Have you ever had someone follow you around, mimicking everything you did? Maybe it was a younger sibling who looked up to you. Maybe it was you following an older brother or sister. That kind of imitation is exactly what Paul encourages in Ephesians chapter 5. As believers, we are called to be imitators—not of culture, not of trends—but of God Himself.

In this portion of Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, we are reminded of our identity, warned of the dangers around us, and given a powerful reason to stay the course. It’s a message that still hits home today.

1. The Reminder: Who You Are in Christ

Paul begins with a reminder that is both personal and powerful:

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1–2

The call to imitate God is rooted in relationship. We’re not trying to earn His love—we already have it. If you’ve trusted Christ, you are a child of God, deeply loved, and fully accepted. That identity changes everything.

Knowing who we are in Christ influences how we live for Christ and how we reflect Him to others. Our freedom from guilt, shame, and the weight of the law comes through the finished work of Jesus—His death, burial, and resurrection. Christianity isn’t about what we do. It’s about what Christ has already done.

And that changes how we walk.

2. The Warning: Some Things Are Out of Bounds

Paul then shifts gears and issues a clear and challenging warning:

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints…” – Ephesians 5:3

This is the heart of the sermon: some things are out of bounds for the children of God. Not because God wants to rob us of joy, but because He knows the damage sin does. Paul isn’t writing to the world—he’s writing to the church. And his message is strong because the stakes are high.

Paul gives three categories of sin to avoid:

Sexual Immorality & Impurity

Sex is a good gift from God—but our culture has twisted it beyond recognition. What God intended as sacred has become saturated with sin. Paul names it clearly: premarital sex, adultery, pornography, homosexuality—all forms of sexual activity outside of biblical marriage between one man and one woman—are out of bounds for believers.

The Greek word for sexual immorality here is porneia, where we get our word pornography. It’s a broad term that includes every kind of sexual misconduct. And Paul doesn’t mince words. He says it should not even be named among God’s people.

In a world that celebrates “do what you want, when you want,” God calls His people to something better. Holy. Pure. Set apart.

Covetousness

At first glance, it might seem odd that Paul puts greed right alongside sexual sin. But both are symptoms of the same disease: an uncontrolled appetite. Covetousness is the craving for more—more money, more power, more stuff. It pushes God off the throne of our hearts and replaces Him with idols.

Covetousness says, “God isn’t enough. I need more.”

But here’s the truth: Until God is enough, nothing ever will be.

Filthy Talk & Crude Joking

Paul also calls out filthy speech—words that tear down, mock holiness, or make light of sin. He says, don’t let them be a part of your life. Warren Wiersbe said it best: “Two indications of a person’s character are what makes him laugh and what makes him weep.”

This isn’t about legalism or perfection. It’s about walking in the light and not wallowing in the muck. Jesus didn’t just die to forgive our sin—He died to free us from its power.

And here’s the good news: Whatever you’re struggling with, it doesn’t define you. It doesn’t disqualify you. God’s arms are not too short to reach you, no matter where you are.

3. The Reason: Eternity Is Real

Paul doesn’t end with a list of dos and don’ts—he gives a reason. A sobering, eternal reason:

“For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous… has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” – Ephesians 5:5

That’s strong. And it’s meant to be. Paul isn’t saying we earn salvation by good behavior. He’s saying that a lifestyle of unrepentant sin reveals a heart untouched by grace. The immoral and impure have no inheritance. They have no hope. The wrath of God is real—and hell is no laughing matter.

Paul pleads, “Don’t be deceived with empty words.” Just because something is socially accepted doesn’t mean it’s spiritually safe.

And here’s the heartbreaking truth: People will go to hell—not because God sends them, but because they choose to reject the only way out. We must love them enough to tell them the truth.

A Church for the Broken

In the midst of all this truth-telling, there’s a current of grace that flows through the entire message. This isn’t about condemnation—it’s about compassion.

The church should be a place for the broken, a safe place for sinners to meet the Savior. If we’re not welcoming people with open arms and open hearts, we’ve missed the point.

Jesus came to save sinners. And He’s still doing it today.

Final Thoughts

The call to imitate God, avoid sin, and remember eternity isn’t just a challenge—it’s a call to freedom. Paul’s message is clear:

Remember who you are. Avoid what God warns against. And never forget what’s at stake.

The gospel is still good news. Jesus is still alive. And grace is still greater than all our sin.

Let’s live like children of the light.