Lesson 12
Ephesians 5: 1-7
V 1, 1 Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children.
Therefore, is the connecting link to the previous chapter. Many years ago, Paul was in Ephesus for 3 years and he knew his audience very well. Hence, it was appropriate for him to address them as dear children. In view of all that God had done, Paul encouraged his audience, (and us), to be imitators of God.
V 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.
Greek for love is “agape”, which means unconditional or sacrificial love. Demonstrate unconditional and sacrificial love to each other to just as Christ demonstrated His unconditional and sacrificial love for us when He sacrificed Himself to God on the cross for us.
VV 3-4, 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
Greek for uncleanness is “akathartos”, which means morally impure. Greek for filthiness is “rhuparia”, which means moral defilement. Greek for foolish talking is “morologia”, which means moronic speech. Greek for coarse jesting is “eutrapelia’’, which means obscene jokes. Paul commanded his audience, (and us), to stay away from adultery, immorality, moronic speech, and obscene jokes. Instead, we should always give thanks to God.
V 5, For 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.
Greek for covetousness is “pleoneksía”, which means greediness. Greek for idolator is “eidololatres”, which means an idol worshiper. A fornicator, an unclean person, a greedy person, and an idol worshiper will be excluded from the Kingdom of God and Christ.
V 6, 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.
Greek for empty words is “kenos logos”, which means deceitful or erroneous teachings. Paul warned his audience, (and us), not to be deceived by erroneous teachings and not to associate with false teachers. Greek for wrath is “orge”, which means anger. God’s anger will come upon those who disobey Him.