Living as Beloved Children: Embracing God's Love
Summary
Today’s focus is on the profound reality of living as dearly loved children of God, drawing from Ephesians 5. The journey begins with understanding our identity in Christ—how the first half of Ephesians grounds us in the finished work of Jesus, our position in Him, and the unshakeable foundation of being forgiven, justified, and made new. From this place of “sitting” in Christ, we are called to “walk” out our faith, letting our behavior flow from our new birth and identity.
Central to this walk is the call to imitate God as beloved children. The secret to living this out is not striving or performing, but receiving and experiencing the love of God deeply and personally. Like a sponge, we are meant to soak in His love, to be filled and continually refilled by the Holy Spirit. Only then can we truly walk in love, not as a duty, but as an overflow of what we have received. This love is tangible, transformative, and meant to be felt—not just known intellectually. When we are saturated with God’s love, it changes how we see ourselves and others, enabling us to love in ways that are impossible in our own strength.
Paul’s exhortation is practical: as those who have been brought from darkness into light, our lives should reflect this new reality. We are to avoid the patterns of the world—immorality, impurity, greed, and coarse language—not out of fear of punishment, but because these things are out of place for those who are holy and set apart. Instead, our lives should be marked by thanksgiving, worship, and the fragrance of Christ, which others can sense even if they don’t understand it.
Living as children of light means being careful how we walk, making the most of every opportunity, and seeking to understand and do the will of God. This includes forgiving others, seeking the lost, and stewarding our lives well—body, soul, and spirit. The call is to be continually filled with the Spirit, letting His presence overflow in joyful worship and gratitude. When we are dry, it is an invitation to come and drink again, to be filled afresh so that we can love God, ourselves, and the world with His love.
Key Takeaways
- Our walk with God must be rooted in our identity as beloved children, not in striving or performance. The more deeply we receive and experience God’s love, the more naturally we will reflect His character in our actions and relationships. This is not a one-time revelation but a daily posture of receiving and abiding in His love. [01:07:13]
- The Christian life is about being filled—like a sponge—with the love and presence of God. The measure of our spiritual vitality is not how much we do for God, but how well we “drink” of His love and Spirit. When we are full, love, joy, and peace overflow to those around us, becoming a fragrance that draws others to Christ. [01:08:30]
- Holiness is not about legalistic avoidance of sin, but about living in a way that matches our new birth. We are called to put on Christ in our behavior, letting our actions align with the reality of being new creations. This means saying no to darkness not out of fear, but because it is simply not fitting for who we now are. [01:18:48]
- The secret place—intimate communion with God—is not confined to a physical location. We carry the presence of God with us into every environment, whether it’s a boardroom, a counseling session, or a family gathering. Practicing the presence of God transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for divine wisdom, love, and ministry. [01:23:06]
- Being continually filled with the Holy Spirit is essential for sustained joy, love, and effectiveness. We leak, we get dry, and so we must keep coming back to the source. When we are dry, disappointed, or lacking joy, the answer is not more effort, but more drinking—letting God fill us afresh so that life and love can flow again. [01:30:43]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[57:48] - Greeting Visitors and Announcements
[58:49] - Opening Humor and Testimony
[59:39] - Reflections on Love and the Secret Place
[01:02:54] - Ephesians Overview: Sit, Walk, Stand
[01:05:28] - Be Imitators of God: Living Loved
[01:07:13] - The Power of Knowing You Are Loved
[01:08:30] - The Sponge: Receiving God’s Love
[01:09:35] - Walking in Love: Experiencing, Not Just Knowing
[01:11:22] - Trusting God’s Unconditional Love
[01:13:06] - Drinking Deeply of the Spirit
[01:14:23] - The Fragrance of Christ
[01:15:23] - Living as Saints: Behavior and Birth
[01:18:48] - From Darkness to Light: Walking as Children of Light
[01:21:25] - Exposing Darkness and Living in the Light
[01:23:06] - Practicing the Presence of God
[01:28:53] - Be Filled with the Spirit, Not Wine
[01:30:43] - Overflowing Worship and Thanksgiving
[01:32:13] - Drinking Again: Receiving Fresh Filling
[01:33:24] - Invitation to Receive God’s Love
[01:38:33] - Prayer of Salvation and Closing
[01:40:11] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living as Dearly Loved Children (Ephesians 5)
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 5:1-21 (ESV)
> 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.
>
> But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
>
> Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
>
> “Awake, O sleeper,
> and arise from the dead,
> and Christ will shine on you.”
>
> Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
1 John 4:19 (ESV)
> We love because he first loved us.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 5:1-2, what is the foundation for how we are to imitate God and walk in love?
2. What are some of the behaviors Paul says are “out of place” for God’s holy people in Ephesians 5:3-4?
3. In the sermon, what illustration did the pastor use to describe how we are to receive God’s love, and what does it mean? [[01:08:30]]
4. What does Paul say is the result of being filled with the Spirit in Ephesians 5:18-20?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that our walk with God must be rooted in our identity as beloved children, not in striving or performance. Why is it important to start from a place of being loved rather than trying to earn God’s approval? [[01:07:13]]
2. The pastor said, “The secret of the Christian life is how well you can drink.” What does it look like practically to “drink” of God’s love and Spirit in daily life? [[01:13:06]]
3. Paul contrasts living in darkness with living as children of light. What are some practical ways believers can “walk as children of light” in a world that often encourages the opposite? [[01:18:48]]
4. The sermon mentioned that holiness is not about legalistic avoidance of sin, but about living in a way that matches our new birth. How does this perspective change the way we approach areas of temptation or struggle? [[01:16:33]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor described being “like a sponge” that soaks up God’s love. When was the last time you truly felt God’s love in a tangible way? If it’s been a while, what might be getting in the way of receiving it? [[01:08:30]]
2. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself striving to earn God’s approval or love, rather than living from a place of being already loved? What would it look like to shift your mindset this week? [[01:07:13]]
3. Paul says to avoid things like immorality, impurity, greed, and coarse language—not out of fear, but because they are “out of place” for who we are now. Is there a specific habit or pattern in your life that feels out of place with your identity in Christ? What step could you take to address it? [[01:16:33]]
4. The sermon talked about carrying the “secret place” (God’s presence) into everyday environments like work, family, or meetings. What is one practical way you could practice God’s presence in a place where you usually don’t think about Him? [[01:23:06]]
5. The pastor said, “We leak, we get dry, and so we must keep coming back to the source.” What are some signs in your life that you might be spiritually dry? What helps you get “filled” again? [[01:30:43]]
6. Paul encourages us to make the most of every opportunity and to seek God’s will. Is there an area of your life where you sense God inviting you to be more intentional or wise with your time or relationships? [[01:23:06]]
7. The sermon ended with an invitation to receive a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. What would it look like for you to ask God for a fresh filling this week? Is there a specific area where you need His love, joy, or peace to overflow? [[01:33:24]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person receive His love deeply and to walk as children of light this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Know and Experience God’s Love Deeply
To truly walk in love, you must first know and experience the love of God for yourself—not just as a concept, but as a living reality that fills your heart and overflows into every part of your life. Like a sponge, your soul is meant to soak up the love, peace, and joy of God, so that you are not running on empty but are continually refreshed and transformed from the inside out. When you are filled with His love, it changes how you see yourself, how you treat others, and how you respond to the world around you. The secret to a vibrant Christian life is not striving, but learning to receive and drink deeply of God’s love every day. [01:08:30]
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally paused to receive and feel God’s love for you? Take five minutes today to sit quietly and ask God to fill you afresh with His love—what do you notice in your heart as you do this?
Day 2: Walk as Children of Light
You have been brought out of darkness and into the light of Christ, and now you are called to live as a child of light—letting your actions, words, and attitudes reflect the goodness, righteousness, and truth that come from God. This means turning away from the old ways of darkness—impurity, greed, coarse language—and instead living in a way that matches your new birth in Christ. As you walk in the light, you not only honor God but also become a beacon of hope and clarity to those still in darkness, showing them what it means to live in the freedom and joy of God’s kingdom. [01:19:57]
Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV)
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to slip back into old patterns of darkness? How can you intentionally choose to walk in the light in that area today?
Day 3: Be Continually Filled with the Holy Spirit
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in your own strength, but by being continually filled with the Holy Spirit—drinking deeply of His presence, love, and power. Just as a river flows and refreshes, the Spirit fills you again and again, enabling you to overflow with love, joy, and spiritual vitality. This filling is not a one-time event but a daily, ongoing experience that keeps you from spiritual dryness and empowers you to live out your calling. Make it your habit to seek the Spirit’s filling, allowing Him to saturate every part of your life and to flow through you to others. [01:30:43]
Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV)
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can pause today to invite the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh—perhaps through worship, prayer, or simply asking Him to come?
Day 4: Let God’s Love Transform Your Relationships
When you are filled with God’s love, it naturally overflows into your relationships—enabling you to forgive, to be kind, and to love others as Christ has loved you. This love is not based on performance or worthiness, but on the unconditional love you have received from God. Even when others have hurt you, you are empowered to extend forgiveness and grace, just as you have been forgiven. As you walk in this love, you become a living fragrance of Christ to those around you, drawing others to the beauty of God’s heart. [01:05:28]
Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or show kindness to today, even if it’s difficult? What step can you take to extend Christ’s love to them?
Day 5: Practice the Presence of God in Everyday Life
The secret place of God’s presence is not just for private moments behind closed doors—it is a reality you can carry with you into every part of your life: your workplace, your home, your relationships, and your decisions. As you learn to tune your heart to the Holy Spirit, you become aware of God’s nearness and guidance in all circumstances, allowing His wisdom and love to shape your actions. This ongoing awareness transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for worship, service, and partnership with God, making your life a continual offering of love and light to the world. [01:23:06]
Psalm 91:1 (ESV)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Reflection: Where in your daily routine can you intentionally pause to acknowledge God’s presence and invite Him to guide your thoughts, words, or actions today?
Quotes
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