Category: Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5:13 – Be The Light

Posted on by Will

But all things that are exposed by the light are revealed, for whatever has been revealed is light

Truth to Learn

God’s light exposes sin for what it is.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “exposed” is elegchō, which we learned back in verse eleven means “to rebuke or to chastise,” that is, “to stand against something and expose it for what it really is.”

“Are revealed” is translated from phaneroō, which is the verb form of phaneros, meaning “visible or apparent.” Thus, phaneroō means “to make visible,” “to reveal,” or “to expose.”

“Light” is from phōs, which is based on the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make apparent.” Phōs refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment. In today’s verse the definite article (the) is included with “light.” Therefore, it is a specific light, it is the light.

 

Meaning Explained

Two verses back Paul said that we are not to have any close relationships with the unfruitful works of darkness. Instead, we are to stand against and expose such evil actions. But then, in yesterday’s verse he told us that it is disgraceful or shameful to even talk about such things. On the surface that looks like a paradox. How are we supposed to expose and resist the works of darkness if we aren’t supposed to talk about them?

In today’s verse, however, we are told how things are exposed. This word “exposed” is the same verb as used in verse eleven, where we were told to “expose” these unfruitful works of darkness. Also notice in today’s verse that things which are exposed are revealed, or made visible, by “the light.” So the answer to the paradox is that we are to expose the unfruitful works of darkness by means of the light.

Now, what does Paul mean by “the light?” Let’s see what is referred to as “light” elsewhere in the Bible? In John’s first general epistle (1John1:5) he refers to God as light. Then, in his gospel account (John 1:6-9) he refers to Jesus as the light. Peter, however, refers to the prophetic Word of God as a light (2Peter 1:19), and Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, talks about the light of the gospel (2Corinthians 4:4). So, we can conclude that “the light” is a reference to God who is revealed in the Word of God.

The expression, “whatever has been revealed is light” seems a little strange, since it seems to say that the evil deeds that are exposed by the light actually become light. Here’s what Dr. Marvin R. Vincent, a noted Greek scholar, said about this expression:

Whatever is revealed in its true essence by light is of the nature of light. It no longer belongs to the category of darkness. Manifestation is a law of good and evil alike. That which is of the truth seeks the light and cometh to the light. That which is evil avoids the light, and loves darkness better than light, but none the less is brought to the light and appears in its own light.

Back in verse eleven we were told to have no close relationships with the works of darkness. These works of darkness are not seen until they are exposed and then then they are seen for what they really are. They are not a source of light, but being exposed, they become lit up. Let’s take the moon as an example of this concept. The moon is not evil, but it has no light of its own. We only see the moon because it is lit up by the light of the sun. As a result, it becomes a light in its own right. In the same way, evil has no light of its own, but it lights up (is exposed) when the light of God shines upon it.

Now let’s put this all together. Going back to verse eleven we see that instead of having close fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, we are to expose them (with the light). There are times when we encounter the works of darkness, either because we see them or because we are invited to join-in by others. Instead of joining in with such deeds or approving them, we need to recognize them for what they are and bring God into the picture. We need to be a witness to those doing these deeds. This is the time to remember Bible verses that talk about such sinfulness and quote them. This is the time to talk about the consequences of sin and the free gift of eternal life that God offers. But – we need to shed the light in love and with grace, then walk away, having no close fellowship with the deeds or those who practice them.

 

Application

Quoting the Bible is an effective way of exposing sin for what it really is. However, if you can’t think of what to say, then let your own life be an example of what God is like. If you live what you believe, others will see God in you. You will become a light in darkness.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:12 – No Sordid Details

Posted on by Will

For it is shameful to even speak of those things being done by them in secret.

Truth to Learn

God knows the sordid details; we don’t have to talk about them to Him or to others.

 

Behind the Words

“Shameful” is from the Greek adjective aischros, which refers to “that which is indecent, dishonorable, inappropriate, filthy, shameful, or disgraceful.”

The words “to … speak of” are translated from the verb legō, which originally meant, “to lay something down” or “to lay forth.” Later it came to mean “to relate something verbally,” that is “to put forth in words.”

“In secret” is translated from the adverb kruphē, which is based on the verb kruptō, meaning “to hide or keep secret.”

If we preserve the word order in the Greek, this verse becomes “for the things secretly being done by them, it is shameful even to mention.” In Greek, word order indicates emphasis. The fact that secrecy is mentioned first, indicates it is Paul’s emphasis.

 

Meaning Explained

You will recall that in yesterday’s verse Paul told us, not only do we need to avoid partnering with the unfruitful works of darkness, we need to expose them for what they really are and stand against them. But today’s verse seems to contradict what we are supposed to do. How can we expose those things if it is disgraceful to even speak about them? The answer to this enigma is given to us in tomorrow’s verse. So, without getting ahead of ourselves, let’s see what we can learn from this verse.

First of all, talking about the things which are done by people who perform these barren, fruitless activities is itself disgusting. It is not the type of conversation that strengthens our brothers and sisters. Remember what Paul told us in the previous chapter of this letter?

Let no rotten word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for needed edification, that it may give grace to the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)

Talking about the specifics of crude and disgusting things does not build up others, it only drags their thoughts down into the gutter. That’s not good and it’s not necessary. And don’t get caught in the trap of thinking that you have to talk about these things in order to inform others what is wrong with them.

One of the questions we have to ask ourselves is, “Why are these works of darkness always done in secret?” Here’s what Jesus said about that:

And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness more than the light, for their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)

It is sufficient to know that whatever things that a man (or woman) does in secret, that which he or she tries to hide from others, is not God- honoring and does not produce goodness, righteousness, and truth. If man tries to hide it, it is probably evil!

 

Application

Too often I have heard blatant gossip and disgusting descriptions shared in the name of “prayer requests.” Remember that it is inappropriate to talk about such things. Instead of sharing the sordid details in a prayer request, simply ask others to pray with you for the needs of someone else, and when asked for details, simply say “God knows the details.”

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:11 – Be Light – Expose Darkness

Posted on by Will

And have no partnership with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Truth to Learn

Christians should always do what is right, avoid what is wrong, and expose evil for what it is.

 

Behind the Words

The words “have … partnership” are translated from the Greek verb sungkoinōneō, which is made up of sun, meaning “together with” and koinōneō, meaning “to participate, to have fellowship, to share things in common, or to be in partnership with.” The prefix sun indicates that this is more than ordinary fellowship; it implies a stronger, mutual relationship, that is, a partnership..

“Unfruitful” is from akarpos, made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and karpos, meaning fruit. Thus, this word refers to something that is barren, not producing any fruit.

“Rather” is translated from mallon, which is the comparative of mala, meaning “very.” So we can see that mallon compares two things but giving more emphasis on the second. When combined with the Greek word de (“but” or “and”), it means “but more so.”

The word “expose” is from elegchō, which in Classical Greek meant “to shame” or “to disgrace.” In New Testament Greek, however, it means “to rebuke or to chastise,” that is, “to stand against something and expose it for what it really is.”

 

Meaning Explained

Back in verse eight Paul commanded us to walk like children of light. As God’s children we are to show forth the light of goodness, righteousness, and truth, which things are the evidence of our being part of God’s family. Then, in yesterday’s verse, Paul told us that by living like children of light, we discover what pleases our Father.

As we saw earlier, Paul’s teaching style is such that he often tells us what not to do as well as what to do. Here is another example, although here he tells us what to do before telling us what not to do. The thing we are to do is “Walk like children of light.” The thing we are not to do is “have no partnership with the unfruitful works of darkness.” Notice that when we walk like children of light, we produce fruit, but the works of darkness do not produce fruit. If you read through the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, you will see several references to trees that do not bear good fruit; they are to be cut down and cast into the fire (Matthew 3:10, Matthew 7:19, Luke 3:9, Luke 13:7, 9). Likewise, when Christians stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, our works will be judged. Those which are good will produce rewards, but those which are worthless (unfruitful) will be burned up in the fire.

But, Paul does not stop there. We are not to simply avoid the fruitless works of darkness; we are to expose them for what they really are and stand against them. The world that we live in is controlled by Satan (see Ephesians 2:2, John 14:30, John 16:11, & 2Corinthians 4:4) and his influence seems to be getting stronger daily. It’s not politically correct to be critical of others, but when we see ungodliness, we need to call it what it is, rather than ignoring it or sweeping it under the rug.

 

Application

Are you living for God? Is He your supreme authority? Are you doing all you can to be pleasing to Him? Well done! But, are you exposing and resisting evil at the same time? That’s what light does to darkness. Be light in a dark world.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:10 – Just Do It!

Posted on by Will

discovering what is pleasing to the Lord.

Truth to Learn

We please God by doing, not just knowing.

 

Behind the Words

“Discovering” is from the Greek word dokimadzō. The basic meaning of this word is “to test something to determine its worth.” It is the word used of testing a precious metal like gold by subjecting it to extreme heat. This process burns off the dross, leaving only the pure metal which can then be weighed to determine its value. It is used here as a participle indicating ongoing action (not just a one-time event). In a metaphorical sense, this word indicates the process of discovering the true content of something by the process of testing it. This seems to be the sense of what Paul is teaching us.

The word “pleasing” is translated from the Greek noun euarestos, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and areskō, meaning “to please.” Therefore, euarestos refers to something that is “well pleasing” or “very pleasing.”

“Lord” is translated from kurios, which is based on the word kuros, meaning “supremacy.” Thus, kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority over someone else.

 

Meaning Explained

In order to fully understand the meaning of today’s verse we have to read it along with verse eight, omitting verse nine, which is a parenthetical clause. Thus, we have:

For you were once darkness, but now are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light …  discovering what is pleasing to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8, 10)

From this we see that the purpose of us walking as children of light is that we might be continually proving (or discovering) what pleases God. The use of the Greek word dokimadzō here is unusual. However, it is used in a similar manner in Romans 12:2 which reads:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The word in Romans 12:2 translated “prove” is dokimadzō. The sense of this word in both today’s verse and Romans 12:2 seems to be that of discovering by experience. By walking as children of light (displaying goodness, righteousness, and truth), we learn what it is that pleases God.

There is a very important principle here that we must not miss. The blessings of a close fellowship with God cannot be experienced by gaining a head-knowledge about what He wants from us. We must put into practice what we learn. Yes, it’s important to study the Bible, but in order to please God we have to live what we learn! Only then can we truly discover what pleases Him. I think that’s what James was getting at when he said:

Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (James 2:18b)

 

Application

In order to receive all the blessings from God that you possibly can, you have to be a blessing to Him? Not only do you have to learn how He wants you to live, you have to put it into practice.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:9 – Goodness, Righteousness, and Truth

Posted on by Will

for the fruit of the light is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth,

Truth to Learn

We should always exhibit goodness, righteousness, and truth.

 

Behind the Words

The word “fruit” is translated from the Greek word karpos, which is derived from the same base as harpadzō, meaning “to pluck” or “to take by force.” Karpos can refer to fruit taken from a tree or any edible thing taken from plants. Paul uses this word metaphorically, referring to the effects of, or result of, a force or an action.

The word “light” is phōs, which we learned in the previous verse, refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment. In some later manuscripts, this word is replaced by pneumatos, which is based on the verb pneō, meaning “to breathe” or “to blow.” Pneumatos literally refers to “a current of air.” Figuratively, it refers to “a spirit” or “a ghost.”

 “Goodness” is from agathōsunē, based on agathos (good or useful). The sunē ending indicates an abstraction from the base noun. Thus, agathōsunē refers to the general characteristic of goodness or usefulness.

“Righteousness” is from dikaiosunē, which is based on the noun dikaios, meaning “just” or “righteous.” As with agathōsunē, t he sunē ending indicates an abstraction from the base noun. Therefore, dikaiosunē refers to “justice” or “righteousness.”

“Truth” is from alētheia, which refers to “truth” or “reality.”

 

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is one that exhibits a minor variation between the two most often used Greek texts. In this verse the Received Text (from which the KJV and NKJV are taken) reads “fruit of the Spirit” and the Wescott-Hort text (from which the NASB, NIV, ESV, and others are taken) reads “fruit of the light.” Nowhere else in the New Testament does “fruit of the light” appear, but only one other place has “fruit of the spirit” (Galatians 5:22). Both versions make sense and contain teaching that is profitable for all Christians. So to me, it really doesn’t matter which one is the “right” text.

I use my own translation in these studies because I prefer a more literal translation of the Greek, whereas others contain more interpretation and paraphrasing in their translations. Having said all that, I find that the phrase “fruit of the light” makes more sense in today’s verse. Here’s why: In the previous verse Paul said we previously were darkness but now are light and he said that we are to walk as “children of light.” It makes perfect sense that he would now tell us something about walking as children of light.

The fruit that we are to exhibit in our lives is to be characterized by goodness, righteousness, and truth. That which is bad is obviously not from God. That which is unjust or unfair is obviously not from God. That which is false or which is based on falsehood is obviously not from God.

 

Application

What we have to ask ourselves today is not whether the fruit of our thoughts and actions are fruit of the Spirit or fruit of the light. What we have to ask ourselves is, “Do our thoughts and actions demonstrate that God is our Father?” As God’s children we are to exhibit goodness, righteousness, and truth! Do you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:8 – Live the Light

Posted on by Will

For you were once darkness, but now are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Truth to Learn

Christians are to demonstrate the light of God in our lives.

 

Behind the Words

“Once” is translated from pote, which means “at some time.” It can be used with reference to either past of future time. It can also refer to a specific point in time or to a period of time. Given that the verb translated “you were” is expressed in the imperfect tense (continual or repeated action in the past), the opening part of this verse could be translated as, “For a period of time in the past you were …”

The word translated “darkness” is skotos. This is derived from the word skia, meaning “shade” or “a shadow.” Skotos is used in the Bible to refer either to physical darkness or spiritual darkness (the absence of God’s spiritual enlightening).

“Light” is from phōs, which is based on the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make apparent.” Phōs refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment.

The word “walk” is translated from peripateō, meaning “to walk around.” Paul uses this word as a metaphor for how a person lives his or her life. It is expressed here as a command.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul started off this chapter telling us that we should be imitators of God. He said we should do so by walking in love. In other words we should be living our lives loving others in the same way that God showed His love for us. That is to say, we should always be looking out for the good of others instead of our own good. Paul then gave us an example of heretical teaching that had crept into the church. This teaching focused on satisfying our own fleshly desires in spite of the fact that doing so is offensive to God. Paul said, “Don’t even begin to walk down the road that these deceivers talk about!”

Now Paul gives us more instruction as to how we should live our lives. He tells us to “walk as children of light.” He says that in the past we were darkness; not in darkness, we were darkness. Throughout the Bible there is a continual comparison of light and darkness. In 1John we read:

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1John 1:5b)

This “light” is not just a reference to that light that we are able to perceive with our physical senses; it is also a reference to the enlightenment, the awareness and understanding, of the truth about who God is and what He wants from us. But, there is also a third type of “light” that is referred to in the Bible, and it is God’s holiness. In contrast to the light of God’s holiness is the darkness of our sin. And, in contrast to God’s light in all three of these meanings is the darkness of mankind:

men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19b)

In view of these facts, and the knowledge that we Christians are children of God (who is light), we are commanded to live our lives visibly out in the open with an understanding of God and separated from sinfulness and those who cling to it.

 

Application

God has rescued us from our sinfulness, with its eternal penalty, and has given us the knowledge of who He is and what He wants. So, let our lives show forth that light which is in us.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:7 – Saved? Really?

Posted on by Will

Therefore do not become partakers with them.

Truth to Learn

You can’t be a child of God and still live like the Devil.

 

Behind the Words

The word “become” is translated from the Greek verb ginomai, which means “to begin to be” or “to become.”

“Partakers” is from summetochos, which is a double compound word. It is composed of sun, meaning “together” (which we see in English as the prefix “syn”), meta, meaning “with,” and echo, meaning “to have.” Thus, summetochos literally means “having together with,” that is, sharing or partaking of something together with others.

 

Meaning Explained

It is interesting to note that Paul does not say “Quit being fellow partakers with them.” Instead he says, “Don’t begin to be fellow partakers with them.” Don’t even start down that road! Paul has been talking about those who are teaching that it’s okay for Christians to indulge in sinful sexual practices. These false teachers believed that since all of our sins have been forgiven, we can indulge ourselves in our sinful desires and God’s grace will cover it all. In effect, they saw salvation as a “get out of Hell free” card. They decided they wanted the best of both worlds – the indulgence of all pleasurable things, no matter what God might think of them, along with eternity in the presence of the God who saved them.

Now, many of us can think of people we’ve known who lived a life of committed Christian service for years and then turned away from God. They left the church and are now living a life of sinful indulgence. “What about them?” you might ask. “Are they still saved?” To that question I have two scripture passages to quote. The first is:

For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. (1Corinthians 11:30)

Paul said this in reference to communion. Basically, he said that any Christian who partakes of communion while he or she is living in blatant sin is subject to God’s judgment of sickness or even death. The other verse that comes to mind is,

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and and its lust; but he who is doing the will of God abides forever. … They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they left that it might be revealed, that none of them were of us. (1John 2:16, 17, 19)

There are people who have professed the name of Christ, who have learned how to act like a Christian, knowing all the right things to say, who never really got saved. They never really submitted themselves to God, and they have since left the church because they are not one of God’s children. They may have even been teachers in the church, perhaps even claiming that you can be a Christian and still live in sin. They may even still think themselves to be saved, but they will be horribly surprised when they appear before their God, their Judge!

 

Application

Instead of worrying about whether or not a former church member is saved (or whether that person “lost” their salvation), let’s focus on our own relationship with God. Does it bother you when you sin against God? If so, that’s good. Or can you sin without it bothering you? Are you sure?!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:6 – Don’t Be Deceived

Posted on by Will

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Truth to Learn

Don’t believe everything you hear being taught about the Bible.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “deceive” is apataō, which means “to deceive” or “to seduce into error.” This word and a compound of it (exapataō) are used in the description of the trickery that Satan used on Adam and Eve in 1Timothy 2:14 and 2Corinthians 11:3. The word is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. Again, note that the word “let” does not refer to permitting something to happen, it is a command of what not to do.

“Empty” is from kenos, meaning “empty” or “hollow.” Metaphorically, it refers to that in which there is no truth.

“Wrath” is from the word orgē, which we saw back in Ephesians 4:26, where it was translated “angry.” The Greek word refers to “excitement of the mind” and generally refers to the inner emotion, although it is also sometimes used of the outward display of that emotion as in Revelation 19:15.

Apeitheia is the Greek word translated “disobedience.” It is a compound word made up of the negative particle a and a form of peithō, meaning “to persuade” or “to convince.” This word here refers to those people who have not been persuaded or convinced of the truth of the Gospel, they do not believe. Because of their lack of belief, they do not obey (or even recognize) God’s authority over them. Therefore, they are called “sons of disobedience.” This could just as well be translated as “sons of disbelief.”

 

Meaning Explained

During the early years of the church, just as today, Satan was actively at work trying to deceive true believers. In Paul’s day there were those in the church who taught that since we are saved by grace and our salvation is secured by the seal of the Holy Spirit, we can sin all we want. In fact, they said, by indulging in sinful pleasures we make God’s grace even greater. Paul was responding to this philosophy when he wrote,

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? May it not be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? (Romans 6:1-2)

These philosophers were not outside the church, openly attacking the flock, they were false teachers within the church in positions of authority, delivering great sounding messages cleverly designed to deceive. As I’ve said before, don’t blindly believe everything you hear from a preacher. Whether he’s in the pulpit of your own church, on television, on the radio, on the internet, or on the street corner, check what is being proclaimed against what the Bible actually says. If something doesn’t sound quite right, it probably isn’t. Check it out, do your own study, and dig for the truth like gold.

We all like to think of our Heavenly Father as a God of love, which He is, but He is also described as a God of wrath. Here we see one such example. It is true that He is not willing (desirous) that any should perish (2Peter 3:9), but those people who reject His offer of salvation will experience His wrath firsthand. For those of us who are saved, God has forgiven all of our sins (past, present and future), but each one we commit adds just a little more torture to Jesus’ experience on the cross.

 

Application

If you are truly saved then you will want to resist sinning and you will be sorry when you do sin. So – if you can sin without guilt, then you had better check, because you may not have God’s seal of ownership. Are you truly sealed?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:5 – How’s Your Behavior?

Posted on by Will

For know this, recognizing that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous person, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Truth to Learn

Christians should act like Christians, not heathens.

 

Behind the Words

The words “know this, recognizing” are translated from the two Greek words este ginōskontes. The word este means “you (plural) are.” However, the better texts have iste ginōskontes. The word iste is a form of eidō, meaning “to see” or “to perceive.” Ginōskontes is a participial form of ginōskō (to know or understand). Now, whereas eidō suggests intuitive knowledge or understanding, ginōskō suggests acquired or experiential knowledge. Iste is expressed here in the imperative mood, therefore the opening part of this verse should be translated as “… know this, recognizing (by your own experience) that …”

The words “fornicator,” “unclean person,” and “covetous man” are based on the same root words as “fornication,” “uncleanness,” and “greediness,” which we saw in verse three. In that verse they referred to the sinful actions, whereas in this verse they refer to the people who habitually perform such sinful actions.

“Inheritance” is translated from klēronomia. This is based on klēros, which refers to a “lot” or “portion” and nemō, meaning “to hold.” Thus klēronomia refers to the possession of a portion of an inheritance.

 

Meaning Explained

In verse three Paul introduced three types of life styles that he said are not “appropriate” for Christians. He told us that we should be walking in love instead. Then, in verse four he talked about avoiding other actions (obscenity, foolish talking, and coarse jesting) that exemplify the three lifestyles mentioned in verse three.

He now explains why fornication, uncleanness, and greediness are not appropriate for us. To the first century Greek mind a fornicator was someone whose life was defined by fornication. Likewise, an unclean person or a covetous person was not someone who occasionally committed an act of uncleanness or of greediness; it was someone whose life was characterized by uncleanness or greediness. So, Paul is not saying that anyone who occasionally covets something will be barred from heaven. If that were the case, none of us would be part of God’s kingdom. What Paul is saying is that since those fornicators, unclean people, and covetousness people will not be part of God’s kingdom, then we Christians should not resemble them in any of our actions.

Notice, now, that Paul equates covetousness with idolatry. Idolatry is when we consider anything in God’s creation of greater value than God Himself. In other words, when we have a greater desire for “stuff” than for acquiring a close personal relationship with God, we are worshipping an idol.

Let me give you an example from my own life. When I was in college, I had a beautiful little sports car. I loved that car. I kept it clean and waxed, looking beautiful. I enjoyed driving it and being seen in that car. Through a series of unexplainable events (read this as “God caused certain things to happen”) the hood of the car received a huge, ugly gash in it. And it happened on the day that my car insurance expired while I was driving it to the insurance office to reinstate my insurance. I quickly realized that this car had become an idol to me and God effectively tarnished my idol! I had to drive that car with the ugly gash in the hood for several years. It was a constant reminder to me that my relationship with God is more important than “stuff.”

 

Application

Do your actions give evidence that you are part of God’s family or do you resemble people of the world and those who worship idols? Let’s all recommit ourselves to living like God’s children and to confessing and forsaking everything else.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:4 – Not Sin, Thanks

Posted on by Will

and obscenity, and foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

Truth to Learn

Don’t do these sins. Instead, give thanks to God.

 

Behind the Words

“Obscenity” is from the Greek word aischrotēs, which is from aischros, meaning “indecent.” Aischrotēs refers to any kind of shameful conduct. It refers to conduct which, if done in God’s presence, would make a person embarrassed or ashamed.

The words “foolish talking” are translated from mōrologia, which is made up of mōros (from which we get our English word “moron”), meaning foolish, and legō, meaning “to speak.”

“Coarse jesting” is translated from eutrapelia, which is composed or eu, meaning “good” or “well” but also interpreted as “easily” and a form of trepō, meaning “to turn.” Thus, the root meaning of this word is “well turned” or “easily turned.” In a positive sense it is a reference to a person who is quick witted and can easily turn a phrase. In a negative sense it refers to someone who can take ordinary speech and make it vulgar or crude. This seems to be Paul’s intent in today’s verse.

Anēkō is the word translated “proper.” It is made up of ana, meaning “up” and hēkō, meaning “to come here.” So, we can see that the root meaning of anēkō is “to come up here,” that is, “to reach a certain point.” It is a picture of reaching up to an expected limit. You may recall from yesterday’s verse that prepō (to heap up) is an expression of what is suitable or proper. Anēkō is a similar idiom referring to something that has measured up to a given standard.

“Giving of thanks” is translated from the Greek noun eucharistia, which refers to gratitude, thankfulness, or thanksgiving.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that God has made every Christian a saint. That is to say that God has “set us apart” from the world to a place where we are usable by Him. In verse thirty of the previous chapter we learned that we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, which means that God will complete His promise of salvation without fail. Does that mean that we can live however we want, knowing that our salvation is guaranteed? Absolutely not! Paul addresses this very question in the sixth chapter of Romans where he says:

knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be nullified, that we should no longer be servants of sin. (Romans 6:6)

Before salvation, we were owned by sin, we couldn’t avoid it. But now we have been set free. We have a choice to sin or not to sin. That doesn’t mean we can’t sin or we don’t sin, for we can, and we do. Whenever we let our “old man” (our sin nature) have control, we do things that are not fitting, not proper, and not appropriate for Christians. Paul mentioned some of these things in yesterday’s verse, and now he mentions a few others.

We Christians should live our lives with the realization that Jesus Christ is standing (or sitting) beside us. We should not do things that would make us ashamed in His presence. We should not use language that is dirty or offensive to Him. We should not talk like the morons we used to be. Instead, we should spend our lives giving thanks to God for EVERYTHING!

 

Application

Do you still have trouble with some of the sins Paul has mentioned in the past two verses. Overcome that problem by giving thanks to God for everything in your life.

In God's service, for His glory,

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