Introduction

If Christians would learn what they mean to God, they would find the Christian life more a joy and less a chore; and the Bible would become more a love-letter from a Father and less a book of difficult and discouraging rules.

This lesson will seek to help us learn who and what we really are - as children of God. The cue is taken from a word Paul uses in Ephesians 5 and 6. That word (hos) is translated "as," and it implies "as is the case," or "as is really true."

Body

I. WE ARE DEAR CHILDREN OF GOD (5:1).

   A. We are to walk as children, imitating our Father.

   B. We are to walk in love, because we are beloved of God.

   C. What an incentive to holy living - to say to oneself, "I am a child of God!"

II. WE ARE CHILDREN OF LIGHT (5:8).

   A. We formerly were in darkness and did not know better (5:8).

   B. We are to do better now because we have been enlightened.

   C. This impels us to live a higher life, for we know that in Christ we are in the light and are children of it.

III. WE ARE WISE ONES (5:15).

   A. Not our own wisdom.

   B. Christ is made to us wisdom (1 Cor. 1:30).

   C. We are to walk circumspectly (literally "accurately"), since we possess wisdom.

        1. We are to learn the will of the Lord (5:17).

        2. We are to walk discriminately in view of the times and our surroundings (5:15, 16).

   D. This is cause for more diligence. We are wise in Christ.

IV. WE ARE SERVANTS OF GOD (6:5-9).

   A. Christians are to serve their earthly masters with devotion. as if they were serving Christ (6:5-7).

        1. It is to be from the heart (6:6).

        2. It is to be with good will (6:7).

   B. Christ, the true Master, will reward such service (6:8).

Conclusion

If Christians understand that they are enlightened, wise children, and servants of God, they will serve Him better and enjoy it more. This is an extremely simple lesson, yet not so simply put into daily life.

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