Chosen: A Study in EphesiansSample

What does it say?

God’s holy people should imitate God, living as wise children of light.

What does it mean?

Throughout this chapter, Paul emphasized that believers should have the mark of God on every aspect of their lives. Living consistently in the light of Christ will lead His followers to imitate Him as they submit to the Holy Spirit naturally. The pattern of a believer’s thoughts and reactions should be the opposite of what comes naturally to an unbeliever, who still makes decisions in spiritual darkness. Paul compared living in obedience to God with wisdom and living outside of His will with foolishness. God’s people have the ability and responsibility to live in ways that please their Creator.

How should I respond?

Living to please other people can be exhausting. What pleases them one day can suddenly change, leaving you guessing how to make them happy. Living to please the Lord, however, is liberating and productive. His expectations are laid out, and they never change. Not only that – He supplies the example and power to live a God-pleasing life that produces spiritual fruit. Which dark or foolish things from your former way of life have crept into your thinking, talking, or behaving? Ask God to flood your mind with light and expose every dark corner. The Holy Spirit can empower you to live as God’s child of light. Will you submit to Him today?