Instruction
Scripture: Ephesians5:6-21
After spending the first half of his letter to the Ephesians
writing about God’s grace, Paul turned to discussing how a person who has
received such grace should live. This section is part of the description of
what the life of a person who has been saved by grace through faith should be
like. In this section he compares the life of sin to darkness and the life of
faith to light. They cannot coexist. As light always exposes what is in
darkness, the life of faith exposes sin in us and others. Therefore he urges
his readers to be filled with the Spirit and to submit to one another out of
reverence to Jesus. The passage serves as an exhortation to live rightly, or to
walk in a manner worthy of our calling in Christ.
Teaching
Paul states very bluntly, “Let no one deceive you with empty
words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of
disobedience.” This is a warning to us that (a) there are those who would
deceive us and lead us away from God’s will, (b) that there are empty words
that are harmful to the life of faith, and (c) that the wrath of God is real
and coming. The dichotomy between darkness and light serves as an example of
how little we should have to do with such empty deceit which brings division to
God’s people.
Instead of sinful behaviors, we are urged to keep our
conversation and thoughts filled with godly words. These are things that unite
us – psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, and giving thanks to the Lord. They not
only root us in the forgiveness we cherish, but also help us live humbly and
lovingly with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Life
In U.S. American culture, submitting to another person is
generally viewed as weakness and as undesirable. We strongly value our
independence. However, this passage urges us to both shun darkness and submit
to one another. Our lives are meant to be lived for others. We shun darkness
and walk as children of light not just for ourselves but for others; to
encourage our fellow believers and to be a witness to those who do not believe in
Jesus. This means that we are thinking of the needs of others in our life
choices to help them stay or come into the light of God’s grace.
Prayer
This prayer is written
in the themes of Instruction and Thanksgiving.
O God our Father in Heaven, Your Spirit teaches us to shun
the deeds of darkness and to walk as children of light. Indeed, we were once
darkness, but now we are light because of Jesus’ forgiveness and salvation! Teach
us to walk in a manner that is pleasing to You, and help us display Your light
to expose the works of darkness. Teach us to make the best use of the time,
knowing the days are evil. And help us learn to submit to one another for
Jesus’ sake.
We thank You that though we were darkness, Christ has made
us light. We thank You for the wisdom You reveal in Your Word that exposes sins
and leads us to live in righteousness. Thank You for giving us psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs to fill our hearts and mouths with melodies that are
wholesome and helpful to us and our neighbor. Thank You for putting us into
relationships where we may both experience and share Your love as we submit to
one another for the sake of Christ. Amen.
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