Ephesians 5:6-14
Devotions for Sunday 29th June
The advice Paul gives in this passage is typical of that found in his letters. It is clear and asks people to make positive choices to do what is good, according to the example of Christ and the work of the Spirit. In addition, each item of guidance is set against the background of a clear option, in this case between light and darkness. Sometimes Paul sets out his advice against the difference between ‘grace’ and ‘law’, or between ‘the spirit’ and ‘the flesh’, but here, the contrast of light and darkness is particularly helpful in illustrating the moral choices he believes we must all make. We should not be in any doubt that Paul believes every Christian should make these choices, and if they do not do this in a positive manner, then by default, their choice is for darkness, not light. However, just as we saw in yesterday’s passage, Paul undergirds his appeal with the assurance that Christ is the one on whom we depend for everything. Christ, says Paul is the light, and if we have discerned what pleases the Lord (5:10) and set out to live accordingly, then He will shine on us, in us and through us (5:13,14).
At the beginning of the text, Paul acknowledges that we are all under pressure from the words and deeds of others which draw us away from the Lord (5:6). We all live in a world in which families members and colleagues at work, for example, do not necessarily hold the same values as ourselves. We are pressurised to conform to the world’s way of doing things and speaking, and we either go along with this by rationalising it saying that it doesn’t matter, or we stand against it. Paul’s general advice is to ‘walk as children of light’ (5:8) which means that we should act and speak with care, knowing that the Lord is always at hand in judgement against the impurity, vulgar talk and greed (see the previous text, 5:3-5) which lies just beneath the surface of world affairs (5:6).
I have come across people who have attempted to persuade me that everyone is basically good, and we should not seek to stand out from others or be different from them because God loves everyone, and His purpose is to draw out the best in everyone. I fear that such an attitude is too superficial, and as the years have gone by I have discovered that the only truth within this generalisation is the belief that God loves everyone. Really, unless we discern the difference between those who have faith in Christ, and those who do their best but have no interest in God’s offer of salvation, then we quickly lose our moral way, let alone our spiritual way. Good intention does not drive the world of commerce, industry, politics and international affairs, and if we mistake good intention for faith, then we also make another basic mistake. Paul knew this all too well when he said; ‘you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord’ (5:8), and he appealed to his readers to know the difference and chose God and light. This was, and still is, the only choice for moral truth and integrity in God’s world.
It is interesting that after the words ‘walk as children of the light’, Paul places a comment in parenthesis (verse 9) which separates this phrase from the rest of the sentence. In order to make clear what Paul was saying, I will write this sentence out without the comment, ‘Walk as children of the light and discern what pleases the Lord.’ This is the full sentence and we will be blessed if we learn all of it and not just part of it! Clearly, Paul tells us that walking as children of light is a matter of growing in discernment of the things of God, in other words, discerning right and wrong. The only way to do this is to read and study the Bible so that we get to know God’s will and the moral values of His world. Discernment is a gift of God, but it is also a matter of Christian maturity based upon the Word of God.
Lastly, Paul speaks about the glorious way in which Christ can shine in and through the life of one who is committed to God’s paths and raised to the new life with Christ; ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!’ This is thought to be a pronouncement made after someone had been baptised in the early church. In addition, all who were baptised were expected to show the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ (Gal 5:22f.) which are hinted at in this passage; ‘the fruit of light is found in all that is good, right and true.’ (5:9). All God’s people have these moral standards set before them, together with the truth that it is only through Christ that they may be seen in us. The world may well not accept or welcome these qualities and it may dismiss them as ‘soft’; but we know that they are the very characteristics of God as found in Christ Jesus, the greatest power in the universe!
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. 7 So do not be associated with them; 8 for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good, right and true), 10 and discern what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead, expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret. 13 Now everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 because light makes everything visible. This is why it says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!’
© All text and pictures on this page copyright Paul H Ashby 2008 - all rights reserved
To read the questions and discipleship challenges for this text: go to the discipleship page
Almighty God and Lord of all, within Your gaze You see the whole of creation, and within Your grasp You hold the entire Universe. May we who see everything through the limitations of time and space have the humility and courage to receive from You all You have offered us; Your love, Your grace, Your salvation and the hope of life eternal. Thank You, Lord Jesus for Your endless generosity: AMEN
Be released in worship by the power of the Spirit:
Worship which comes from deep within the soul,
And is a genuine sacrifice of precious time;
Worship which calls repentance from the stubborn sinner,
And changes people’s hearts towards each other;
Worship which lifts up every voice in spiritual song,
And which truly feels like music to the soul;
Worship which takes the Word of God as serious, holy,
And speaks prophetically to everyone who comes;
Worship which involves everyone who God has called to come,
And cannot happen without my commitment and yours;
Be liberated in worship to love and serve the Lord!
Weekly Theme: Pastors
In this coming week we will pray for the church’s pastors. By this I mean those who have the task of caring for the people of God in leadership and service. Pray for your ‘pastor’.
On-going prayers
- Pray for those who are the victims of political violence today
- Pray for the world of sport, and pray for integrity in its financing
- Give thanks for daily blessings
