Ephesians 5:3-20

Previewing in Outline Form (Ephesians 5:3-20)

3.

Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:3-14.

a.

Things the children of light do not do. Ephesians 5:3-8 a.

(1)

Do not even name vices as if they were becoming to saints. Ephesians 5:3-6.

(a)

Those who partake in vices have no inheritance in the kingdom. Ephesians 5:5.

(b)

The wrath of God comes upon those who disobey. Ephesians 5:6.

(2)

Do not become partakers with the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 5:7-8.

(a)

This they once did when they were darkness. Ephesians 5:8.

(b)

They are now light in the Lord.

b.

Things the children of light do. Ephesians 5:8 b - Ephesians 5:14.

(1)

Walk as children of light, producing the fruit of the light. Ephesians 5:8 b - Ephesians 5:9.

(2)

Prove what is well-pleasing unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:10.

(3)

Reprove the works of darkness. Ephesians 5:11-14.

(a)

Have no fellowship with them. Ephesians 5:11.

(b)

Their deeds are too shameful to speak of. Ephesians 5:12.

(c)

Reproof makes manifest the works of darkness. Ephesians 5:13.

(d)

A call to those in darkness. Ephesians 5:14.

4.

Walk as wise men. Ephesians 5:15-20.

a.

Walk carefully. Ephesians 5:15.

b.

Buy up the time. Ephesians 5:16.

c.

Have the good sense to understand the Lord's will. Ephesians 5:17.

d.

Be not drunk with wine. Ephesians 4:18 a.

e.

Be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 b - Ephesians 5:20.

(1)

Speaking to one another in psalms, etc. Ephesians 5:19 a.

(2)

Singing and making melody, Ephesians 5:19 b.

(3)

Giving thanks always. Ephesians 5:20.

Text (Ephesians 5:3-4)

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints; 4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 5:3-4)

274.

If we are not to name fornication, uncleanness, etc., why does Paul name them?

275.

Is covetousness as bad as fornication?

276.

Why is jesting forbidden? Is all humor wrong? What do people often make jests about?

277.

What does befitting mean?

278.

What is one type of speech that is always befitting?

Paraphrase

3.

Seeing that Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, flee fornication, lustful unclean living, greedy desires to have more, and such things, Do not even mention them, For it is becoming to saints not to speak of them. Mention them only to condemn.

4.

Also shun base and lewd conduct, foolish talking, and jests with double meanings, for these things do not come up to the level of the Christian. But giving of thanks is always befitting.

Notes (Ephesians 5:3-4)

1.

Jesting refers to speech that is nimble-witted, or easily turned, especially toward a bad meaning. So often the jesting of the world is based on double meanings. Jokes are formed that can be taken with two meanings, one harmless, the other shady. Some comedians think that they are not funny unless they utter a few such jokes.

2.

Befit means to come up to, or to have arrived at, or to reach to. Many things are far below the Christian, and he must hold them in abhorrence. He avoids acting self-righteous, but he keeps himself from the evil one.

Fact Questions

254.

Name the six things that are forbidden in Ephesians 5:3-4.

Text (Ephesians 5:5-7)

5 For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Be ye not therefore partakers with them;

Thought Questions (Ephesians 5:5-7)

279.

Do not many people consider sexual vice rather a casual thing, also a harmless diversion? Is it really an inconsequential thing?

280.

Why is the covetous man called an idolater?

281.

What is the kingdom of Christ and God? Can a man outwardly appear to belong to the kingdom, and yet have no inheritance in it?

282.

What are sons of disobedience? (Compare Ephesians 2:2.)

283.

Why are words which attempt to excuse immorality and covetousness called empty words?

284.

When does the wrath of God come upon those who disobey?

Paraphrase

5.

You must obey the command to abstain from fornication, filthiness, covetousness, etc., for you know this with certainty by the light of the Gospel (Ephesians 5:8) that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is really an idolater because he trusts in his riches, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God, which is the church.

6.

Let no one deceive you with words that sound wise, but are empty of truth, saying that immorality and love of money are relatively harmless things. For on account of these sins the wrath of God has come and will come on those who practice them.

7.

Wherefore, be not joint-partakers in their crimes, lest you share also in their punishments.

Notes (Ephesians 5:5-7)

1.

We should be fellow-partakers with the saints (Ephesians 3:6), but we must not be fellow-partakers with those who are immoral and covetous. Evil companionships corrupt good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33 R.V.).

2.

Note the reference to the wrath of God in verse six. Some people have said that the God of the New Testament is a God of love, in contrast to the God of the Old Testament who is a God of wrath. But there is only one God, and He is the same in both the Old and New Testaments. The wrath of God is plainly taught in the New Testament, as it is in the Old. Those who desire to reject Christ should carefully consider the terrors of God's wrath. Let no clergyman, sociologist, professor, psychologist, or anyone else deceive you by saying that you can practice sin and not suffer God's wrath.

3.

Justin Martyr (about A.D. 150) wrote: We who were formerly the slaves of lust now only strive after purity; we who loved the path to riches above every other, now give what we have to the common use, and give to everyone that needs; we who hated and destroyed one another, now live together, and pray for our enemies, and endeavor to convince those who hate us without cause, so that they may order their lives according to Christ's glorious doctrine, and attain to the joyful hope of receiving like blessings with ourselves from God, the Lord of all.

Fact Questions

255.

What do fornicators and covetous men absolutely not have?

256.

What comes upon those who are sons of disobedience?

257.

What is the covetous man called?

Text (Ephesians 5:8-10)

8 for ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord;

Thought Questions (Ephesians 5:8-10)

285.

What relationship are the children of light to have with the sons of disobedience? (Compare Ephesians 5:7.)

286.

Is there any difference between being darkness and being in darkness? Which did Paul say that we once were?

287.

In whom are we light? Does the world's wisdom add light to our nature?

288.

How can light have children, so that we become children of light? (Compare 1 John 1:5.)

289.

Is it possible to be light in the Lord, and not be good, righteous, and truthful? Why or why not? (See verse nine.)

290.

What does proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord mean? How can we do this?

Paraphrase

8.

Be not fellow-partakers with those who are disobedient to God. For in the Lord Jesus you are now transformed to become light, instead of being part of the darkness of this world which once you were. Walk therefore as children of light.

9.

To do this, you must walk in goodness, righteousness, and truth, for such as the fruits of the light.

10.

As you walk as children of light, you will be testing and proving the will of God, proving both to yourselves and to those who see you that that which is well-pleasing to the Lord is best for all mankind.

Notes (Ephesians 5:8-10)

1.

The reading, fruit of the light, in Ephesians 5:9 is preferable and more accurate than fruit of the Spirit, as given in the King James Version.

2.

Children of light is practically the same expression as children of God, for God is light (1 John 1:5).

3.

Before our conversion we were actually darkness, not just in the dark. Now we are actually made to be light, and are not just in the light. As a magnet can rub off its magnetism onto another piece of iron and transform it into another magnet, so we become light as we are in contact with God and Christ. (See John 8:12.)

4.

The world needs to see people believe in Christ and obey Him, for such people are testing and proving that that which is well-pleasing to God is best for all mankind. We are told several times in the Bible to prove (or test) that which is well-pleasing to the Lord (Romans 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Malachi 3:10). God invites (and even dares) you to test Him, and see for yourself. No one who has ever given God an honest trial has said that God disappointed him.

Fact Questions

258.

According to Ephesians 5:8, what were we before conversion?

259.

In what is the fruit of the light?

260.

What will the children of light prove?

Text (Ephesians 5:11-12)

11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them; 12 for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 5:11-12)

291.

How far can we go in avoiding wicked people, in order that we may have no fellowship with the works of darkness (1 Corinthians 5:9-10)?

292.

Why are the works of darkness called unfruitful? Do they not bear bad fruit?

293.

What does reprove mean? Is it enough just to ignore evil?

294.

Why are the deeds of darkness done in secret?

295.

How can we reprove deeds if they are too shameful even to speak of?

Paraphrase

11.

As children of light, have no partnership with the works of darkness, such as the heathen ceremonies of Diana; for these works of darkness bear no desirable fruit, and bring eternal death to those who partake of them. Rather, expose, reprove, and convict them.

12.

For the impure and wicked actions which are done by them in secret places and in darkness are so abominable that it is a shame even to speak of them, except to condemn.

Notes (Ephesians 5:11-12)

1.

The phrase have fellowship with was an expression used by the Greeks to denote participation in their religious rites and mysteries. Paul wanted the disciples to have nothing in common with these.

2.

Reprove means to convince or convict. It is not enough to ignore evil. We must expose it in such a way that people will not be misled by it.

3.

While Paul may have had primary reference to the heathen mysteries of his time as being the works of darkness, the workers of iniquity in the 20th century still work in darkness, and the things they do in secret are still too shameful to speak of. (See John 3:19-21.)

Fact Questions

261.

With what are we to have no fellowship?

262.

What are we to do with the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)?

263.

Where do the workers of darkness do their deeds?

264.

How shameful are many of the works of darkness?

Text (Ephesians 5:13)

13 But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 5:13)

296.

When does the light make evil things manifest?

297.

Is everything that is exposed to the light made to be light? Are the wicked transformed into light just by being exposed to the light?

Paraphrase

13.

Now all the works of darkness, when they are reproved, are made manifest by the light. For everything that makes manifest the wicked works of darkness is light. Therefore, when you reprove them, you show that you are light. (Ephesians 5:8).

Notes (Ephesians 5:13)

1.

The King James translation of Ephesians 5:13 b reads: Whatsoever doth make manifest is light. We much prefer this translation to that of the Revised Version given above.

Our reason for preferring the King James translation here is that many wicked people that are exposed to the light merely run to their lair, and go under cover, hiding, but not seeking to get right with God. Such people certainly do not become light just because the light has been turned upon them.

However, anything that makes manifest the wicked works of darkness is light. The saints who reprove the works of darkness and make them manifest for everyone to see, are light (Ephesians 5:8).

2.

The heathen called their mysteries light, and those who were initiated into the mysteries, the enlightened ones. But if these religious delusions had really been light, they would have revealed the ungodly deeds of their devotees.

We still use the phrase, light on the subject, to describe information that makes things clear. But much that is called light is only darkness disguised as wisdom.

3.

Paul had been sent to turn the Gentiles from darkness to light (Acts 26:18).

Fact Questions

265.

What is the difference between the King James and the Revised Versions in this verse? Why is the King James Version preferable?

266.

What is everything that makes manifest the works of darkness?

Text (Ephesians 5:14)

14 Wherefore be saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 5:14)

298.

Who says, Awake? Is this an Old Testament quotation?

299.

Can men arise from the dead by their own choice? (See Ephesians 2:1).

300.

At what time in our life does Christ begin to shine upon us?

Paraphrase

14.

Wherefore, because we are light and reprove the works of darkness, our work and call to the world is stated in the saying: Awake, thou that sleepest (in the darkness of heathen ignorance), and arise from the dead (the state of death in which you lie in trespasses and sins), and Christ shall shine upon thee (with the light of truth).

Notes (Ephesians 5:14)

1.

This saying is not a quotation from the Old Testament, It recalls Isaiah 60:1, but is not a quotation of that verse. Perhaps it is a line from an old hymn, or some heretofore unrecorded saying of Christ or one of the apostles.

2.

As the morning sun enlightens men aroused from sleep, so Christ enlightens those who rouse from the sleep of sin and turn unto God. When men are converted, they are enlightened (Hebrews 6:4).

3.

Many will wake up from spiritual sleep only when they fall into the sleep of death. Like the rich man, they will be aware for the first time of their actual condition (Luke 16:23-31; compare Psalms 73:17-28).

Fact Questions

267.

What is the source of the quotation, Awake, thou that sleepest?

268.

From what are the sleepers to arise?

269.

When the sleepers awake, who will shine upon them?

Text (Ephesians 5:15-16)

15 Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 5:15-16)

301.

Why does the fact that the days are evil make it necessary to be careful how we use our time?

302.

What determines whether our walk is wise or unwise?

303.

Is it really possible to redeem, or buy back, wasted hours and days in our past? If not, what does redeeming the time mean?

304.

Has there ever been a time when the saints could truly say, The days are good?

Paraphrase

15.

See then that you, upon whom Christ now shines, walk carefully, according to Christ's teachings, not as unwise men, but as wise,

16.

making prudent use of every moment, so that by zeal and well-doing you shall purchase the time for the Lord's services. For the days are evil, and there are many temptations to use our time foolishly.

Notes (Ephesians 5:15-16)

1.

Redeeming the time does not carry the idea of living for Christ so energetically that we can buy back wasted hours and days of the past. That is impossible. Rather, it is the present moment that we are to redeem (or purchase). With zeal and well-doing as purchase money, we can buy up the moments so as to make them our own. Then on the day of judgment when we give account of the use of our time, it will be on the credit side of our account.

2.

Beware of any inclination to call the days good. We still live in an untoward generation (Acts 2:40). The churches may have more members than ever before, but even with all these members the population has grown faster than the churches. Furthermore, much of our modern churchianity is only a form of godliness, and not the real thing. We shall never be able to make a paradise of this sin-cursed world until the Lord returns. Dark pictures are painted in the Scriptures of the condition of the world in the latter days (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:37-39). There is no ground for confidence in any social gospel that thinks it can transform the whole world into a paradise. We have great confidence in the power of the gospel. But not all men living at any one time have ever accepted the gospel.

Fact Questions

270.

How are we to walk, according to Ephesians 5:15?

271.

What is the mental condition of those who walk carefully?

272.

What are we to be doing to the time? What does this mean?

273.

What is the condition of the days (or times)?

Text (Ephesians 5:17)

17 Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 5:17)

305.

Is there any connection between the clays being evil (Ephesians 5:16) and our being foolish?

306.

How can we understand what the will of the Lord is?

Paraphrase

17.

Because the old days are evil, and are filled with great temptations, we must constantly beware of foolish, ungodly, time-wasting conduct, Instead, let us keep before our minds at all times that which is the will of the Lord, namely to abstain from all the works of darkness.

Fact Questions

274.

What are we not to be, according to Ephesians 5:17?

275.

What are we to understand?

Text (Ephesians 5:18-20)

18 And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit; 19 speaking one to another (or, to yourselves) in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father

Thought Questions (Ephesians 5:18-20)

307.

Can you think of any similarities between the effects of wine and of the Spirit? What difference is there in their effects?

308.

What is the riot which is connected with the use of wine?

309.

What is the difference, if any, between a psalm, a hymn, and a spiritual song?

310.

Does the command to use psalms suggest that we ought to make a greater use of the Old Testament Psalms than most of us do nowadays?

311.

Is the act of giving thanks connected with the singing?

312.

Why give thanks in the name of Jesus Christ? Are we so utterly unworthy that we cannot even offer thanks to God except through the name of Jesus?

Paraphrase

18.

And be not drunken with wine, as the heathen do in their rituals and revelries, for in wine comes debauchery of manners (fornications, brawlings, riots); but rather be filled with the Holy Spirit.

19.

Instead of singing lewd songs, be speaking to one another with psalms such as David wrote, and hymns, and spiritual songs, thus singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

20.

giving thanks also at all times for all things that befall you, whether pleasant or hard, offering the thanks through the mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ to God, the Father.

Notes (Ephesians 5:18-20)

1.

The riot that comes through wine drinking refers to the loose type of behavior brought on by wine. The word riot (in a slightly different form) is used to describe the activities of the prodigal son when he left his father's home (compare Luke 15:13 with Luke 15:30).

2.

There are some similarities between the effects of wine and the effects of being filled with the Spirit. The apostles were accused of being filled with wine; (cp. Acts 2:1-13). Similarities between the effects of wine and the Spirit:

(1)

Both afford satisfaction from without.

a.

The satisfaction of wine proves to be a mockery, Though it promises escape from reality, it only pulls one down into greater misery (Proverbs 20:1).

b.

The satisfaction furnished by the Spirit never brings regrets.

(2)

Both bring feelings of joy.

a.

Wine produces a temporary exhilaration (Esther 1:10).

b.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, but it is not just a temporary blessing (Galatians 5:22).

(3)

Those who are filled with either the Spirit or with wine always attract attention. Those filled with the Spirit are usually noticed at once because of their good behavior, and what they talk about.

(4)

Both wine and the Spirit bring out a person's true, but sometimes hidden, character.

a.

Wine brings out all the bad character, the hidden hoards of wickedness, removing the restraints of conscience, so that lust, pride, and meanness are brought out into the open.

b.

The Spirit brings out hidden treasures of goodness. We have seen many cases where the Holy Spirit brought out fine hidden talents that people hardly knew they had.

3.

Some have suggested that the command to speak to one another may refer to singing alternately (or antiphonally), a custom which was early practiced in the church.

4.

The Revised Version margin translates Ephesians 5:19 a, speaking to yourselves in psalms, etc. This is a permissible translation. This reading suggests that we are to have so much of the Spirit and the music of Zion in our souls, that we will speak to ourselves with spiritual music. It is very fine for people to be humming, or whistling some spiritual song to themselves.

5.

Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon tells us that psalms were songs which took their general character from the Old Testament psalms, though not limited to them. The leading idea of the word psalm is musical accompaniment. Hymns are praise to God. Spiritual songs refer to any type of song, whether accompanied or unaccompanied, whether of praise or on any other subject.

(See Special Study II in back of the book, concerning the meaning of Psalmos and Psallo.)

6.

It would be wrong to argue that if psalms are accompanied songs that we must therefore sing all music in church worship to instrumental accompaniment. We are also commanded to use hymns and spiritual songs, and these terms do not necessarily include instrumental music.

No one says that all church music has to be accompanied. But it is wicked to disfellowship and condemn those who do use it.

7.

When we use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we must sing and make melody with our hearts. It does no good to mouth words when we sing, unless the words are the thoughts of our heart. The phrase with the heart indicates that the words are to originate in and come from our heart. In the Bible the heart includes the intellect, the emotions, the will, and the conscience. Whether we sing unaccompanied or make melody with an instrument, it must be done with the heart. We should sing and make melody with understanding, true feeling, and desire to please God.

We find no Scriptural example where the word heart means enthusiasm. Singing with the heart therefore does not mean enthusiastic singing, although such singing is often desirable.

8.

We cannot use Ephesians 5:19 to prove that instrumental music in worship is either right or wrong. For the whole para graph (Ephesians 5:18-21) has no reference whatever to worship services, but to our daily walk, (Ephesians 5:15)

Singing and making melody are two of a whole list of activities that we should do in order to walk as wise men. The list also includes giving thanks (Ephesians 5:20), and subjecting yourselves one to another.

No one would say that giving thanks or subjecting ourselves are commands that apply only to what we do in worship services, or any other limited time. Singing and making melody apply to exactly the same activities as giving thanks. They are not limited to what is done in worship services, nor are they excluded from applying to worship services.

9.

Besides singing, another action of those who are filled with the Spirit is giving thanks always for all things. We can thank God by singing, but thanksgiving is not limited to that which is sung.

It is a humbling thought, but this verse suggests that we are so unworthy that we cannot approach God, even to thank Him, except in the name of Christ.

Fact Questions

276.

Paul says, Be not drunken with wine, wherein is........

277.

With what are we to be filled, rather than being filled with wine?

278.

With what three types of music are we to speak one to another?

279.

What are psalms?

280.

With what are we to sing and make melody?

281.

Through Whom are we to give thanks?