacher was Miss LaFlem. She was adorable even for a 6 year old boy. She made me want to go to school every weekday morning. She was easy to pay attention to, she demonstrated to every child how much she cared for each and every one of us. Especially after lunch-time. We’d all come back into the classroom, sit at our little chairs and desks – and promptly fall asleep. There she was with a class of little sleepy-heads. Waiting to spread her light (math, penmanship, reading) and we were all there sound asleep.

Here's Paul and his very loved new Ephesian assembly of “Set-apart-ones,” and he envisions them as little children sleeping at class time. He reminds us, “The explanation is everything that gets revealed… is Spiritual Light.” I recently watch a PBS television show that was about light. They began by asking if you knew that you really didn’t actually see things – you only saw their reflection. What Paul was saying is that LIGHT makes things VISIBLE. If you show Spiritual Light upon the things of the world… you make them Spiritually Visible.

So, we little ones, asleep in class after lunch, would hear Miss Flam call out loudly, “WAKE UP YOU SLEEPY-HEADS!” and that’s what Paul is shouting at the Ephesians here in verse :14.

“Consequently, the scripture says: Wake up, sleeping ones, and rise right up from among those who are Spiritually dead (sleeping), and Christ will Shine Upon You.!”

So if you haven’t made the transition yet to being AWAKE to the things the Light of Christ can fix for you – do it now. Begin to re-set your life so that you can see the Spiritual Light of God’s Word with the help of His Holy Spirit – and be making changes that will Honor the Family of God.

THE STUDY – 5:16-17
GOD’S SPECIAL SECRET
THE BRIDAL WALK IN A NEW LIGHT
"Understand The Will Of The Lord"

V. CHAPTER FIVE - The Church As The Bride Of Christ
    A. The Spiritual Engagement of the Bride 5:1-17
        1. The Bridal Walk in a New Love 5:1-2
        2. The Bridal Walk in a New Light 5:3-14
            a. Imitate God 5:3-5
            b. Let No one Deceive You 5:6-10
            c. Do Not Participate in Darkness 5:11-13
            d. Be Careful How You Walk 5:14-15
            e. Understand The Will Of The Lord 5:16-17

5:16-17 [Mac]
16 Keep buying up your opportunity, because the days are deadly evil. 17 Because of this, stop being unwise, instead understand what the Lord's will is.


5:16-17 [NASB]
16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

THE COMMENTARY

So here Paul begins his closing words for this first one-third of the chapter. In the last paragraph we learned that many of us need to Wake Up and begin shining God’s Word upon our selves and those around us. We need to live like God’s own possession, and take on His attributes so that we can be sources of honor to Him… for the sake of His Glory, and all that He has done for us.

Once more our verses begin with an implied "Therefore." So what have we seen in this chapter so far? We are the Bride of Christ. We are to walk in a new kind of Love – love that mirrors the Love of God. Then we found that this new relationship of being the Bride of Christ calls upon us to Wake-Up and see our lives in a New Light, His light that we need to shine upon our lives so that we can see where we don’t fit the picture of being the children of God, or fit to be the Bride of His Son Jesus.

And now we need to see what Paul has for us in these three last verses in this very long sentence that will lead us to be ready for the next lesson where we will look upon God’s purposes in our “Experiences of the Bride of Christ.” Chapter 5:18-26

So, therefore, we – as believers – need to see, take heed, of “how clearly,” that’s quite a statement. With the Light of Christ being revealed to us as we read, study, learn of the Word of God, and as the Holy Spirit informs us, motivates, and cares for us, how that light is allowing us to perceive the evil world around us and enabling us to change our lives and make us conform to the will of God in our daily lives. Paul wants us to clearly see how successful (or not) we are ”behaving” ourselves – for God’s Glory.

We may think that no one sees us or bothers thinking about us as believers, but the world out there is constantly in contact with us in so many ways – because that is the mission and ministry of Christ in us. We should be “out-there in the world” but not being like the world. We need to take the LIGHT of Christ and shine it on them. If they allow it, the Holy Spirit will begin His work in them. Paul says that we need to, and I love this phraseology, “Take heed how clearly you behave yourselves.” And he then adds, “Not as unwise people but as wise. A loving call for us to pay attention to who we are supposed to be, and be wise about it.

Then in V. 16 he shows forth his heart in his words for us. He’s saying that there is little time left – especially for the unbeliever. If you have any age on you, you will know what he means. Every year down the road becomes shorter and shorter, and time flies. The world out there is full of days that are of deadly evil. Our chance to Shine with the Light of Christ upon the world are numbered and fleeting. Don’t waste your opportunity to add to the Body of Christ.

As we close this lesson we must return to Paul’s basic message to the Ephesians and to us. Too many believers just live their lives like they did before the met the Lord Jesus and (theoretically) gave their lives to Him. However, looking at each local church I have ever attended – there are a lot of people calling themselves Christian -who don’t live their lives as if they were actually converted to Christianity by Faith. If your life is a comfortable one and your don’t have a desire to win the lost to Jesus, if your still living according to the worlds standards and not those we’ve been talking about – then you need to reconsider your salvation – Just perhaps you are not what you think you are, or you could be like the Ephesians, believers who are still living according to the things of this world of darkness, because it is fun, rewarding, sensual, or worse! As Miss LaFlem, back in 2nd grade said to us, “WAKE UP YOU SLEEPY HEADS!” Don’t miss the opportunity to grow up in the Lord Jesus Christ and become part of the Glory of God for all eternity. Grow up now, by recognizing your shortcomings, and growing in Him every day. Remember that Paul said, “Because of this, STOP being unwise, instead understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Look at the question and ignore the answer. Then study the answer! 

5:1-2

1 Therefore, in your status as beloved children, get to be doers of what you see God do. 2 And maintain a walk in godly love, just as Christ also loved us and delivered Himself up to God for our benefit as an offering and a sacrifice for a sweet-smelling fragrance.

What is the basis of what Paul is asking the believers in Ephesus (and us)?
He’s saying that Jesus loved us in such a way that He delivered Himself to us as the substitutionary sacrifice for us, at His Father’s request, because His heavenly Father Loved Us… therefore we are to be doers of God’s Love as our Walk in everyday life.

Key: The Bridal Walk in a New Love

5:3-5

3 But fornication and all uncleanness, or covetousness, do not let it be mentioned among you, as is fitting for people who are set apart. 4 This includes obscenity and foolish talking or jesting, things which are not appropriate, instead give thanks. 5 For you all should recognize this fact: no fornicator or unclean person or coveter, which is idolatry, possesses an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

What is Paul saying to we who believe?
The list of the things the world seems to think is acceptable and satisfying is absolutely not to be found within those of the Body of Christ – Those who are going to be the Bride of Christ. You have been set free from the pain and penalty of your sins – So, don’t continue in them. God’s Light, given to you by His Holy Spirit should show you a new way of life – if you aren’t walking in His light already.

Key: The Bridal Walk in a New Light.

5:6-10

6 Do not let any person deceive you with meaningless words, for because of these things the wrath of God keeps coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 The first reason is, you all were formerly identified with moral darkness but now you are identified with spiritual light in the Lord. Behave yourselves as children characterized by spiritual light. 9 The second reason is, the fruit of the spiritual light consists in all kinds of goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10 This spiritual fruit is accredited evidence of what pleases the Lord well. 

What is one of the greatest difficulties living in a dark and depraved world?

Paul warns us in no uncertain terms that Deception brought on by the evil one, and then by his worldly people is one of the strongest forces you have to deal with in your Christian life.

Key: Let no one deceive you!

5:11-13

11 Stop sharing fellowship with the unfruitful works of the moral darkness, instead even practice exposing them. 12 The third reason, it is disgraceful even to talk about the things they do in secret. 13 But when all these things are exposed by this spiritual light, only then are they made visible.

How does Paul describe the worldly situation?
Everything in the believer’s daily walk in the world is seen in terms of Light (things of the Lord), and Darkness (things of the world). The Light can overcome the darkness as a physical truth, however The word of God found in Paul’s revelations leads us to the Key.

Key: Don’t Participate in Darkness!

5:14-15
14 The explanation is everything that gets revealed is spiritual light. Consequently, the scripture says: Wake right up, sleeping ones, And rise right up from among those who are spiritually dead, and Christ will shine upon you. 15 Therefore, take heed how clearly you behave yourselves, not as unwise people but as wise.

Paul is warning us from the scriptures to do something because we are something – What does he mean?
Paul’s words, drawing on the Scriptures tell us that here in our daily lives, like the Ephesians, we may be sleeping. WAKE UP he says. Let Christ’s light shine on you – and SEE where your life may need to change away from certain darkness.

Key: YOU, Be Careful How You Walk!

5:16-17

16 Keep buying up your opportunity, because the days are deadly evil. 17 Because of this, stop being unwise, instead understand what the Lord's will is.

Paul’s statement is three parts – what are they?
1 – When you are out in the world it’s like shopping. Paul says that you need to “buy” your opportunities. Invest in them and make them earn interest for Christ.

2 – The Time is short for us here on earth. It may seem like life is a long time… until you are further down the road, then it seems like it all has just flown by.

3 – Because time is short – STOP thinking like the world around you. Smarten up, Wake up, allow God’s Light to show you the truth and begin NOW to change and become like Christ – for His sake!
Key – Understand What The Will of the Lord Is – For You!