Galatians 5
Ephesians 5 unfolds with a focus on practical lessons for the Christian life. Paul urges believers to live by imitating God—walking in love (vv. 1-2), conduct as children of light in contrast to the deeds of darkness (vv. 3-14), living wisely (vv. 15-21), and instruction about the husband-and-wife relationship centered on Christ (vv. 22-33).
- Verses 1-2: Imitating as God’s children
- Verses 3-14: Living as children of light, freed from the deeds of darkness
- Verses 15-21: A wise life, filled with the Holy Spirit
- Verses 22-33: Instruction on the husband-and-wife relationship through the analogy of Christ and the church
1verseStand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
2verseBehold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing.
3verseYes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4verseYou are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace.
5verseFor we through the Spirit, by faith wait for the hope of righteousness.
6verseFor in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision amounts to anything, but faith working through love.
7verseYou were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?
8verseThis persuasion is not from him who calls you.
9verseA little yeast grows through the whole lump.
10verseI have confidence toward you in the Lord that you will think no other way. But he who troubles you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11verseBut I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.
12verseI wish that those who disturb you would cut themselves off.
13verseFor you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.
14verseFor the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
15verseBut if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don’t consume one another.
16verseBut I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17verseFor the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.
18verseBut if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19verseNow the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,
20verseidolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
21verseenvy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
22verseBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
23versegentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24verseThose who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.
25verseIf we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit.
26verseLet’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.
Summary of Key Points
- Imitate God’s love: You are encouraged to live by following the love with which Christ gave himself for us.
- Leave the deeds of darkness: Stay away from sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and the like; instead, you should pursue goodness, righteousness, and truth—the fruit of light.
- Live wisely: Treasure time and opportunities, and discern God’s will. Emphasis is placed on being filled with the Holy Spirit rather than getting drunk.
- Submit to one another: In the Spirit, respect one another and be encouraged to adopt an attitude of humble service.
- A model for the husband-and-wife relationship: You are encouraged to emulate the relationship between Christ and the church: the husband should love his wife, and the wife should respect her husband, and the “mystery” of marriage is explained.
Points for Reflection
- What does the love of Christ—something I should imitate—look like?
- In my life, what are the “deeds of darkness” and the “fruit of light”? It’s worth reflecting on that.
- How is everyday life of discerning God’s will and living wisely showing itself?
- What changes is a life filled with the Holy Spirit bringing within my relationships?
Applying It to My Life
- Today, even with a small act, begin in the heart of love.
- Let’s look for parts where we act as children of light instead of darkness and apply it to everyday life.
- In relationships I’m part of—such as family, friends, and coworkers—practice humility and respect within those relationships.
- In the relationship of married life (or within the community), set aside time to renew your commitment and understanding.
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