Ephesians 5:1-2 “1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
First Ephesus was a harbor town with many wealthy people. It was such a wealthy town that the Romans, after they captured it, allowed it to remain as it was because they could collect taxes from those wealthy citizens. Paul lived in Ephesus for three years. He attempted to convert Jews to Christianity but did not succeed. He was a tentmaker by trade, and probably supported himself while living there. He left Ephesus when there was a confrontation with him concerning the artisans who made a living making statues of the god Artemis. His preaching was causing them to lose income.
Paul wrote Ephesians between 60-62 AD during his first imprisonment by the Romans. It was a letter of encouragement, and was probably written to be forwarded to other churches in the region. Acts chapter 19 mentions Paul being in Ephesus. The Ephesian church is one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation in chapter two. It is praised for their steadfast following of the word, but they had fallen from their first love of Christ. They are given a warning to return to their first love or be lost.
These two verses are in what is considered the second part of the letter which deals with relationships, etc. The first verse is translated as Followers of God or imitators of God or to practice God’s example. Human beings in general are great mimickers. When the Beatles came to the USA, and teens across the country and saw other teenagers screaming out adoration towards the Beatles, they began to follow them. Granted their music was great, and most of my generation still love the Beatles. It is why fashion can change in the blink of an eye. We are natural followers. What Paul is saying to the church in Ephesus was not to be a follower of the those around them who worship other gods, but instead follow God’s example.
In the second verse Paul tells the people of the Ephesus church to be like Jesus and give love. He says to walk in love… basically that means that each step you take, each person you meet give the Love of God to them. The last verse I knew related to what was said that God was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifices. First this verse speaks of Christ’s love for mankind. Second it speaks of Christ’s sacrifice for each of us and thirdly that Christ’s sacrifice was pleasing to God because it freed each person who believes from the bondage of sin.
But what does it mean to us now? Jesus’s death and resurrection allowed us to become able to follow God’s commandments because we have been cleansed by Christ’s sacrifice. We need to lay aside self when we make decisions concerning others. We need to look beyond our own needs and desires to how our actions or decisions will affect others involved. This is not how the world makes decisions, but this is how we should make decisions as followers of Jesus. Instead of telling lies or passing on gossip, tell the truth and encourage each other. Instead of reacting in anger, rescue with peace. Instead of revenge, be forgiving. It takes practice, and I will tell you I am not near there, but I am working on it each day.
The question is:
What do you need to change to be following Christ’s example of love?
Ever in Christ’s love,
Mary Elizabeth Todd
February 15, 2024 & May 29, 2024
Ruhamah United Methodist Church Bible Verses 