14 – Building the body of Christ

Ephesians 4:7-16

7 Now to each one of us was given this grace, according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says,

“Ascending on high he led captivity captive;
he gave gifts to men.”

9 Now “he ascended,” what is it, except that he also descended to the lower regions of the earth? 10 The one who descended himself is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order that he might fill all things.

11 And he himself gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as pastors and teachers 12 for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to a measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be infants, tossed about by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching, by the trickery of people, by craftiness with reference to the scheming of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.

(LEB)

The title of this section is ‘The building of the body of Christ’ – because in reality that’s what Paul is talking about. Notice that this section begins with the notion of ‘each one’ in verse 7 and ends with ‘each part’ in verse 16. Without question, the importance of each person doing his or her part in the body is undeniable! There is one thing that ‘each one of us’ who are saved by the redemption found in Christ has received:

7 Now to each one of us was given this grace, according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 

Believers have received the grace necessary to fulfill their own part, to do what they have been called to do within the body of Christ. No one can say that he or she is not capable of doing their part in the Body of Christ, for the Lord God has given them the grace ‘according to the measure of Christ’s gift’. The word ‘measure’ (METRON) means; a limited portion, a decree. What we see is that the brethren have all received some measure, some portion of a special spiritual gift. This, of course, is for the benefit of the Body of Christ.

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Since Paul writes ‘to each one’, this confirms that ALL the children of God have received this empowerment from above. Not knowing what gift is ours does not mean that we have none, it simply means that it has not yet been discovered. God calls us to be active, he also equips us to be able to do so. What is needed is our DETERMINATION to use this gift. This grace has been given:

(v.7) …according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Here we see that Christ is the giver of the grace, he is the provider of the grace we need to serve in his Body. The word ‘gift’ (DOREA) means: a gratuity, a gift. There is nothing we can actually do to get such or such a gift. We are called to earnestly desire certain gifts but it is the Lord who has the final decision.

1 Corinthians 12

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

(NKJV)

As we will see, some receive different graces to be able to do different things or ministries (if you prefer) within and without the body of Christ. Although believers are all called to be active in the Body of Christ, they are not all called to do the same things.

8 Therefore it says,

“Ascending on high he led captivity captive;
he gave gifts to men.”

9 Now “he ascended,” what is it, except that he also descended to the lower regions of the earth? 10 The one who descended himself is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order that he might fill all things.

Verse eight is a quote from Ps. 68:18 and it seems that Paul gives this verse a Christological point of view. Speaking of Christ who was victor and gave gifts to his people.

9 Now “he ascended,” what is it, except that he also descended to the lower regions of the earth? 

If ‘he ascended’ means that Christ went to the heavenlies (Eph. 1:20) and sits at the right hand of the Father what does ‘he also descended to the lower regions of the earth’ mean? It seems that Paul is bringing in opposition the heavens, and the earth. If Christ ascended to the highest point, he also descended to earths lowest point – taking on flesh and living as a man. He stooped to the humblest condition as this Psalm tells us:

Psalms 139

15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

(NKJV)

In verse ten, Paul gives his readers an explanation for Christ’s humiliation and exaltation.

10 The one who descended himself is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order that he might fill all things.

It is ‘in order that he might fill all things’ (Eph. 1:10, 22; 3:9). Christ is creator and sustainer of all things. He is the Lord of lord and the King of kings. He therefore fills ‘all things’.

In verse 11, Paul gives more details about certain graces that have been given.

11 And he himself gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as pastors and teachers 

He only names a few, but they all have something in common - they all have to do with the establishing of the Body of Christ. Please notice that

11 And he himself gave…

We first of all see that Jesus is the dispenser of grace and that he determines who will do what within his body – the church. Jesus gives the ministries within his Body and we also see in 1 Corinthians 12-14 that it is the Holy Spirit who dispenses the ‘spiritual gifting’ within the body. Paul will speak of four ministries that are the foundation of a healthy church.

1. Apostles: Those were the ones who were chosen as special witnesses of the life and resurrection of Christ Jesus; the original 12 and when Judas hanged himself, he was replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26). Paul was not an original apostle although he received the mandate of an apostle to the Gentiles (Gal. 2:9).

1. Prophets: These disciples spoke in the name of God, receiving from him what they were to say or teach. They were often heard within the churches, encouraging the brethren to walk in the Lord.

1. Evangelists: These people were specially equipped to bring the ‘Good News’ to others. They had a burning desire to see souls come to the cross. An example of this is Philip who was an evangelist (Acts 21:8)

1. Pastor-teacher: In the Greek, it is not two different people as pastor AND teacher but actually a pastor-teacher. These men would lead the congregation and expound the word of God, teaching who God is and what He expects from his children.

These are the basic ministries that are needed to establish healthy churches. Today we no longer have apostles because to be one you needed to have not only seen Christ in the flesh but also to have been with him from his baptism to his resurrection (Acts 1:21,22) Today we have prophets in the sense that some are specially called to be the ‘heralds’ or ‘proclaimers’ of the message of God (Luther, Calvin, Spurgeon, etc.). Unfortunately, many believe that a prophet is a person who foresees the future. This is sometimes true, but a study of the bible will reveal that many of the prophets who the Lord sent were men who mostly reminded and warned people of what God has already said. Not everyone is a Daniel or a John the ‘revelator’ – far from it! We certainly have evangelists today, some are well known such as Billy Graham, Dwight Moody and Hudson Taylor. Others are not known but evangelize openly in their daily lives. And finally, there are Pastor-Teachers, who take care of a group of believers in a local church. Whatever ministry we have received, one thing is certain – we have received the grace to be able to do it and to do it well!

We now come to the question ‘WHY’ – why has God established apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor-teachers?

12 for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 

The prophets proclaim God’s will, the evangelists proclaim God’s salvation and the pastor-teachers proclaim God’s calling. In other words, especially for a pastor-teacher’s ministry, people receive these spiritual gifts not to cater to the needs of God’s people (although they should care for them), nor is it to win a popularity contest (although it’s wonderful to be liked by others). The pastor-teacher – teaches God’s people – God’s word, so that they will do God’s bidding (or works if you prefer). Again, we must ask the question ‘WHY’ – why prepare God’s people?

First, ‘for the equipping of the saints’. It is their sacred duty to equip those who have called upon the name of Jesus to be saved from the coming judgment. The word ‘equipping’ (KATARTISMOS) means: complete furnishing, perfecting. The job is not done until the disciple has been fully educated in the things of the Lord. Teaching is primary in the disciple’s life. No one can say ‘I have learned enough’!

Second, ‘for the work of the ministry’. Filling up the disciples with knowledge is not the objective per say. Once knowledge has been received, the disciple needs to ‘work’ in the ministry he has been equipped for. The word ‘work’ (ERGON) means: to work, toil, an effort. The disciple needs to go out there and get working. Many have good knowledge of the Lord, but fewer are those who actually do what they know what they ought to be doing.

Third, ‘for building up the body of Christ’. The word ‘building up’ (OIKODOME) means: a structure, a building or edifying. The third aspect of the gifts given, is for the betterment of the local church. A building always needs repairs so that it will keep its beauty and function. So, does the body of Christ. All believers need to be edified and encouraged, for if they are not, they will not be able to minister like they should.

When believers do ‘works of service’ something happens, that will not happen if they are not done. The body is build up! In other words, when we do God’s work it builds people up, it strengthens them. It gives and procures something wonderful, as we work, we also receive, as we work, we are also filled!

When we are active for the Lord, we are not the only ones who are built up – so are the people who we help. They are encouraged, because they see that God provides help through the brethren. It is a win-win situation. Whether you do the works or receive the works – you are built up by the Lord. These works of service (ministries) that God has prepared for us, this ‘building up the body of Christ’ has four facets and they are all found in verse thirteen.

13 until we all reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to a measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ,

The first is:

(v.13) …until we all reach the unity of the faith

When we care for each other, when we are there for each other, when we take time for each other – it will unite us in the faith. There is no better way to be united than through tangible acts of kindness towards each other. This unity will bring us not only closer as human beings but mostly in our common faith.

We will glorify the Lord, for those who have thought of us and cared for us in difficult times. Knowing that someone out there has your best interest at heart, certainly encourages your faith.

The second is:

(v.13) …and the knowledge of the Son of God

We can acquire knowledge through our bible studies and personal reading but what better way to ‘see’ Jesus than through our active brothers and sisters? We can be witnesses of God’s grace, patience, forbearing and providence through the life of the brethren.

The third is:

(v.13) …to a mature man

No longer will we be children expecting everything to come to us. We will no longer will we be spoon-fed. When we do works of service, we become the ones who take care of others and by doing so we GROW in Christ. We become mature, when we are giving instead of taking. Being mature is a balance between knowledge AND being active in the Lord. Remember what James wrote:

James 1

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;

24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

(NKJV)

The forth is:

(v.13) …to a measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ,

This is the goal for all believers - to grow in Christ, therefore becoming a mature disciple. We are not called to remain babies in Christ, but to grow.

Hebrews 5

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

(NKJV)

In verse fourteen, Paul will speak about the IMPORTANCE OF MATURITY.

14 so that we may no longer be infants, tossed about by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching, by the trickery of people, by craftiness with reference to the scheming of deceit. 

And once more, Paul gives four reasons concerning the importance of being mature in Christ. All four are found in verse fourteen.

The first is:

(v.14) …so that we may no longer be infants

An infant is ‘cute’ but no parent desires his child to remain an infant. Christ does not want us to stay as an infant in our faith and service. He does not want us to always be on the receiving end. As we have seen before, MATURITY is when we stop being child-like and act as grows-up disciples.

The second is:

(v.14) …tossed about by waves

This gives the picture of not being anchored in our lives and in our faith. We should be able to stand up and face whatever is thrown at us by life or the enemy. Disciples should be strong and stand solidly on Christ, who is the foundation of our faith. We should not be pushed around and beaten up by every adversity that comes along.

The third is:

(v.14) …and carried about by every wind of teaching,

This time maturity is manifested in the spiritual realm. Maturity makes us able to discern what teachings are right or wrong, what teachings come from God or from the enemy!

Romans 12

2 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.

(NKJV)

There should be no more tossing here and there, just because somebody says something new or different.

The fourth is:

(v.14) …by the trickery of people

Maturity is now manifested in wisdom in regards with the schemes of men. We should no more be caught by cunning, crafty and deceitful plans of people who are our spiritual enemies.

Once again, Paul speaks of being ‘grown up’ in Christ.

15 But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ, 

So, our standard of maturity is CHRIST. Maturity is also manifested through the way we speak. It is one thing to tell the truth of Christ but quite another to do so ‘in love’! To the Colossians Paul wrote:

Colossians 4

6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

(NKJV)

Paul ends with a picture of what the entire Body becomes in Christ.

16 from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.

• A mature body is joined together and held together.

• A mature body is supported by every ligament.

• A mature body has each single part working.

• A mature body grows and builds itself up in LOVE.

May all disciples of Christ realize that they are part of the body of Christ (the Church) and that each and every one needs to seek out his spiritual gift and do the works that the Lord has prepared for him. When all do this, the church will be in good health and bear fruit for the Lord.

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15 – The New Man

(Eph. 4:17-24)

17 This therefore I say and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the Gentiles walk: in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart, 19 who, becoming callous, gave themselves over to licentiousness, for the pursuit of all uncleanness in greediness.

20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard about him, and you were taught by him (just as truth is in Jesus), 22 that you take off, according to your former way of life, the old man, who is being destroyed according to deceitful desires, 23 be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth.

(LEB)

Paul has already taught us that we must ‘live in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called’ (4:1). I must admit that I do not often see myself as having a HIGHER calling – from God Himself. I see myself as my physical eyes see me, with all my weaknesses, sins and failures. But I am called to look at myself with my spiritual eyes and see myself as the Lord Himself sees me. My life should be transformed because of my celestial calling. In this section, we will be taught what this Celestial calling actually means in our everyday living.

17 This therefore I say and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the Gentiles walk: in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart, 19 who, becoming callous, gave themselves over to licentiousness, for the pursuit of all uncleanness in greediness.

Paul begins with a word of insistence and by doing so, he manifests the utmost importance of what he will write. Two words are used to manifest the gravity of the matter. The first is the word ‘say’ (LEGO) meaning: to set forth, a set discourse or speech.

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This is not some sort of random, babbling thoughts he is putting on paper but serious words. They are so serious that the second word he uses is ‘testify’ (MARTUROMAI) which means: to be a witness, to testify. He is actually testifying ‘in the Lord’. Not only is the Lord a witness of what will be said but Paul is actually a witness FROM the Lord to the Ephesians! It is as though Paul testifying to us in a heavenly court in favor of God. By reading this passage you become a witness of Paul’s testimony of what must now also happen in your life. This is the testimony of the Lord given to Paul for ALL believers, not only the Ephesians but all who would come to the saving faith.

(v.17) …that you no longer walk as the Gentiles walk

Our ‘walk’ (PERIPATEO) means: to tread all around, walk at large. This needs to change! We are called to no longer do certain things, we are called to set aside some things, we are called to totally abandon other things. This is what believers are called to abandon - the way the Gentiles live. In this case by Gentiles (ETHNOS), Paul refers to those who have not come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Ephesians had become children of God and were expected to live as such.

We were all taught by our parents not to live a certain way, not to ‘hang around’ with a certain crowd or that we don’t do things like that. Our heavenly Father, who abundantly loves us, tells us not to live like the Gentiles – we also no longer do things like that. Our way of living is different than what we see on TV, or read about in magazines, or see on the Internet. Our way of living can not be compared with our neighbors, or friends at work, or our non- believing relatives.

Paul will give seven reasons why our lives should not look like the Gentiles and they are found in verses seventeen and eighteen.

1. We cannot be like Gentiles because of the ‘futility of their mind’ (v.17)

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The word ‘futility’ (MATAIOTES) actually means: inutility, depravity or vanity. The believer’s life should not be like the Gentiles’ lives because their lives are empty and have no profit in themselves. The way that they think, brings a lot of nothing and gives nothing and profits nothing in life! How many people without Christ do we know, that have a truly satisfying life? It’s the way that they think (which opposes God) that bears this fruit of emptiness and profitless. Not so for us because we have the mind of Christ!

1 Corinthians 2

14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

16 For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

(NKJV)

2. We cannot be like Gentiles because they are ‘being darkened in their understanding’. (v.18)

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Our lives should not be like theirs, because their understanding is darkened.

18 being darkened in understanding,

The word ‘darkened’ (SKOTIZO) means: to obscure, to darken (in Greek) and the word ‘understanding’ (DIANONIA) means: deep thoughts or the faculty of the mind.

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A blind person may have a correct mind even though his eyes are obscure and only see darkness. But a non-believing person has a mind that is in darkness and can only produce dark empty reflections even if he can see with his eyes! Their minds are not only empty and profitless for them. Their minds, their capacity to think things out is obscure and totally in the dark. Their reasoning can never be right, honorable and credible before God, just as a blind man cannot describe the colors of the leaves of a maple tree in autumn! Not so for the believer, because our mind has passed from darkness unto the light. As with the blind man to whom Christ gave back his sight, we can also spiritually say:

John 9

25 …One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see."

(NKJV)

We can now reason, because we are in the light of Christ.

3. We cannot be like Gentiles because they are ‘alienated from the life of God.’ (v.18)

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Our lives should not be like theirs because we are alive in Christ while they are still living in spiritual death.

(v.18) …alienated from the life of God

The word ‘alienated’ (APALLOTRIOO) means: to estrange away, to be non-participant. They have no unity with God, they have no communion with God, they cannot approach God, they are enemies of God (Rom. 5:10; Phil. 3:18) and all that is godly!

They do not see God or taste God or feel God. They are like stillborn babies – not a breath of life in them. How can we be like them when we have in us the very giver of life? How can we act like them having been born anew? We have been drawn close to God, we now bear His name and are His children! We are united with God, because of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 4

4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"

7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

(NKJV)

4. We cannot be like Gentiles because of the ignorance that is in them. (v.18)

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They may know many things, they may be smarter than we are. But they lack the greatest knowledge of all – the mystery that lies in Jesus Christ!

(v.18) …because of the ignorance that is in them

They are filled with ‘ignorance’ (AGNOIA) which means not to know in Greek. This is either through lack of information or lack of intelligence. They believe that they can live meaningful and intelligent lives but there is a lack of what truly has any eternal worth. Not so for us because we are not ignorant of the plans and mysteries of God for, they have been revealed in his Word and also by the Holy Spirit.

​

We have a spiritual knowledge that they greatly lack which makes all the difference in life. Believers are called to not be ignorant of spiritual truths (Rom. 11:25; 1 Cor. 12:1; 2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Thes. 4:13)

5. We cannot be like Gentiles because of their ‘hardened hearts’. (v.18)

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Another reason Paul gives the Ephesians that they should no longer walk as the Gentiles do, is because of the state of their hearts.

(v.18) …because of the hardness of their heart

The word ‘hardness’ (POROSIS) means stupidity or blindness. In other words, their hearts are blind or hardened before spiritual truths. Their hearts are like a rock which water cannot penetrate. Even if their hearts would soak in the Living Waters for years and years it would not change a single thing, because they are too hard. The seeds of the Gospel cannot take root, the ground (their hearts) is too hard. Remember what Jesus said in his parable of the four grounds:

18 "Therefore hear the parable of the sower:

19 "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

20 "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;

21 "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

22 "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

23 "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

(NKJV)

Gentiles have hearts as ‘stony places’ (v.20). This is not so with believers. Our hearts have been changed, more than that we have been given a new hearts (Ez. 36:26) – which welcomes all that is of God.

6. We cannot be like Gentiles because they have lost all sensitivity. (v.19)

19 who, becoming callous…

The word ‘callous’ (APALGEO) means: to become apathetic. Gentiles are indifferent to true spiritual things. They are past being able to have any desire for them. They are spiritually numb inside, ice cold, untouchable, not being able to detect any true feelings within themselves about God. They have feelings, but not for the things of God, for they desire and thirst for things of darkness.

Psalms 16

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.

10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

(NKJV)

But not so with us, we have been revived, we now can truly feel the way we were meant to feel about the Lord. We desire to be with him and serve him.

7. Finally we cannot be like Gentiles because they have given themselves to sensuality. (v.19)

(v.19) …gave themselves over to licentiousness, for the pursuit of all uncleanness in greediness.

Notice that the Gentiles ‘gave themselves over’ to this lifestyle. It seems that they have little shame or embarrassment towards their sinful life style. Their dark hearts love ‘licentiousness’ (ASELGEIA) meaning: filthiness, wantonness. They are like swine that love to roll in the mud. They cannot hold themselves back, they love all ‘uncleanness’ (AKATHARSIA) meaning: physical or moral impurity.

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Gentiles desire the things of darkness. It’s in their blood, in their minds, in their hearts and they are never satisfied – always wanting more and more. This is not so with true believers – they can hold back, they can master, they can say no to the filth of this world. And when they do fall, they come to the cross for forgiveness and start once more on the right path.

These are the seven reasons why the Ephesians are called to no longer live the way Gentiles do. We will also be able to do this if we follow what the apostle Paul reminds the Ephesians to do in verses 20 to 24.

20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard about him, and you were taught by him (just as truth is in Jesus), 22 that you take off, according to your former way of life, the old man, who is being destroyed according to deceitful desires, 23 be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth.

This is the turning point of our section. Paul has taught why we can no longer live as Gentiles, now he will teach how this fundamental change occurs.

20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard about him, and you were taught by him (just as truth is in Jesus), 

Paul begins with the learning process. All disciples are called to be learning. Growing as a Disciple of Christ is a lifelong process which is called sanctification. When we are born-again, we are not instantly filled with all the knowledge and wisdom needed to perfectly reflect the beloved Son. We grow in Christ as we learn of him. When Paul writes ‘But you did not learn Christ in this way’ he is referring to the way Gentiles live. The word ‘learn’ (MANTHANO) means: to understand, to learn in any way. We were once taught how to live, by our family, friends and society but now we learn from a different person – Christ. When Paul writes ‘if indeed you have heard about him’ this gives us the possibility to believe that Paul did not take for granted that everyone who would hear or read his letter were automatically children of God. Back then, as it is today, not everybody in our gatherings are true Christians. May we never take for granted that one is born-again simply because he says so! Never forget that Jesus said to his disciples:

Matthew 7

16 "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?

17 "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

18 "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

(NKJV)

A final point to notice is ‘and you were taught by him’. Here we see that Disciples of Christ are personally taught by the Lord. We also know that the Holy Spirit teaches and guides in the truth (John 16:13). Let’s take a look at how our conduct changes from the way of the Gentiles to the way of the Lord.

22 that you take off, according to your former way of life, the old man, who is being destroyed according to deceitful desires, 23 be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth.

There are three facts Paul points out.

1. We are not to live as Gentiles but must take off the old man (v.22)

We must participate in this process, God gives us the grace to have victory but we must grasp it. We must first of all be determined to put off or take off the old self.

22 that you take off, according to your former way of life, the old man, who is being destroyed according to deceitful desires

In other words, we must take off (like we take a coat off) the old man. The ‘old man’ is a picture that Paul uses when he speaks of our old life, or the old ways of living before, we are saved. The ‘old man’ represents our old un-regenerated self, the fleshly desires that controlled us. Paul writes that the believer needs to ‘take off’ this ‘old man’. Paul explains we can do this in his letter to the Romans:

Romans 6

6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

(NKJV)

We need to understand what has happened at the cross and set aside what we were and close the door behind us. We must recognize that it is possible to take off the old man and stop saying ‘I just can’t change’. Sin has no compassion even for the person it uses to manifest itself. Listen to what Paul states: ‘who is being destroyed according to deceitful desires’. Sin only brings destruction, devastation and ruin. Its pleasure is short lived and it leaves the sinner deeper in regret and despair. By taking off the ‘old man’ we will no longer live as Gentiles.

2. We will be able not to live as Gentiles when we have a new attitude of mind (v.23)

The battlefield of the enemy is your mind! That is where he attacks you, that’s where he seeks to wound you.

23 be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 

Your mind is where the ‘old man’ desires to keep you enslaved to false beliefs. He who has your mind has all of you. That is why the Lord said that you need to love your God with all your heart, soul and MIND (Mat. 22:37) for that is the greatest of all the commandments. Our spiritual enemy also desires to possess your mind through wicked works (Col. 1:21). We are also told not to set our minds on the things of this world but on the things that are above (Col. 3:2) This new attitude of the mind springs from the word of God. Believing the word of God and practicing the word of God will wash away our old attitude. Our new attitude is saying, “Yes Lord, I can do it if you say so!” Notice that the word ‘renewed’ (ANADEIXIS) means: the act of showing. When believers are being ‘renewed in the spirit of your mind’ this gives the idea that it is not just a new way of thinking, but actually a new way of thinking AND living. We are never called to gather up facts but rather to live what we have gathered!

3. Finally, we will be able to not live as Gentiles when we put on the new man (v.24)

Once we have taken off the old self and have changed the attitude of our mind, the last step is to put on the new self.

24 and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth.

In other words, God wants us to wear something new (since we have taken off the old man). Again, we see that it is the believer’s responsibility to ‘put on the new man’. God will not do this for us. Let’s not forget that he has equipped all of his children with the capacity to walk anew by giving us his Holy Spirit who empowers us (Ps. 18:32,39). But what does this new person look like? He is created to look like the Son,

2 Corinthians 3

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

(NKJV)

This new person has three main traits of character. The first is ‘righteousness’ (DIKAIOSUNE) meaning: equity of character or act. The new man does things right, he thinks right and loves justice. He is virtuous and morally just. The second trait of character is ‘holiness’ (HOSIOTES) meaning: purity of character, pious, holy. He has the mind of Christ and acts upon it. He is honest and true. He has high standards of living and will not deter from them. He is a godly person, one who shines in the crowd. Finally, the last trait of character of this ‘new man’ is ‘truth’ (ALETHESIS) meaning: truth, true, verity. He speaks the truth and lives the truth. He can not be corrupted or be swayed from being truthful.

This is what the ‘new man’ looks like – does he look like you?

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16 – Grieving the Holy Spirit

Eph. 4:25-32

25 Therefore, putting aside the lie, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 The one who steals must steal no longer, but instead must labor, working with his own hands what is good, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. 29 No rotten word must proceed from your mouth, but only something good for the building up of the need, in order that it may give grace to those who hear, 30 and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, and rage, and wrath, and clamor, and abusive speech, must be removed from you, together with all wickedness. 32 Become kind toward one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as also God in Christ has forgiven you.

(LEB)

In this section the apostle Paul will divide things into two categories the things that should and the things that should not be done in our daily lives. This is a continuation from our lest section. Since the ‘old man’ has been taken off, this is what the ‘new man’ should and should not do. Did you know that all that we do will ULTIMATELY have an effect on our relationship with the Holy Spirit who the Lord God has given us for our guidance? God is very much interested with our conduct – the way we live. We have seen in 4:1 that we should conduct ourselves according to our heavenly calling. In 4:17 we also see that God does not want us to live as the Gentiles do. In this section, Paul will give plain lessons on the do’s and the do nots of everyday living as a Disciple of Christ. It will be profitable for every true believer to make a ‘check list’ as we go along. This is just to see how we measure up! Paul first begins with a list of the do nots.

25 Therefore, putting aside the lie, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 

The first DON’T begins with the tongue. This little member causes so much trouble and pain it is no wonder that he begins with it! Remember what James wrote about this little member?

James 3

5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

(NKJV)

Just as we were told to ‘put off’ the old man we are now told to ‘put aside’ all lies. The word ‘lie’ (PSEUDOS) means: falsehood, lies. Don’t use falsehood (speak truthfully is in the positive sense). Believers are told not to lie, to stretch the truth, to embellish things, and exaggerate things when we speak with each other. We are told to ‘speak the truth’. The truth often hurts and that is why we refrain from telling it. We do not want to hurt the person’s feelings. Or we may want to ‘fit in’ and ‘go along’ with what others say. We may want to ‘look good’ by exaggerating events or facts. Whatever the reason, it is not good before the Lord. Christians are called to stop lying simply because the brethren ‘are all members of one body!’ The word ‘members’ (MELOS) means: a limb, part of the body. They are the Body of Christ and we need to respect and esteem them. In a spiritual way, when we lie to the brethren we lie to Christ!

The second DON’T is, “Be angry and do not sin”.

26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, 

The word ‘angry’ (ORGIZO) means: to provoke, to be enraged, to become exasperated. Sometimes we can become exasperated with people and that is when our tongue may say things that are ungodly. It also may be a time when we act in a way that dishonors the Lord. Whether in speech or in action, believers are told ‘do not sin’.

​

The word ‘sin’ (HAMARTANO) means: to miss the mark, to err, to offend. If we are ‘not to sin’ that means that we need self-control, having our mind in control and not our emotions. It mostly means that we allow the Holy Spirit TO TAKE CONTROL of our entire being. We know that anger is a normal emotion that occurs when we have been attacked (in any form or fashion). The problem is not the anger, but the fruit of the anger in our hearts. If your anger makes you sin, then it is not godly anger. But if your anger makes you do something positive which glorifies the Lord, then it is righteous anger.

We also have a word of warning: ‘do not let the sun set on your anger’. There is a reason for this:

Hebrews 12

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

(NKJV)

When we do not pursue peace and holiness with people and keep anger in our hearts, it does not go away. It may become quiet but when the right time arrives it will spring forth and roar like a lion. The writer of Hebrews speaks of ‘any root of bitterness’. This bitterness in you will be the cause of sin. These weeds of anger will poison your life. This means that we have to settle or manage “anger moments” right away!

The third DON’T is: to ‘give a place to the devil’

 27 nor give place to the devil.

When we let the sun set on our anger, it opens up a door that becomes difficult to shut! The words ‘give place’ (TOPOS) means: a spot, a space or a location. Being angry and not settling the matter creates a ‘space’ in our heart and the devil will automatically fill that void. When holiness goes away – darkness rushes to take its place. We are not to ‘give place’ to the ‘devil’ (DIABOLOS) which means: false accuser, slanderer. He is called the accuser (Rev. 12:10), a murderer and the father of all lies (John 8:44). The devil will use this situation to invade your heart, make you sin and destroy your relationship with the Lord God as well as with others.

A fourth DON’T is: ‘he who has been stealing must steal no longer’

28 The one who steals must steal no longer, but instead must labor, working with his own hands what is good, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. 

That’s pretty easy to understand – stop stealing! The word ‘steals’ (KLEPTO) means: to filch, to rob. Paul is saying to stop doing what you are doing – no more stealing. Notice that he does not say except if you are hungry or except if you are very poor. Do not steal is one of the Ten Commandments:

Exodus 20

15 "You shall not steal.”

(NKJV)

And there are no exceptions to this rule. That’s putting off the ‘old man’. Instead of stealing Paul says:

(v.28) …but instead must labor, working with his own hands what is good, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. 

Here the person who stole has a new vision of what he should do. He should ‘labor’ (KOPIAO) meaning: to work hard, toil, be wearied. This is the opposite of stealing. When you put on the ‘new man’ you become productive for society even an honorable member of it! Notice that a definition of this word means to work hard and not hardly working! One is to give a good day’s work to receive a good day’s pay. This reminds me of what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians:

2 Thessalonians 3

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

(NKJV)

So, what do you do with the money that you have earned, once you stop stealing?

(v.28) …so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. 

You give to the needy, which also is the opposite of stealing. The word ‘share’ (METADIDOMI) means: to give over, share or impart. You give to the ones who are in need, the ones who are poor, the widow or the orphans, the homeless or the sick.

The fifth DON’T, speaks again about the use of ‘rotten’ language.

29 No rotten word must proceed from your mouth, but only something good for the building up of the need, in order that it may give grace to those who hear, 

Paul goes further than just saying: you must tell the truth. This time he speaks of ‘rotten’ language! The word ‘rotten’ (SAPROS) means: worthless, bad or corrupt. Paul is speaking of the content of our conversations. The content must be wholesome – it has to be ‘good’ (AGATHOS) meaning: good, benefit and well. This should be the very nature of our conversations, which means two things.

It has to be ‘good’ for the ‘building up’ of the brethren. The words ‘building up’ (OIKODOME) mean: a structure, a building, to edify. What is said should be used to encourage, fortify and strengthen those around us instead of gossiping about people and what they do. It has to be ‘good’ so that ‘it may give grace to those who hear’. What do our conversations give to those who hear us? Are they happier in the Lord or do they become down and out? We should all be very careful and about the way we choose our words and subjects.

The sixth DON’T, deals with not ‘grieving the Holy Spirit’

30 and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

Don’t ‘grieve’ the Holy Spirit. The word ‘grieve’ (LUPEO) means: distress, to be sad and cause grief. Do not make the Holy Spirit unhappy within you, do not be unpleasant with him, do not push Him aside. The Father has given each believer the Holy Spirit to live in them, and to guide them until the day of redemption. It is said that believers are ‘sealed’ by the Holy Spirit. The word ‘sealed’ (SPHRAGIZO) means: to stamp for security or preservation.

The Holy Spirit in the believer, will preserve him until the time of redemption has finally arrived whichever comes first, your passing into eternity by death or by the rapture of the church. When believers grieve the Holy Spirit, it is like being mean to a caretaker, who affectionately helps you and protects you day in and day out. It just doesn’t make any sense to do so!

Now Paul gives a list of Do’s in verse thirty-one and thirty-two:

31 All bitterness, and rage, and wrath, and clamor, and abusive speech, must be removed from you, together with all wickedness. 

The first to Do list is: Get rid of all the following:

The first is ‘bitterness’ (PIKRIA) meaning: poison, bitterness. Bitterness is a poison which can dwell in you. Remember the story of Cain and Abel and the bitterness of Cain. Because his offering was refused by the Lord, bitterness burned inside him so much that he finally killed his brother Abel (Gen. 4:8).

The second is ‘rage’ (ORGE) meaning: violent passion, indignation. This manifests the loss of control of one’s emotions and becoming violent. This reminds me of Paul’s own testimony in Acts 26:11 where he states that he was so ‘enraged’ towards Christians that he persecuted them.

The third is ‘wrath’ (THUMOS) meaning: fierceness, hot anger. An example of this is given of the Ephesians, who after the speech of Demetrius against Paul and his companions, became filled with ‘wrath’ (Acts 19:28) and set out to capture Christians.

The fourth is ‘clamor’ (KRAUGE) meaning: outcry, tumult. This is an onomatopoeic word which imitates the raven’s cry. This word is used when the Sadducees and the Pharisees clashed together over the existence of the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:9). It gives a sense of protesting out loud.

The fifth is ‘abusive speech’ (BLASPHEMIA) meaning: vilification against God, to rail at or to revile in a general way. Jesus teaches his disciples that ‘abusive language’ (blasphemies) comes out of the heart (Mat. 15:9).

The sixth is ‘wickedness’ (KAKIA) meaning: badness, depravity, malignity. When Simon the sorcerer asked Peter to give him the power to give the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-25) Peter answered him by telling him to repent of his ‘wickedness’.

These are the six things which all true believers are called to ‘take off’. Is there any work that still needs to be done in your life? Are some of these still alive and well in your heart?

The second to do list is: have these abundantly in your life.

32 Become kind toward one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as also God in Christ has forgiven you.

The first is ‘be kind’ (CHRESTOS) meaning: easy, better, good and pleasant. In Luke 6:35 Jesus says to do good by loving your enemies. This speaks of the inner attitude towards others even if they are not good or kind towards you. Being ‘kind’ is walking an extra mile with someone who is forcing you to do so (Mat. 5:41).

The second is ‘be compassionate’ (EUSPLAGEHNOS) meaning: sympathizer, tender-hearted. What better story to illustrate being compassionate than the story of the ‘Good Samaritan’ (Luke 10:33). He took good care of a complete stranger who was left stranded to die by the road-side.

The third is ‘forgiving’ (CHARIZOMAI) meaning: to grant as a favor, pardon, rescue. When someone sins against us (whatever it may be), we need to forgive him. Our standard is the forgiveness that we have receive from God because of Christ’s sacrifice. In other words: ‘If God has forgiven you of all you have done against Him, you also are called to forgive everything that others do against you’! This is what Jesus teaches in his parable of the servant who did not want to forgive his friend (Mat. 18:21-35).

In all things, our model is Christ. By putting aside, the ‘old man’ and letting the ‘new man’ live, we will become Christ-like. Also, never forget that your conduct will affect your relationship with the Holy Spirit, so don’t grieve Him.

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17 – Walk in love

(Eph. 5:1-6)

Therefore become imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, just as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell. 3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or greediness, must not even be named among you (as is fitting for saints), 4 and obscenity, and foolish talk, or coarse jesting (which are not proper), but rather thanksgiving. 5 For this you know for certain], that every sexually immoral person, or unclean person, or greedy person (who is an idolater), does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.

(LEB)

Have you noticed that we are all imitators? We all have idolized someone in the past, wanting to look like them or wishing we could be them! I remember when the Beatles came out in 1963 on the Ed Sullivan Show. I lived in New York city at that time and young people became crazy about them! I wanted to imitate them (and I was only 9!). It was Beatle-mania!

• Beatle’s haircuts

• Beatle’s boots

• Beatle’s coats

• Beatle’s style

Not only me, but my friends also imitated them. We were mesmerized, fascinated and enthralled by the ‘Fab Four’. That is an example of wanting to imitate someone. But now that the ‘new man’ has come forward it is a different story and the apostle Paul calls the Ephesians to ‘become imitators of God’

Therefore become imitators of God, as beloved children

The word ‘imitators’ (MIMITES) means: an imitator, a follower. We are no longer to imitate or desire to resemble anyone else but the Lord God! How are disciples to do this since God is invisible and we can not see him? How then can we imitate him? The writer of the book of Hebrews has the answer:

Hebrews 1

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,

2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

(NKJV)

To imitate the Father, we need only to look at the Son. For Jesus is the ‘brightness of his glory’ and ‘the express image of his person’. By studying the Son and learning his ways, his disciples will be able to imitate the Father. True believers are to be like a mirror, which reflects the image it sees, or a chameleon which imitates the background it’s in. We are called to shine forth and manifest who the Father is! Paul reminds them WHY they should be imitators of God.

(v.1) …as beloved children

It is because of the tender love of God for us that we should desire to be transformed into his image. Believers are not only God’s children – we are his ‘beloved’ children! The word ‘beloved’ (AGAPETOS) means: dearly or well loved. Those who have placed their faith in Christ are exceeding loved by the Father. The eyes of God have fallen upon them and they are hidden in his heart.

2 and live in love, just as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell.

Imitating God means that we should ‘live in love’. The word ‘live’ (PERIPATEO) means: to tread all around, walk at large. In other words, imitating God should be manifested in all the aspects of our life! Every morning our prayer should be “Oh Father, help me today to live a life of love unto you and those around me.” The main characteristic of this life should be ‘love’ (AGAPE) which means: love, affection, benevolence, charity. Remember what Jesus said:

John 13

34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

(NKJV)

Everybody is talking about living a life filled with love, but what does God say that it really means?

(v.2) …just as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell.

1. Just as Christ loved us.

Our model is Jesus. If we imitate Jesus, if we emulate Jesus, if we reflect Jesus – then our life will be a life of love.

• How did Jesus act with the woman caught in adultery?

• He forgave her

• How did Jesus act with the sick?

• He healed them

• How did Jesus act with those who were hungry?

• He fed them

But the greatest manifestation of his love for the Father and his disciples is that he ‘gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell’. As disciples of Christ, our obligation is to know how Jesus acted and to imitate him by loving others as he did. Paul teaches how we can become imitators of the love of Christ.

(v.2) …and gave himself

The word ‘gave’ (PARADIDOMI) means: to surrender, yield, deliver up. Jesus had to ABANDON his life, to be able to love others. We will never lead a life of love if the FIRST person we love is OURSELF! Jesus ‘gave himself’ up and that’s exactly what we have to do. To live a life of love we absolutely need to give ourselves up to the Lord God. Christ gave himself up as ‘an offering’ (PROSPHORA) which means: presentation, an oblation, offering up. He also gave himself up as a ‘sacrifice’ (THUSIA) which means: a sacrifice, the act or victim. In other words, Jesus totally offered himself to the Father. His life of love ended by giving up his life on the cross and taking upon himself our sins, so that he could be punished in our stead! Did you know that all true believers are also called to offer themselves as a sacrifice? This is not as a sacrificial Lamb of God but as a manifestation of our attachment to God.

Romans 12

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

2 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.

(NKJV)

When Christ offered himself, what effect did it have upon the Father?

(v.2) …for a fragrant smell

The Father enjoyed the life of love and the sacrifice of his son. I truly believe that the Father also enjoys when our lives are given up for the love of others, as we are taught by Paul:

2 Corinthians 2

14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

(NKJV)

Now Paul will describe what a sweet-smelling life of love IS NOT! These are mentioned in v. 3,4

3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or greediness, must not even be named among you (as is fitting for saints), 4 and obscenity, and foolish talk, or coarse jesting (which are not proper),

A life of love has not even a scent of the following:

First of all, ‘sexual immorality’ (PORNEIA) meaning: harlotry, fornication. A life filled with imitating Christ has nothing to do with an illicit life-style. This is certainly a common thread among modern false prophets and spiritual guides. The child of God should remain single and abstain from all sexual activity or marry and have a normal sexual life with his spouse.

The second is, ‘all uncleanness’ (AKATHARSIA) which means: impurity physical or moral. This speaks of being tainted by sins of impurity. It could be in our thoughts or in our actions, or our desires that fall upon what is not acceptable to God.

The third is, ‘greediness’ (PLEONEXIA) which means: avarice, to covet and greediness. This is essentially the opposite of love because love gives (John 3:16) and does not take away!

(v.3) …must not even be named among you (as is fitting for saints),

Not only are these things not to be done but they are not even to be mentioned! The word ‘named’ (ONOMAZO) means: to name, assign an appellation. Speaking about the above three things just isn’t done within God’s family.

Paul continues on with his list – of things a life of love does not have:

4 and obscenity, and foolish talk, or coarse jesting (which are not proper),

The fourth is, ‘obscenity’ (AISCHROTES) which means: shamefulness, filthiness. This may come under anything that is shameful, from stealing and gossiping all the way to sexual debauchery.

The fifth is, ‘foolish talk’ (MOROLOGIS) which means: silly talk, buffoonery, foolish talking. This is talking about stupid stuff, things that do not make any sense. This also should not be on our lips.

The sixth is, ‘coarse jesting’ (EUTRAPELIA) meaning: witticism in a vulgar sense, ribaldry. This may be composed of certain jokes either being crude in themselves or improperly suggestive. Paul says that ‘coarse jesting’ is not a proper thing to say. Then Paul switches to something that a life of love does:

(v.4) …but rather thanksgiving

The mouth, instead of being a trash dispenser, should be a fountain of ‘thanksgiving’ (EUCHARISTIA) meaning: gratitude, grateful language. Remember what the apostle James wrote:

James 3

8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?

12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

(NKJV)

Only a hypocrite will speak with the two sides of his mouth! Paul then speaks of the seriousness of these six things that should not be in a believer’s life.

5 For this you know for certain, that every sexually immoral person, or unclean person, or greedy person (who is an idolater), does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.

What Paul is about to say is said ‘for certain’ (GINOSKO) meaning: to know, be aware of, perceive. Paul is not guessing that something might happen – he is certain of it. Here he speaks of three types of people who live in certain sins. He speaks of:

The ‘sexually immoral person’ (PORNOS) meaning: a debauchee, libertine, whoremonger. These are people who love to live out their sexual sins. They have no remorse, no sense of morality, or of what is right or wrong. They eagerly wait for the opportunity to indulge themselves in illicit sexual activities. This ‘sexually immoral person’ will not have ‘an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God’.

The ‘unclean person’ (AKATHARTOS) meaning: impure, foul and unclean. This person lives and thinks in an unclean way. It may just be their lips that never stops speaking about certain subjects, their eyes that feast on immoral material or just the way that they are that makes them ‘unclean’. These people who have no regret and relish in what they do, will not have ‘an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God’.

The ‘greedy person’ (PLEONEKTES) meaning: desiring more, eager for gain. They are the ones who love money or material things that just accumulate and hoard things. They are always wanting more and never being satisfied with what they have. These are the ones who will not help others because there is a cost, or a loss for them in doing so. These people will not have ‘an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God’.

They will not have an ‘inheritance’ (KLERONOMIA) meaning: patrimony, inheritance. They will not enter the ‘kingdom of Christ and God’. Paul is not speaking about believers who struggle with sin and repent and once more walk in the light. He is speaking about un-regenerated people who believe that they are just fine with God! For the true believers, John explains the process of sinning and receiving forgiveness:

5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

(NKJV)

​

Let us be grateful that Jesus has washed us from the condemnation of the practice of sexual immorality, all uncleanness, greediness, obscenity, foolish talk and coarse jesting. May we keep far away from them.

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.

Here Paul gives us a warning – we all need warnings for our spiritual safety.

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words

There are people out there who will encourage us to live the kind of life that was just described. The word ‘deceive’ (APATAO) means: to cheat, delude and deceive. Even in our Christian churches there are false teachers and preachers who twist the word of God and teach that the times have changed and that we ought to see things differently now. Do not be deceived by them. The word of God never changes. What was immoral in the New testament is still immoral today! They try to ‘deceive’ with ‘empty words’ ((KENOS) meaning: empty and vain. Their words have no weight or legitimacy before the Lord, so don’t be afraid of them and don’t accept what they teach. Thus everywhere in our society, we are pushed to live a life of disconduct or rebellion before God.

(v.6) …for because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.

Judgment time is coming and the ‘wrath’ (ORGE) meaning: abhorrence, punishment and anger of God, will one day come upon all who are alive and have mocked the Holy God of Israel. These are the ‘sons of disobedience’ the ones who rebel against the Lord God.

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EPHESIANS

18- ‘Live as children of light’

5:7-14

7 Therefore do not be sharers with them, 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live like children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is well-pleasing to the Lord. 11 And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak about the things being done by them in secret, 13 but all things exposed by the light are made visible, 14 for everything made visible is light. Therefore it says,

Wake up, sleeper,
and rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.

(LEB)

In our last section, we were taught by Paul to ‘walk in love’. We have seen that God has poured his love into us:

Ephesians 2:4

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

(NKJV)

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

(NKJV)

As we ‘walk in love’, automatically we will ‘live as children of light’ which is the title of this section.

7 Therefore do not be sharers with them

Before being able to ‘live like children of light’ there is one thing that a believer ABSOLUTELY HAS TO DO and this is non-negotiable for the Lord God. We are no longer to ‘be sharers with them’. The word ‘sharers’ (SUMMETOCHOS) means: to be a co-participant. No longer are we to participate with them, in any thing that does not reflect the character of God. The apostle Peter also tells his readers that the time had come for them to no longer live as the gentiles do.

1 Peter 4

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

(NKJV)

The Corinthians also had difficulty with the concept of being s separate people – set apart for God. They lived in the flesh and associated themselves with Gentile and Pagan ways of living. Paul is outraged and writes the following:

2 Corinthians 6

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people."

17 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you."

18 "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty."

(NKJV)

May all believers analyse their relationships and see if they glorify the Lord. Never forget, that Christians are called to please the Lord who has saved them from the coming judgment.

8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live like children of light 

I want you to notice the word ‘formerly’ and consider the meaning of this. The word ‘formerly’ (POTE) means: at some time, in the past. This ‘once upon a time’ was the story of every true believer’s life.

My personal story begins like this ‘Once upon a time I was darkness, but now I am light in the Lord’. This ‘once upon a time’ does not exist any longer, it has been done away with. Things have permanently changed for we have passed from darkness to the kingdom of his Son (Col. 1:13). How can this be?

8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

You see once (in the past) you were darkness (SKOTOS) meaning: shadiness, obscurity or darkness, but now (in the present) you are light (PHOS) meaning: to shine, luminous. This shining is ‘in the Lord’. No one can shine if he is not in the Lord. It is only when I am in the Light that I can reflect this light and shine brightly. This is what the new birth brings. A bit like ‘once I was in my mother’s womb’ but now I am in the world’. In natural life there is a ‘before’ I was born and an ‘after’ I was born. In spiritual life it is the same. There is a before I was born-again and after I was born-again. Examples of formerly being darkness are things such as: lying, hypocrisy, being egocentric, idolaters, worldly and so forth. By the grace of God, believers have become light, just as we were darkness beforehand. My very nature has changed. My DNA was modified and I became a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17) – a creature of light and this is God-given!

Matthew 5:14-16

(14)"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

(15)"Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

(16)"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

(NKJV)

Jesus said ‘let your light shine before men’ and this is what Paul is speaking about in this section. Have you noticed how easily we see ourselves as being ‘dark’? We fail, we are immoral, we lack, we are deficient, and we sin. Much of our mindset is on ‘being darkness’.

Why do you think is it so difficult for believers to ‘reset’ their thinking and simply believe what the Word of God says of us – ‘you are LIGHT of the world.’

Paul writes that we are lights ‘IN the world’. I can only guess that I can be a true light only if I shine ‘IN the world’. Being a light in church, in conferences, in Bible studies, in our homes is one thing. But we are called to be lights IN the world. As Jesus said we cannot be hidden, we are like a city that is set on a hill (Mat. 5:14). Try to imagine that city during night time – it can not be hidden because light emanates from it – so should light emanate from us in this dark world. What I was, I am no longer.

​

I was darkness and I am now presently light. What Christ wants from his disciples is to be what we have become – children of light. That is why Paul writes:

(v.8) …Live as children of light

The word ‘children’ (TEKNON) means: a child. Being a child of light and living as a child of light is different. Living as a child of light is manifesting what it means to be a child of light. In verse nine, Paul will speak about three different aspects of living as a child of light.

(v9) (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 

The first fruit of the light, consists of ‘goodness’ (AGATHOSUNE) which means: virtue or beneficence. Living as children of light is filled with generosity and charity and benevolence and kindness. This virtue (trait of character) must be seen in us. This is what we must be known for. What do people know me for? is it my: generosity, charity, benevolence, goodness and kindness? If not, what then am. I known for?

The second fruit of light, is righteousness (DIKAIOSUNE) meaning: equity of character, being just. Have you noticed that all these fruits of light have to do with our character! Am I a just person? Can people come to me expecting that I will be fair, impartial, objective and unprejudiced? Am I known to be honest in what I do? Do people come to me for counsel or simple advice concerning life matters?

The third fruit of light, is truth (ALETHEIA) meaning: simply truth. Is my yes – yes and my no – no as Jesus taught us in his sermon on the Mount?

Mat. 5:37

"But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' for whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

(NKJV)

Do people see you as being truthful, honest, frank and open? Can they trust your word? Is the information that you give without fault? In verse ten we have a direct command:

v10 trying to learn what is well-pleasing to the Lord. 

As children of light, one of our solemn duties is to discover ‘what is well-pleasing to the Lord’. Some may wonder how we can do this. The words ‘well-pleasing’ (EUARESTOS) means: fully agreeable, acceptable.

​

As for myself, I use the R & R method: Read and Reflect. I take into consideration what I read from Scripture and set my mind to reflect on what it teaches. Then I also think of parallel verses on the same subject. Once this is done, once more I think, reason, reflect, and contemplate. I ponder, consider and deliberate in my mind what is before me. I analyse all of that and that is how I find out ‘what is well-pleasing to the Lord’. It is only after this that I apply it in my life. The prophet Isaiah spoke these words to those who desired to live a life that was well-pleasing to the Lord God.

Isaiah 56

4 For thus says the LORD: "To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,

5 Even to them I will give in My house And within My walls a place and a name Better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off.

(NKJV)

In every aspect of our daily life as children of God, we are called to live as children of light and to be able to do this we all need to learn what pleases our Lord and practice it.

11 And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak about the things being done by them in secret

Paul continues to tell the Ephesians what to do, to be able to ‘live as children of Light’. There is something that I must not do.

(11) Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness

In verse seven, we were told not to be ‘sharers with them’. There are things that God absolutely does not want his child to do. We know certain things such as: stealing, gossiping, lying and so forth. But here we see something that we do not mention often in our conversations – believers need to stay away from ‘fruitless deeds of darkness’. The word ‘fruitless’ (AKARPOS) means: barren, fruitless. The word ‘deeds’ (ERGON) means: work, toil, act, labor. There are deeds that are done, that have no worth at all before the Lord. Think of the labor of Cain when he toiled the ground at the sweat of his brow and then took some of his harvest and offered it to the Lord. This took time and effort on his part, but all of this was worthless before the Lord:

Gen. 4

3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD.

4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering,

5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

(NKJV)

Abel on the other hand offered the firstborn of his flock and the Lord ‘respected Abel and his offering’ – why? Simply because the fruits offered by Cain were not what the Lord desired and those of Abel were. A great many believers do things for the Lord yet it is not well-accepted because they are not fruits of HIS choice! To be a healthy child of light we cannot associate ourselves with the ‘fruitless deeds of darkness’ or the people from whom they originate. Paul tells the Corinthians why this HAS TO BE:

1 Corinthians 10:21

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons.

(NKJV)

• The cup of the Lord or the cup of demons

• The table of the Lord or the table of demons

It is either things of light or things of darkness. Jesus said:

Mat. 6:24

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

(NKJV)

We can say that no one can serve two masters; Darkness and Light. We are not only told to not have anything to do with darkness but we are also called to:

(11) …but rather even expose them.

It is our duty to speak up when twisted theology and evil deeds are being spread around. The word ‘expose’ (ELEGEHO) means: convict, rebuke and admonish. We should not shy away or simply let things pass. Too many people and believers (even without knowing it) are saying things that are simply not true. There is a cost to this. On one side, we may not be welcomed to do so. People, in general, do not like being corrected. On the other hand, if this is not done, then the gospel will become twisted and the truth will be lost. Paul now gives one of the reasons why we should expose false doctrine.

v12 For it is shameful even to speak about the things being done by them in secret

The word shameful (AISCHRON) in Greek means exactly the same as in English (a shameful thing). What is done is disgraceful, dishonorable, and shocking. It goes against being a ‘child of light’, against the very nature of our God. That is why Paul says that these things should not even be mentioned in our conversations. These things that they do are so shameful that they are ‘being done by them in secret’. The word ‘secret’ (KRUPHE) means: privately, in secret, like a thief steals during the night so he can not be seen! When we casually mention the disgraceful things of this world in our conversations we glorify the darkness in which they live. So, let’s be careful with the subjects that we choose to speak of. Paul now ends this section by coming back to its beginning – like a full circle!

13 but all things exposed by the light are made visible, 14 for everything made visible is light. Therefore it says,

Wake up, sleeper,
and rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.

Paul comes back to the light and what light does. What happens when we ‘flick the switch’ in a room at night? All the things that are in the room are suddenly apparent and nothing that is there can be hidden. What also happens is that once you can see this in the room, the possibilities for you to hurt yourself by hitting them is gone. We all have banged our toes on a piece of furniture in the dark – and it hurts! That is the importance of ‘living as children of light’ and exposing darkness – by doing so people will not get hurt! But most of all the gospel will remain pure.

For everything made visible is light. Therefore it says,

Wake up, sleeper,
and rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.

The verse that Paul is quoting is probably Isaiah 60:1, what we see is that he places the name of Christ where the name of God was written.

Isaiah 60:1,2

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

All children of the light are called to ‘wake up’ and also ‘rise from the dead’. Once this is done it is then that ‘Christ will shine on you’. It is useless to believe that you will bear the light of Christ IF YOU DO NOT wake up and walk in the Lord! May all true believers desire to live as ‘children of the light’ for that’s who we have become!

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19 – Walking in wisdom

Eph. 5:15-20

​

15 Therefore, consider carefully how you live, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of the time because the days are evil. 17 Because of this do not become foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine (in which is dissipation), but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and singing praise in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the God and Father, 

(LEB)

The apostle Paul will now speak of the wisdom that we all need in our lives. So far, believers are told to:

• live a life worthy of our calling (4:1-16)

• no longer live as Gentiles (4:17-32)

• be imitators of God (5:1-7)

• live as children of light (5:8-14).

None of this can be accomplished if we do not have heavenly wisdom within us. We can surely say that God’s wisdom, is one of the important factors for our life, if our desire is to honor him. The book of Proverbs begins with this opening statement:

Proverbs 1

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity;

4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion-

5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(NKJV)

We are confronted with the first phrase that says:

15 Therefore, consider carefully how you live…

We are told to ‘consider carefully’. The word ‘consider’ (BLEPO) means: to look at, to take heed, to regard. In others words Paul wants the Ephesians to reflect on their lives. To reflect, not ineffectively, but very ‘carefully’ (OUN) meaning: accordingly, verily and certainly. He is asking the Christians to do something that people don’t necessarily like to do. Thinking deeply about ourselves and facing our wrong-doings is not pleasant.

People are often told to ‘consider carefully’ when there is danger that lurks for themselves and for others. We may be injured or even crippled for life. We are told to be VERY careful, as if careful was not enough! Paul is thinking about ‘how you live’, this was the subject of their inner search. The word ‘live’ (PERIPATEO) means: to tread all around, to walk at large. Nothing must be left behind or unturned, for everything we are, needs to be examined and analyzed! How we live is noticed by God and also by people around us.

(v.15) … not as unwise but as wise, 

How we live (as we have seen before) should reflect the character of God. Paul tells us that there are two ways that we can live. The first is ‘as unwise’ (ASOPHOS) meaning: unwise or fool. This verse describes the unwise:

Psalms 14

1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.

(NKJV)

Living as the unwise is equivalent to living as the Gentiles do, both in their corrupted hearts and detestable works before the Lord. If this way of living is found in the believer’s heart then it must be cast aside, thrown away, burned or destroyed. This is the simple reason that it causes animosity between you and the Lord.

On the other hand, the Ephesians were called to be ‘wise’ (SOPHOS) meaning: wise or clear. Remember what Joshua told the Israelites:

Joshua 24

14 "Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD!

15 "And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

(NKJV)

In a way, believers are all called to make the same choice as Joshua did – to follow and serve the Lord. He certainly was filled with heavenly wisdom. In verse sixteen Paul tells us how wisdom should be lived.

16 making the most of the time because the days are evil.

Opportunities are often given, we can see them if we have eyes to see and a heart that is open. We are commanded to be ‘making the most of our time’. Idleness, laziness and lethargy are certainly not godly qualities! It seems that too much time is wasted! The words ‘the most’ (EXAGORAZO) means: to buy up, to rescue from loss. It is the opposite of wasting our time. God has given an amount of time for us to live and we are expected to use it wisely. Believers need to make the most of their ‘time’ (KAIROS) meaning: an occasion, a proper time, an opportunity. We are called to seize all the opportunities given and use them for the glory of the Lord. This reminds me of when Mary and Joseph had lost sight of Jesus when he was twelve years old and they had gone to Jerusalem. Three days later, when they found him this is was their conversation:

Luke 2

48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."

49 And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

(NKJV)

Even at the age of twelve, Jesus was ‘making the most of the time’ that was given to him. Have you ever thought that as a believer you also are called not to waste any time and opportunity given to you? Everyone has them but sadly not everyone takes them! Every opportunity should be taken, we should not lose our time. Paul tells the Ephesians why they should not lose their time.

(v.16) …because the days are evil

How different things really are than what we think! We often wait for a ‘better time’ or the ‘perfect time’. We analyze the situation with our limited minds and conclude that we should wait for another occasion. How foolish are we to stand upon our own thinking instead of simply ‘making the most of the time’ or the occasion that is presented before us by the Lord. But Paul tells us to take every opportunity ‘because the days are evil’! The days or the times that we live in are ‘evil’ (PONEROS) meaning: hurtful, evil, diseased and malice. ALL the days and ALL the times are covered with spiritual darkness. Let us no longer wait for the ‘perfect time’ for there is no ‘perfect time’! Now is the time to act! In the book of Hebrews, on three occasions the writer tells his readers to act today and not wait for tomorrow (Heb. 3:7,8; 3:15; 4:7). In verse seventeen, we are once again told not to be foolish in life.

17 Because of this do not become foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

Because the days are evil and, in a way, time is short, believers are told ‘not to become foolish’. This is the second time that Paul speaks of foolishness (v.15 and 17). Notice that he writes ‘do not become’. This gives proof that a spiritual person can become a foolish child of God! We need to be very careful because the enemy lurks around us (1 Peter 5:8). We are not to become ‘foolish’ (APHRON) meaning: mindless, stupid or egocentric. This is the opposite of what we are told to be in verse fifteen with the word ‘wise’. Paul is saying that it is possible to simply lose our ‘good spiritual sense’ and to become stupid before the Lord. Think of Lot when he chose where he would live knowing that it was part of the territory of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 13:10) and how that disturbed all of his life. He was ‘foolish’ and egocentric, wanting the best land for his sheep at the cost of living so close to an immoral society. Let us not be fools, because the times are evil!

(v.17) …but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

The word ‘understand’ (SUNIEMI) means: to put together, to comprehend. Again, believers are told to think deeply about what they are doing. This time, it deals with knowing what ‘the will of the Lord is’.

This is what we should recognize and identify – the will of God. There is no greater goal in a Disciple’s life than desiring to please his Savior, by knowing and doing his Lord’s desire. Remember what James wrote:

James 1

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;

24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

(NKJV)

The word ‘will’ (THELEMA) means: a determination, a choice and a decree. One can say that there are two ‘wills’ of the Lord for his disciple. The first is his general will which is given for ALL his disciples. Love one another, do not lie and serve one another are but a few of these ‘wills’ or commandments if you prefer. There is NO CHOICE for the disciple but to apply them in his life. Then there is the specific will of God for you personally. You may be called to be a missionary or a professor in a Christian school. This specific ‘will’ is for you and not for ALL believers. We need to know what God wants of us in general but also what God wants of us specifically. Wisdom is knowing what God wants of me. One of the important things that God wants of all his children is:

18 And do not be drunk with wine (in which is dissipation), but be filled by the Spirit, 

Being wise is staying far away from the fruit of the vine or anything that has alcohol content in it. The word ‘do not be’ (ME) means: an absolute denial. No disciple can ever do this – never! There are NO exceptions to this! The word ‘drunk’ (METHUSKO) means: to be intoxicated. This gives the idea that we are under the influence or effect of something, as though that something takes control of you and how you act. This something is ‘wine’ (OINOS) meaning: wine. It is the alcohol content in the wine that is taken that brings an effect on our personality and this IS NOT PERMITTED. When this happens there is ‘dissipation’ (ASOTIA) meaning: profligacy, excess, riot. Alcohol in a person’s blood often changes his character and he becomes ‘another person’, and this is not for the best or for the glory of God! Did you know that over 85% of crimes are made ‘under the influence’ of alcohol or drugs? Drunkenness is not from God and its effects are terrible. So, what should believers do?

(v.18) …but be filled by the Spirit, 

The word ‘filled’ (PLEROO) means: to make replete, to cram and to level up. Instead of being filled with wine and being controlled by its alcohol content, believers are told to be filled ‘by the Spirit’. Let the Holy Spirit take control of your life. Paul will give a short list of what being filled with the Spirit produces.

19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and singing praise in your heart to the Lord, 

• speaking to one another (communication)

• Psalms (are found in the Bible)

• Hymns (are not found in the Bible)

• Spiritual songs (that bring encouragement)

Being filled with the Holy Spirit will certainly be manifested through our speech! The person who is controlled by the Holy Spirit can be found in a crowd – just listen to his speech. They speak to everyone, they sing hymns and other spiritual songs. Their speech is filled with grace. All these songs and music must come from a special part in ourselves! Paul writes ‘in your heart’, that is the soil which produces the verbal fruit of the Holy Spirit living in you. He also speaks of the person they are intended for: ‘the Lord’. The lips of a spirit-filled child do not praise just anyone but they praise his Lord and Savior.

20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the God and Father

Not only does the spirit-filled believer speak in a spiritual manner to one another but he also is ‘giving thanks’ (EUCHARISTEO) meaning: to be grateful, to express gratitude to God! In other words, thanksgiving – that is the subject of our overflow to the Father! We should give thanks ‘always’ (PANTOTE) which means: at all times. Learning to give thanks to the Father, even when things seem horrible to us, manifests a heart that loves God for who he is and not for what he does for you. Paul writes that giving thanks is something that should be done always AND ‘for all things’ (PAS) which means: all, any, every, the whole. It refers not only to the things we enjoy but also to the things we do not understand that are happening to us. When Job lost everything that he loved except for his wife this is what is written of him:

Job 1

20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

21 And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."

22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

(NKJV)

So, wisdom is giving thanks to the Lord (for everything). The last act of wisdom Paul speaks of has to do with the people around us. What else are believers to do in God’s wisdom?

• not getting drunk

• being filled with the Spirit

• having spiritual songs in our hearts and lips

• being thankful for everything

• and submitting to one another.

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