finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
Truth to Learn
We please God by doing, not just knowing.
Behind the Words
“Finding out” 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. Metaphorically, dokimadzō is sometimes used to indicate an examination of something to gain a fuller understanding. In other words, it means “to discover” or “find out.” This seems to be the sense in which Paul uses the word in this verse. It is used here as a participle indicating ongoing action (not just a one-time event).
The word “acceptable” 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 you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light … proving what is acceptable 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 here 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 © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.