By darkness is here meant the state of infidelity into which they had been plunged so far as to adore stones as God, and committed without remorse the above-mentioned grievous sins. But delivered by Christ from this darkness, they have become light in the Lord, shining in faith and justice. (Estius) read more
3-14 Filthy lusts must be rooted out. These sins must be dreaded and detested. Here are not only cautions against gross acts of sin, but against what some may make light of. But these things are so far from being profitable. that they pollute and poison the hearers. Our cheerfulness should show itself as becomes Christians, in what may tend to God's glory. A covetous man makes a god of his money; places that hope, confidence, and delight, in worldly good, which should be in God only. Those who... read more
Ephesians 5 THE CLOSING WORDS of chapter 4 enforce upon us the obligation to kindness and forgiveness which rests upon all saints, inasmuch as we have been forgiven of God for Christ’s sake. The opening words of chapter 5 carry this thought a step further and a step higher. Not only have we been forgiven but we have been introduced into the Divine family. We are children of God and beloved by Him. Hence as dear children we are to be followers, or imitators, of God. The imitation enjoined is... read more
The children of light avoid the works of darkness: v. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words; for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. v. 7. Be not ye, therefore, partakers with them. v. 8. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of light, v. 9. (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,) v. 10. proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. v. 11. And have no... read more
3) Look about thyself and be independent and benevolent!(Ephesians 5:6-14.)6Let no man [no one] deceive you with vain [empty] words: for because of these 7things cometh the wrath of God upon the children [sons] of disobedience. Be not ye [Become not] therefore partakers14 with them. 8For ye were sometime [once ye were] darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9(For the fruit of the Spirit [light]15 is in all goodness and righteousness and 10, 11 truth;) Proving... read more
EPHESIANS WHAT CHILDREN OF LIGHT SHOULD BE Eph_5:8 It was our Lord who coined this great name for His disciples. Paul’s use of it is probably a reminiscence of the Master’s, and so is a hint of the existence of the same teachings as we now find in the existing Gospels, long before their day. Jesus Christ said, ‘Believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light’; and Paul gives substantially the same account of the way by which a man becomes a Son of the Light when he says, in the... read more
Walk as Children of Light Ephesians 5:1-12 It is indeed a high calling to imitate God and to walk in love after the measure of Christ; but it will be impossible unless we open our innermost heart to the Holy Spirit. We must not only sacrifice ourselves for others, but there should be a fragrance in all that we do. “An odor of a sweet smell.” Note carefully the injunctions of Ephesians 5:3-4 , especially as they concern speech. It is by our speech that we betray the true condition of our... read more
All that the apostle had been saying was emphasized by the statement of their relationship to God as he called them to be "imitators of God." Again he urged them to put off the old and put on the new. In the old are things of darkness. Believers are to walk as children of the light. That light is found in Christ, "Christ shall shine upon thee." In the final movement the apostle makes a contrast between false excitement and true enthusiasm, between being "drunken with wine" and being "filled... read more
Followers of God Ephesians 5:1-33 INTRODUCTORY WORDS The opening verse of today's chapter has a clear and clarion call to the children of God. It is something that we may not sidetrack or push aside. We need to face it clearly, positively, and without reservation. Two things are definitely before us. 1. Are we willing to be followers of God? We put it with a question mark because we want you to consider it thoughtfully, and fully, then make your decision. (1) Some things which are entailed... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Ephesians 5:1-13
(1) ¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (2) 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. (3) ¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; (4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor... read more