Study of Ephesians

Week 17

Ephesians 5:1-12

 

As an elementary teacher for many years, one of the most important lessons taught in primary grades was on fire safety. Perhaps you remember it. If for some reason you or your clothing were to catch on fire, “Stop, Drop and Roll!”  It was imperative that you do not follow your instincts. Do not do what seems natural, RUN. It is crucial that you Stop, Drop and Roll, to extinguish the fire. This lesson was taught and practiced throughout the year to insure that in any moment, a child’s first instinct would change from running to stop, drop and roll.

 

In our focus passage today, Paul is not adding new teaching. He is reiterating truth that directly affected the lives of these new believers. He knew that, just like the Stop, Drop and Roll lesson had physical implications, these truths would have spiritual and eternal impact.

 

However, Paul began with an exhortation to these young Christians.  

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”  Ephesians 5:1-2

 

To be an imitator in this context simply means to be a follower, a follower of God.

Paul tells us how:  to walk in love.  This isn’t any kind of love, this is a sacrificial love, “agape” love, a divine love.

 

I couldn’t help but notice that Paul said, “as Christ loved you” but in the next part of this phrase, he includes himself, “and gave Himself up for us.”  Paul included himself in the arena of faith.  That “us” includes us today!

 

Be imitators of God, be followers of God.

 

Next Paul provides a substantial list of behaviors that are contrary to following Christ.

Why would Paul list these again? He had already provided teaching on who they were in Christ and how they should behave earlier in his letter.  Ephesians 4:24-29

 

This is where the “Stop, Drop and Roll” lesson is important.

These former Gentiles were used to what they were used to!  They were familiar with idolatry, greed, immense wealth and commerce revolving around the sale of idols and cult jewelry. There was immorality of all kinds. Paul knew that he had to reframe what was familiar, what was human nature, and exchange their old way of thinking with truth, the new way of thinking.  They had to practice life changing thinking!

 

So, Paul, once again explicitly spelled out for them what was unacceptable for a Christ follower.

“But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you…no filthiness and silly talk, coarse jesting, which are not fitting” Ephesians 5:3-4

 

He also listed those who are immoral, impure, covetous, and idolaters as those who do not follow Christ. Therefore, they will not inherit the kingdom of God. Ephesians 5:5

 

Paul closed this portion of his letter with something interesting. He highlighted an important component to walking in this new changed mindset.

 

“For you were formally darkness but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light…and do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness.” Ephesians 5:8-11

 

Walk as children of light.  Stop, Drop, Roll!

Walk in that new mindset for your new life in Christ.

 

Question for discussion (your email is never posted or shared)

Is there a time where you have needed to Stop, Drop and Roll? Where you had to change your thinking in order to walk out your new life in Christ?