Equipping God’s People to Stand Firm: EphesiansSample

God’s standards for the family and the culture

Paul has beautifully described God's standards for holiness.. He reminds the Ephesians that Christ was given to be their example and the Holy Spirit their strength. The word "holy" means "set apart." Christians were supposed to look different and live with higher standards than others in their culture. The early church experienced enormous growth because of their faithful choices. Paul begins to move into his conclusion, offering practical advice for the daily lives and relationships that God’s people have with others. Our lives are the most important sermons we preach.

“Believers are never told to become one; we already are one and are expected to act like it.” —Joni Eareckson Tada

In light of who we are in Christ, our lives should imitate his. Just as a child often copies what he sees his parents doing, we too, are meant to copy the characteristics and behaviors of our heavenly Father. Jesus Christ is our model, given to us by God, so that we could reveal him to the world. When we imitate God, our lives will be illustrated by love (5:2), light (5:8), and wisdom (5:15) Take some time to check in with God and see what areas of your life reflect your heavenly Father, and which areas might need to be surrendered to the power of the Holy Spirit.

“I do not think the devil cares how many churches you build, if only you have lukewarm preachers and people in them.” —Charles Spurgeon