Thoughts From Ephesians (Thought # 41) Walk in the Light (Eph. 5:3-14) -Intro
Ephesians 5:3-15 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
In this passage, Paul describes the themes of light and darkness by contrasting the works of darkness and the fruit of the Spirit. In Eph 5:8 he writes, “For you were once darkness.” Paul does not say that Christians are walking in darkness. Rather he uses the term “once.” What did he mean by that terminology? Just as he reminded the church at Corinth that before they became Christians they were involved in many ungodly actions, he tells us here I that we are “light in the world.” We must live out our lives glorifying God and reflecting that we are children of light.
The next few articles will reflect the contrasts that Paul is trying to make. Note: we may break down each of these sections also.
- Exalt God, not idols (Eph. 5:3-6)
- Exhibit the Fruit of he Light (Eph. 5:7-10)
- Expose the Darkness Eph. 5:11-14)
Larry Miles is Co-Editor of Word and Work and attends Cherry St. Church of Christ in New Albany, In.
