Ephesians 4:25-5:15

Summary
In today’s reading, Paul explained to the people the need to adjust their character and not live the way they formerly did as gentiles; he urged them to get rid of unholy habits such as anger, bitterness, unwholesome talk, sexual immorality and the likes but rather they should embrace forgiveness, love and edifying words. He explained to them that as children of the light, the fruit of righteous which includes goodness, righteousness and truth should be seen in them.

Life Application
Christians are often faced with the challenge and tendency of going back to our old ways, it is now left to us to recognize our? new life in Christ and act accordingly. As children of the light we should not dabble in darkness, so as not to fall back permanently, instead we should continue to build ourselves in the way of Christ.

Personal Declaration
I am a child of the light!

Reading – Ephesians 4:25-5:15

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”^[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others upaccording to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 5 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^[b]6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,

Footnotes:

1. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)
2. Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God