Ephesians 5

V 1–7: IMITATION In imitating God and walking in love as Christ did both in His life and in His death, the Ephesian Christians must reject fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish and coarse talking, and idolatry. They must reject empty words of false teachers that do not come from God’s word. V 8–14: ILLUMINATION All those things to reject belong to the darkness of the past life. The Christian is now filled with God’s light and shows forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Pleasing God demands separation from sin and leads to personal revival and illumination. V 15–21: INTOXICATION Christians are to be filled with the Holy Spirit, not with intoxicating wine. They will know God’s harmony in their hearts. They must walk wisely, redeeming the time, and honouring God in their conversation, worship, thanksgiving and praise. Submission to each other will result from a proper fear of God. V 22–33: INSTRUCTION The theme of submission to each other is focused on husband and wife. The relationship between them must glorify God. It parallels the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church. The husband is to take the lead and love his wife. She is to be subject to his authority, which he will exercise in a God-honouring way. Marriage is between one man and one wife as long as life shall last. It is to be marked by love and respect.