Lesson 526

(Lesson 526)(01-24-13) Ephesians 5:1-16, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

In this lesson Paul encourages the Ephesians, and Christianity in general, to "walk in the light". This means that they should separate themselves from the very appearance of evil. They should hold themselves to a standard that exemplifies the righteousness of Jesus Christ, recognizing that that righteousness has been, through their faith, imputed to them.

Paul clearly establishes that those Christians, who relish in the common sins of the world, will be subjected to the wrath of God. "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience."

Paul also encourages new believers to humbly tend the work of the Lord as little children, with an apatite to learn as they grow so that as their faith grows stronger with increasing knowledge of God's word the fruit of their labors is increased accordingly.

It is our responsibility as representatives of Christ's Church, to bring evil to no one. We are to be the beacon, the "light", that leads the lost out of "darkness" and into the knowledge of God's saving grace.~