What does it actually look like to live out God’s commands in your daily life? We know the information — we’ve heard the teaching, maybe we’ve memorized the verses — but something keeps us from fully following Christ. That’s the question at the heart of this sermon, and the answer Paul gives us is deeply personal.
We’re returning to the book of Ephesians, a letter packed with spiritual riches. In chapters 1–3, Paul unpacks incredible truths: we’ve been chosen by God, saved by grace, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and given a guaranteed inheritance. But then in chapter 4, he pivots from doctrine to duty — from what we’ve received to how we’re meant to walk.
Three Walks, One Command
Paul uses the word “walk” three times in Ephesians 4–5 to describe the Christian life:
- Walk in Unity (Ephesians 4:1–16) — Not uniformity, but unity. We’re built together on the foundation of Christ, each using our gifts to encourage and serve one another so the whole body grows.
- Walk in Holiness (Ephesians 4:17–5:20) — Paul tells the Gentiles directly: stop living like the world around you. Your other hand can’t still be reaching into the cookie jar of your old life. You’ve been saved — not so you can keep living the way you used to.
- Walk in Love (Ephesians 5:1–2) — This is where it culminates. Love isn’t one spiritual discipline among many; it’s the default setting, the present imperative — your habit, your posture, always.
“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
Imitating God: His Heart, Not Just His Role
This is the only place in the New Testament where Paul commands us to imitate God directly. That’s a striking idea — God doesn’t have a body we can watch. But Paul immediately clarifies: we imitate God as beloved children. And we do it by looking at Jesus.
Jesus is God in human flesh. He showed us exactly what God’s heart looks like — how to respond graciously when being hated, how to be patient with foolish disciples, how to confront religiosity, how to extend forgiveness, how to pursue the Father above the noise and praise of crowds. He is the only one who accomplished the role of the Messiah, but his character and rhythms of life are meant to shape ours.
The honest truth is, we fail at this constantly. We get impatient when we should be patient. We want to move past people when we should sit with them. We struggle to love the way Christ loved — especially when there’s no immediate return on the investment.
Love Without a Receipt
Here’s the part that convicts: walking in love doesn’t come with a guarantee. There’s no promise of more money, no promise of less hardship, no promise of an easy road. Jesus endured the most painful death imaginable — and that wasn’t his best life now.
So why do it? Because we’re commanded to by God. But that’s not always the most motivating answer when you’re in the middle of a difficult day. The real shift happens when we recognize that God’s gift in Christ is far greater than anything we could earn or deserve. We’re complete, holy, and righteous — not because of us, but because of Jesus. And with that foundation, we can love without keeping score.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9
So What Does This Look Like?
Practical application: go read the Gospels and ask yourself — how does Jesus organize his day? What are his priorities? How does he handle interruptions, stressful situations, and difficult people? Notice the rhythms of his life, and let those patterns shape yours.
Walking in love isn’t about earning God’s favor — it’s about responding to the favor you’ve already been given. You are God’s beloved child. Loved, protected, encouraged, and surrounded by his love. Now go live like it.
Scripture References
- Ephesians 4:1–16 — Walking in Unity
- Ephesians 4:17–5:20 — Walking in Holiness
- Ephesians 5:1–2 — Walking in Love
- Ephesians 2:8–9 — Saved by Grace
- John 13:34 — A New Commandment
- Galatians 2:20 — Crucified with Christ