WORKS OF DARKNESS AND FRUIT OF LIGHT
Ephesians chapter 5:3-21
Introduction.
In this part of Chapter 5 we see the contrast between those who prudently "walk as children of light" (v. 8) and those producing "the unfruitful works of darkness" (v.11). Thus, in chapter 5, we find three of the seven "walks" mentioned in this Epistle (v. 2, 8, 15).
The Works of Darkness – verses 3 to 7
a) Prostitution and all sexual vice - the desire for such things - filthy talk and jokes - coveting (v. 3-5).
b) Frivolous, misleading conversation; the believer must not take part with those who practise or like to talk about such things, which are the "unfruitful works of darkness" (v. 6-7, 11).
The Fruit of the Light – verses 8 to 14
This fruit is produced by the new walk of he who is in the light, having the Lord and His Word to guide him in all things (John 8:12, Matthew 5:16).
a) Goodness, justice and truth are the divine characteristics that every child of God must show (v. 8-9).
b) The desire to please God and to avoid (and even reprove) those who practise the hidden and shameful works of darkness (v. 10-12).
c) The light of Christ and Scripture reveals all things - see Numbers 32:23. "Awake, Arise, and Christ will give you light" - that seems a quotation from Scripture (though perhaps a combination of Isaiah 60:1 and Jonah 1:6), but could have been taken from a Christian hymn of the apostolic times.
To walk circumspectly – verses 15 to 21
The “children of light" who are "walking circumspectly" are "wise"; they take advantage of every opportunity ("redeeming the time”) to please the Lord, always seeking His will (v.15- 17).
They are “filled with the Spirit" (v. 18) and do not show this by means of noise and disorder, much less by drunkenness, but yes, by "hymns and spiritual songs," sung with harmony and reverence (v. 19).
They are Christians sincerely grateful to God at all times and for all things - not only for enjoyable blessings, but also for difficult circumstances, unexpected difficulties, always remembering Romans 8:28.
Finally, a precious fruit of the Light is the sincere humility in which each member of the family or of the congregation seeks the good of the others “submitting to one another in the fear of God"; in the fear of He who said: "nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). How different from the selfish egotism of the pagans!
Richard Dawson Jones (1895 - 1987)
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any 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 comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
14 Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Ephesians chapter 5, verses 3 to 21