Ephesians 5 | Practical Steps to Walk in Your New Identity in Christ

God's Plan, Your Part

Send us a text

What does Ephesians 5 teach about marriage?
How does the Bible define the roles of husbands and wives?
What does it mean to walk in love as Christ loved us?

Ephesians 5 dives deep into the practical aspects of Christian living, focusing on how believers should walk in their new identity in Christ. Paul emphasizes the importance of avoiding sin, particularly sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness, urging believers to live lives of purity, thanksgiving, and light. He makes it clear that these sinful behaviors should not even be named among saints, reflecting a community that is set apart and striving for holiness. This chapter challenges modern Christian communities to reconsider permissive attitudes toward sin, pushing them toward spiritual maturity and accountability.

The chapter also delves into the concept of walking in love, not merely as an abstract idea but as a call to sacrificial living modeled after Christ’s own love for us. Paul underscores the need for unity within the body of Christ, where every member, by rejecting sinful behaviors and embracing Christ-like love, contributes to a community that reflects God’s glory.

In a cultural context where household codes were prevalent, Paul provides a Christian perspective that redefines roles within the family. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the church, a love that is selfless and sacrificial. Wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands in a manner that reflects the church’s submission to Christ. This mutual respect and love within the marriage are portrayed as vital for maintaining a healthy Christian community and are counter-cultural to the Roman understanding of household authority.

Paul’s instructions serve as a blueprint for Christian households and communities, where every relationship is viewed through the lens of Christ’s love and sacrifice. He warns against being deceived by empty words and stresses the importance of living as children of light, discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. The chapter concludes with a call to be filled with the Spirit, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and always giving thanks to God the Father.

As believers strive to live out these principles, they are encouraged to embrace accountability, repent from sin, and grow in their faith, continually becoming more like Christ. This chapter serves as a reminder that Christian living is not just about personal piety but about fostering a community that reflects the holiness, love, and light of God.

Support the show

We use Logos Bible Software for our show prep.
Get 5 Free Digital Books and 10% Off- HERE.
Get the Logos 10 Fundamentals for Just $50- HERE.
Check out Ryan's other podcast, God's Whole Story.

Ryan works for Men of Iron, a Men's Ministry focused on Mentorship. If you'd like to have a mentor or become one, click HERE.
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
YouTube | Rumble | Medium
Contact us at [e-mail]
Thanks so much for listening to the show. We'll See you tomorrow.
-Ryan and Jenny