Lent · The Third Sunday in Lent (Oculi)
Ephesians 5:1-9
Living as Children of Light
March 8, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Put off your old self… and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God.” (Ephesians 4:22–24)
The Old and the New Life Up to this point in the epistle there have been only occasional references to the ethical life of the Christian (2:10; 4:1–3, 15). In 4:1 it appeared that the apostle was preparing a lengthy description of the new life in Christ, but this led, instead, into a further exposition of the unifying elements of the church (4:4–16).
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Enduring Word Commentary, Ephesians 5 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on walking in love as imitators of God and living as children of light.
Ephesians 5:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic exegetical notes on being imitators of God and Christ's sacrificial offering.
Ephesians 4:25-5:2 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on imitating the Father as dearly loved children.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin
Detailed word study on imitators, walk, and Christ's fragrant offering to God.
Background & Word Study
Ephesians | Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Background on Ephesians and its call to a new way of life in Christ.
Overview: Ephesians BibleProject
Animated overview of the letter's argument from new identity to new conduct.
Ephesians 5:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for imitators of God and walking in love.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the new self?
Paul calls believers to be renewed in the spirit of their minds, putting away falsehood, anger, and theft, and putting on the new self created in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22–28).
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Luke 11:14-28
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.