Ephesians 5:1-21
Q.1. What does an inheritor in the Kingdom of Christ look like? – (Eph.5:1-5)
A true believer is a person who has a new goal in life – to be an imitator of God, and to live sacrificially like Jesus Christ (Eph.5:1-2). Paul made it clear that a real believer is no longer to be characterized by immorality, impurity, greed, filthy or silly talk, or unworthy conduct (see Eph.5:3-4). He reminded his readers that no person behaving in this manner – … has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God (Eph.5:5).
Q.2. How does the heart’s desire change in the children of Light? – (Eph.5:6-14)
God’s grace and forgiveness are taken for granted by loose living licentious people. Paul warned – Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (Eph.5:6). Not only should we shun all former deeds of darkness, but we are wise to avoid those caught up in such practices (see Eph.5:7). To please God and to walk in the Light should be the new goal of the child of God (see Eph.5:8-9). We are being transformed from the inside out. We live with the consciousness that God knows all that we think, say, and do and will one day expose all that does not please Him (see Eph.5:11-13). Believers are motivated to live to please the Lord (see Eph.5:10).
Q.3. What are the character qualities of a Spirit-filled believer? – (Eph.5:15-21)
The believer is not only ‘born again’ by the Spirit but should be constantly filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit (see Eph.5:18). This will bring certain changes: A care about the way we walk and live, and a concern to use all our allotted time to advance the glory of God’s Kingdom (see Eph.5:15-16). We are to be committed to pursuing the will of the Lord (see Eph.5:17). This will be expressed by a joyful heart – 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord: 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father (Eph.5:19-20). Listening regularly to songs of praise and thanksgiving are one of the secret weapons for overcoming depression. Oneness and mutual respect are achieved, when we are – subject to one another in the fear of Christ (Eph.5:21).