“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph 5:1-2)

NIV STUDY BIBLE (RED LETTER EDITOIN), (EPH 5:1-2)

Follow God’s example, how the world would be different if we could all follow God’s example. Sacrificing the thing we cherish most in order to show our love for the world. Each of us sacrificing for our neighbor and loved ones alike. No one in need would go without. But as we learn sin calls every person on earth, and no one is perfect nor can they live up to the standards of the Law. It is through faith and by grace that we are saved through the truth of the Gospel and sacrifice of the Lord. It is by this grace and the Gospel that by faith we are spurned to follow the Law once saved by the urging of the Holy Spirit in our souls. Our salvation keeps us on the path of the narrow, allowing us, and giving us the gift, to live as God set example. It is a beautiful mystery, the Law and the Gospel. One that was not revealed until the Law had been fulfilled. Gentiles called into the Family of God, along with the Israelites and the promises given to them and to us through Adam, Moses, and Abraham.

Though believers are saved from the Law it does not exempt them from living up to the standards of the Law of the Ten Commandments and the Laws set forth in the New Testament. Especially the amendment to the Ten Commandments made by Jesus in the Gospels, “A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34) The eleventh commandment is so fitting for to follow God’s example is to love. With love we find that it is easy to follow the commandments / Law of God. They are not set to provide a patriarchy or lordship over our lives by others, but instead they are set in order that we may all treat each other with respect, love, and dignity that all human kind deserves. No matter the wealth, ethnicity, or background of the individual. We are all called to love.

Verses 3- 20 deal with how a believer should act and is a long list of things a believer should and should not partake in, so that the light of the Holy Spirit may shine in the lives of the believer and act as a light for the lost.