living for Jesus

In Ephesians 5, Paul is writing to the people living in Ephesus who follow Jesus.

In the beginning of this chapter, he pretty much lines out what life should be like for people following Jesus.

Paul likens it to living in a life filled with light, as opposed to a life lived in darkness when a person does not follow Jesus.

These few verses give a pretty succinct outline of what our lives should be like.

The comparison between what our lives should be & how the world lives are pretty stark.

Here we go – read it slowly...

Ephesians 5

1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do,

because you are his dear children.

2 Live a life filled with love,

following the example of Christ.

He loved us

and offered himself as a sacrifice for us,

a pleasing aroma to God.

  3 Let there be no sexual immorality,

impurity,

or greed among you.

Such sins have no place among God's people.

4 Obscene stories,

foolish talk,

and coarse jokes;

these are not for you.

Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.

5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

6 Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins,

for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.

7 Don't participate in the things these people do.

8 For once you were full of darkness,

but now you have light from the Lord.

So live as people of light!

9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

  10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.

11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness;

instead, expose them.

12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.

13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,

14 for the light makes everything visible.

This is why it is said,

"Awake, O sleeper,
  rise up from the dead,
  and Christ will give you light."


15 So be careful how you live.

Don't live like fools,

but like those who are wise.

16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

17 Don't act thoughtlessly,

but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

18 Don't be drunk with wine,

because that will ruin your life.

Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

19 singing psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs among yourselves,

and making music to the Lord in your hearts.

20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.