Ephesians 5:1-21

Introduction

A family is built on a supernatural life of love through the gospel

I. A Family is built on a supernatural life of love (v.1-2a)
v.1 – “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children…”

‘be’ – don’t just talk it, live it!

‘imitator’ - It is the word mimetes. It is the word from which we get the English word "mime."

"Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

“You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit…” 1 Thessalonians 1:6

‘beloved children’ – we are to imitate God as his beloved children – very much loved children

v.2a - “walk in love…” – love (agape) is the unconditional, sacrificial love of God.

II. A family is built though the gospel (v.2b)
v.2b – “…as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God…”

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared to believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope. This is the only kind of relationship that will really transform us,” Tim Keller

Our greatest model for loving others is the way Jesus loves us (vs. 2), laying down His life for us. When we die to ourselves, we are obeying God and imitating Him.

v.3-21 – Gospel Living
v.3 – “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you…”

v.8 – “…for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light…”
v.15,16 – “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

v.18-21 – “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

III. Conclusion
A family is built on a supernatural life of love through the gospel