I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Today I focus on Ephesians 5:1-21 where Paul warns us against various sin and exhorts us to imitate God and to walk in the light to "expose" sin. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: V1: God is Father and believers are His children - adopted into His family - see also John 1:12-13. Just as children model their behavior after their parents, we are imitate our Heavenly Father. V2: Christ loved (still does) us and died for us - His sacrifice was pleasing to God (obedient to the Father's will). V5: Those who willfully demonstrate a pattern of sin have no inheritance (salvation) from Christ, and V6 instead are subject to His wrath upon judgement day. Vv8-14: Christ is described as Light and believers are children of Light and our actions must reflect light as we are to be a light to others (exposing sin - not as judgement but as contrast to the world of darkness) - see also Matthew 5:14-16, John 8:12, 9:5.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: There is much sin and darkness in the world and Paul outlines this in V3 (sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness), V4 (filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking), V17 (foolishness), and V18 (drunkenness and debauchery). Paul's exhortation is that we "[t]ake no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them (see above)." Believers are warned to not be deceived (with empty words v6) and not to become partners with those who demonstrate willful patterns of sin (v7). This of course does not mean that we avoid unbelievers but instead that are careful not to allow their patterns of sin to influence us - which should cause us to limit how we spend our time with them. Broadly, in light of sin, we are to make "the best use of the time, because the days are evil," echoing 1 Peter 5:8. To make the best use of our time, we should understand God's will (see Romans 12:2), be filled with the Holy Spirit (God's Word, prayer, etc.) (v18) and to address other believers in psalms, hymns, and songs (v19) - our interactions with others should be pleasing (dare we say harmonious) in the same way. Finally (vv20-21) we are to give thanks always (see also 1 Thessalonians 5:18) and to submit to one another (believers) out of reverence to Christ.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid being "yoked" to sinful influences in our lives. Claim the promise we are children of God and follow the example of our Heavenly Father Christ. We should seek His will via renewal of the mind and walk in the light - attracting others to Christ through the light of Christ that shines through us.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that is Light in a world full of sin and darkness. Thank You for being the Light of the World and for adopting me into Your family allowing Your light to shine through me...and for my salvation. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
